History buffs will want to look for the abutments of a bridge burned by Confederates to keep Sherman out of the capital. Once you cross the river, you can take a shuttle bus to the visitors center at the top of the hill. At the opposite end of the garden from the visitors center, you enter the wooded trail. Here you can stroll through a native hardwood forest. Look closely and you might spy songbirds or squirrels in the low-hanging limbs.
Constant shade offers relief on hot Carolina afternoons.
In the middle of the trail is the Saluda Factory ruins, once a water-powered mill. The second half of the trail takes you back to the walk bridge. There are many nooks and crannies, if you take time and slow down. That's the way to really enjoy the garden - slowly. There is so much to see.