Do you maze?

View Original

10 Labyrinths to Visit in South Carolina

Let’s talk about visiting labyrinths in South Carolina. I have selected 10 of the best (there are over 60) that are accessible to the public from around the state, focusing on large population areas. If you want a full list of labyrinths in the state check out the Worldwide Labyrinth Finder. I did not do a good job acquiring photos - if you have one to submit - contact me.

Why visit a Labyrinth ?

Labyrinths are ancient and mysterious symbols that have been used for centuries for meditation, contemplation, and spiritual renewal. They are also a lot of fun to explore! If you're looking for a unique and challenging experience, walk a labyrinth with intention - it often leads to self-discovery. Personally, I like to walk labyrinths between dawn and sunrise or at sunset until dusk, but any time of day works. You may not realize it, but there is probably a labyrinth near where you live. Today we explore…


10 Labyrinths to Visit in South Carolina

1. Providence Church Labyrinth

See this map in the original post

A 6 circuit medieval style labyrinth made from gravel and stone located on the east side of the building. Find more information about the labyrinth on the church website, which I quote from there “This labyrinth was dedicated on May 14, 2023, in honor of member Dr. Charles Taylor on his 100th birthday.

Location: Charleston, South Carolina

Address:
294 Seven Farms Drive
Charleston, South Carolina 29492




2. Maxcy Gregg Park - Richard Bloch Cancer Survivors Garden Labyrinth

Located in the Richard Bloch Cancer Survivors Garden, this 11 circuit Chartres style labyrinth is made from inlaid stone and concrete. It is open from dawn to dusk. Check out this trip advisor post with a great photo.

Location: Columbia, South Carolina

Address:

1806 Blossom Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201



3. Lenoir-Rhyne University - Trinity Prayer Labyrinth

See this map in the original post

A medieval Chartres style 11 circuit labyrinth is made from bricks/pavers that is easy to locate on Google Maps with it’s own entry. They suggest using the parking near the library.

Location: Columbia, South Carolina

Address:

4201 N. Main Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29203


4. Christus Victor Lutheran Church Labyrinth

A classical 7 circuit circular labyrinth made from rocks whose center is a cross. The labyrinth is located on the NE section of the parking lot. Learn about the labyrinth on the dedicated page of the church website.

Location: Columbia, South Carolina

Address:
400 Harbison Blvd
Columbia, South Carolina 29212


5. First Baptist Church of Greenville Labyrinth

This medieval Santa Rosa style 7 circuit labyrinth made from bricks/pavers is located on the west side of the church. Learn more about the labyrinth on the church grounds webpage.

Location: Greenville, South Carolina

Address:
847 Cleveland Street
Greenville, South Carolina 29601


6. Sheperd Integrative Dermatology Labyrinth

This is the first labyrinth I have recommended at a Dermatology office. A ChakraVyuha style 7 circuit labyrinth can be learned about on the business website.

Location: Mount Pleasant, South Carolina

Address:

912 Old Georgetown Road
Mount Pleasant, South Carolina 29464



7. The Oratory: Center for Spirituality Labyrinth

A 7 circuit concentric labyrinth with a stone pathway and concrete outline was built in 2012.  It is located at the Rock Hill Oratory and open during daylight hours.

Location: Rock Hill, South Carolina

Address:

434 Charlotte Avenue
Rock Hill, South Carolina 29730



8. Hopelands Gardens Labyrinth

Labyrinth at 0:22

This octagonal 11 circuit labyrinth is an Amiens replica made from bricks/pavers is open from 10AM til sundown. As you can see above you can combine this visit with a trip to the Thoroughbred Racing Hall of Fame.

Location: Aiken, South Carolina

Address:

135 Dupree Pl.
Aiken, South Carolina 29801


9. Mepkin Abbey Labyrinth

A very large* 7 circuit labyrinth with wide grass pathways lined with perennials. Located on the right side of Mepkin Abbey Road as you enter the facility. I enjoyed this article on their website describing a labyrinth walk during a retreat. Learn more about the abbey and plan a visit on the website. *I did some high tech measuring (using Google Maps) and this appears to be about 150 feet in diameter.

Location: Moncks Corner, South Carolina

Address:

1098 Mepkin Abbey Road
Moncks Corner, South Carolina 29461


10. Central United Methodist Church Spartanburg Labyrinth
A 7 circuit medieval style labyrinth located in the garden east of the the church (called the Central Park on Google Maps). It is next to a parking deck and the labyrinth is surrounded on one side by a brick wall and on the other by 3 layers of bricks seating on the side of a slope.

Location: Spartanburg, South Carolina

Address:
233 N Church St.
Spartanburg, South Carolina 29306

5 TIPS FOR VISITING A LABYRINTH

  1. Set an intention for your walk so you can walk with purpose. It could be prayer, reflection, meditation, contemplation, or openness.

  2. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.

  3. Bring water with you, especially if you are visiting on a hot day.

  4. Take your time and enjoy the experience. There is no need to rush through a labyrinth.

  5. Be respectful of other visitors. This includes not making noise and being respectful if walking with other people.


5 BOOKS TO READ ABOUT LABYRINTH WALKING

I wrote a blog post reviewing the following 5 books, each that deals with walking labyrinths. You can check them out yourself at the Amazon links below or read this blog post: 5 Books about the Spiritual Aspect of Labyrinths to learn a little about what each book teaches.

  1. Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool by Dr. Lauren Artress 201 pages. AMZN

  2. Labyrinth : Your Path to Self-Discovery by Tony Christie 312 pages. AMZN

  3. Exploring the Labyrinth: A Guide For Healing and Spiritual Growth by Melissa Gayle West 209 pages AMZN

  4. Walking the Labyrinth: A Place to Pray and Seek God by Travis Scholl 240 pages AMZN

  5. Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight by Rev Dr Donna Schaper and Rev Dr Carole Ann Camp 187 pages AMZN

If you are interested in more spiritual labyrinth aspects I suggest the following websites:

  1. Lauren Artress website - For coaching, workshops and classes.

  2. Veriditas - The nonprofit labyrinth group founded by Lauren Artress

  3. Worldwide Labyrinth Finder - Find a labyrinth to walk near you, or while on vacation


I am a maze artist but I have never made any mazes from South Carolina. If you have suggestions - drop me a note. Otherwise here are some mazes of famous buildings:

Taj Mahal Maze

The Louvre Maze

Templo de Sangre de Cristo Maze

The Pro Football Hall of Fame Maze