Jew's Harp Spring

Trail Activities: t

  • Walk
  • Hike

Length:

0.70 miles

Type:

One Way

Surface:

Natural

Difficulty: Easy

Trail Features: t

  • Parking
  • Point of Interest
  • Pets
  • No Fee
  • Camping

Summary:

The Jew’s Harp Spring was used to provide water for Orange Hall, a nearby plantation, in the 1800s. Scattered bricks are the only remains of the house. The name of the spring is derived from its shape–that of a Jew’s harp. It was carved from a solid piece of granite by J. E. Sherman in the 1860s.

Loading Trails

A carved fountain, in a natural spring that once provided water for the Orange Hill Plantation, is the highlight of this easy walking 0.7-mile, out-and-back trail. In the 1860’s, J. E. Sherman carved the shape of a Jew's harp into a solid piece of granite. Water flows through a hole into a bowl, which is always full, but never overflowing. To see this unusual carving, begin at the trailhead in the Collins Creek Campground and cross Union County S 45. On the far side of the road, a trail sign provides the history of the area. From the sign, you will walk amid pine trees marked with white paint and then descend into a predominantly hardwood forest. At the bottom of the trail, steps lead to the creek, where several benches provide a good spot to watch for deer, snakes, and other wildlife. Wear bright clothing during hunting season. Insect repellant is also recommended. Wooden steps along the trail may be slippery when wet. The spring and creek water are NOT safe for drinking. Pets are allowed on leashes.

Hours: Dawn to dusk

Camping: Available during hunting seasons in April and from mid-September to late December.

Directions:

From Whitmire: Drive east on SC 72 and bear right where it branches off US 176. Drive 1.2 miles and turn right onto Union County S-44-45. Drive 4.5 miles and turn right (at the Hunt Camp sign) onto Forest Service Road 393. Continue 0.4 mile to Collins Creek Campground. The trailhead is at the seasonal campground where parking is only available in April and in the fall.

1 Comment

Hilda says:
Log in or create an account to comment on this trail.

Sumter National Forest | Enoree Ranger District | 20 Work Center Road, Whitmire, SC 29178 | (803) 276-4810 | Email

Download Coordinates
KML file Trail Segments (Paths)
Trail Features (Points of Interest)
Lat: 34.47628980021479
Long: -81.52220627260095