Natural Beauty - Waterfalls
represents a difficult hike
represents a moderate hike
represents an easy hike
Bee Cove Falls
Located on Bee Cove Creek, this remote multi-tiered waterfall is a difficult 2-3 hour hike, but well worth the effort.
Directions: Travel North from Walhalla SC on Hwy 28. Bear right onto Hwy 107 and go about 12.5 miles. Park on the left side of the road, and walk 150 yards on the right to Fire Station 702. The roadbed follows the creekside. Bear right at the 3-way intersection. Follow the less defined path and the sounds to the waterfall.
Big Bend Falls
Located on the Chattooga River, this waterfall has the largest vertical drop. It is a difficult three hour walk, but it is a sight worth seeing.
Directions: Travel North from Walhalla, SC on Hwy 28. Bear right on Hwy 107 and go about 10 miles. Turn left onto Burrells Ford Rd for 3 miles, then Park. Follow the Foothills Trail 2.5 miles to Big Bend Trail. Walk Big Bend Trail for 1/2 mile and you'll be able to hear the falls. There are rugged paths to the waterfalls so be careful!
Directions: Travel North from Walhalla, SC on Hwy 28. Bear right on Hwy 107 and go about 10 miles. Turn left onto Burrells Ford Rd for 3 miles, then Park. Follow the Foothills Trail 2.5 miles to Big Bend Trail. Walk Big Bend Trail for 1/2 mile and you'll be able to hear the falls. There are rugged paths to the waterfalls so be careful!
Blue Hole Falls
Located on Cedar Creek, the water rushes 75 feet down a narrow gap into a blue hole (giving it it's name). It is a moderate 30 minute hike.
Directions: Travel North from Walhalla on Hwy 28. Turn left onto Whetstone Rd. (S193) and go 7 miles. Turn left onto Cassidy Bridge Rd (S290) and go 1 mile. Turn left onto Rich Mountain Rd (FS744) and go 1 mile. Turn right onto Cedar Creek Rd (FS744C) and travel 3 miles. Then travel 2.5 miles to FS2658, and park. Hike 3/10 mile down 2658 to the intersection, and turn right down the short path to the creek. Cross the creek and follow downstream to the falls.
Directions: Travel North from Walhalla on Hwy 28. Turn left onto Whetstone Rd. (S193) and go 7 miles. Turn left onto Cassidy Bridge Rd (S290) and go 1 mile. Turn left onto Rich Mountain Rd (FS744) and go 1 mile. Turn right onto Cedar Creek Rd (FS744C) and travel 3 miles. Then travel 2.5 miles to FS2658, and park. Hike 3/10 mile down 2658 to the intersection, and turn right down the short path to the creek. Cross the creek and follow downstream to the falls.
Brasstown Falls
Located on Brasstown Creek, these four falls range from 20 feet to 40 feet. It is a beautiful, easy hike.
Directions: Drive West from Westminster on US Hwy 76. Turn left on Brasstown Rd and drive for 11 miles. Turn right onto FS 751 and drive for 4 miles. Park and follow the short trail to the falls.
Directions: Drive West from Westminster on US Hwy 76. Turn left on Brasstown Rd and drive for 11 miles. Turn right onto FS 751 and drive for 4 miles. Park and follow the short trail to the falls.
Bull Sluice Falls
Located on the Chattooga River, this waterfall is a sight to see, but dangerous with a 14 foot drop on the river to see the whitewater in action. It is an easy 15 minute walk.
Travel NW on U.S. Hwy 76 from Westminster. There is a parking area before the bridge over the Chattooga River at the SC/GA line after 17 miles. Park and follow the trail 1/4 mile upstream.
Travel NW on U.S. Hwy 76 from Westminster. There is a parking area before the bridge over the Chattooga River at the SC/GA line after 17 miles. Park and follow the trail 1/4 mile upstream.
Chau Ram Falls
Located in Ramsey Creek, this beautiful thirty-foot waterfall cascades over large boulders where Ramsey Creek and Chauga River meet.Directions: Travel 2 miles West of Westminster on Hwy 76. The Falls are located at Chau Ram County Park.
Chauga Narrows
Located on the Chauga River, these narrow waterfalls are 25 feet high. It is an easy 30 minute hike.Directions: Travel North from Walhalla on Hwy 28 for 7 miles. Turn left onto Whetstone Rd (S193). Go 3 miles to Blackwell Bridge over Chauga River. Park and follow the trail downstream for ¼ mile.
Cheohee or Miuka Falls
Located on Townes Creek, this 75 foot waterfall can be easily viewed with a 45 minute hike. Directions: Travel North from Walhalla on SC28. Bear right onto Hwy 107 and drive 8.7 miles. Parking will be on your right. Follow the Winding Stairs Trail beginning at the yellow posts on the right. The trail turns right after .2 miles, joining the Cherry Hill Recreation Area path. Take a sharp left at 1 mile, and continue .3 miles to the clearing and you can hear the falls. Continue to hike through the foliage to the creek.
Fall Creek Falls
Located on Fall Creak, this 1 mile stretch contains multi-waterfalls ranging from 30 feet to 50 feet. It is a difficult, 2 mile downstream hike.Directions: Travel West 16 miles from Westminster on Hwy 76, then turn right onto Chattooga Ridge Road (S196). Continue 2 miles and turn left onto Fall Creek Rd (FS 722), then turn left at the fork, cross Fall Creek, and park. The path on the left leads to the base of the first falls and a strenuous downstream hike to see two more levels.
Hidden Falls
Located on the Tamassee Creek, this 50 foot waterfall over granite ledges is near the head of the Foothills Trail. It can be reached with a moderate one-hour hike.Directions: Travel North from Walhalla on Hwy 28 and bear right on SC 107 for 2.5 miles to Oconee State Park (admission is charged). Turn right and continue .8 miles to the Foothills Trail head. Park and follow the Trail to its junction with Station Mountain Road and the Tamassee Knob Trail, crossing Station Mountain Road. Turn left, continuing 10 yards on the Foothill Trail. Follow the signs to the waterfalls.
Issaqueena Falls
Located on Cane Creek, an easy 5 minute hike to the base of this fall gives you a view of this beautiful waterfall named for an Indian maiden who hid on a ledge to avoid capture as she fled to warn her English lover of an Indian attack.Directions: Travel North from Walhalla on SC 28 for 5.5 miles. Turn right at the entrance to Stumphouse Tunnel Park and follow to the parking lot on the right. Cross the footbridge and follow the trail to the observation deck. Take the path down to the foot of the falls.
King Creek Falls
Located on King Creek, it is a 30 minute moderate hike to the 70 foot cascade.Directions: Travel North from Walhalla on Hwy 28. Bear right onto SC 107 for 10 miles, then turn left onto Burrells Ford Rd (FS 708). Continue 2.3 miles to parking on left. Hike the Chattooga Trail for .3 miles, and then turn left by the north bank of the Creek. Cross the bridge, and then turn left onto the trail to the falls.
Lee Falls
Located on Tamassee Creek, this is Oconee’s most scenic falls, but no official trail makes it difficult to access.Directions: From the intersection of SC Hwy 11 and Hwy 183 near Walhalla, head North on Hwy 11 for 4 miles. Turn left onto Cheohee Valley Rd (Road 172) and travel 1.4 miles to Road 375 on the left. Continue 1 mile and turn left onto Tamassee Knob Rd, then turn right onto Jumping Branch Rd. Take a left at the second gravel road and park at the bridge at Tamassee Creek. Walk upstream 1 mile then follow the south fork of the creek upstream for a difficult last quarter-mile.
Long Creek Falls
Located on Long Creek, this multi-tiered, 50 foot waterfall cascades into the Chattooga River. It is a moderate hour-long hike,
Directions: Travel West on US 76 from Westminster 13 miles, then turn left onto Damascus Church Rd. Continue 1 mile then turn right onto Battle Creek Rd. Follow it 2 miles then turn right onto Turkey Ridge Rd. Drive 3 miles and park near 755 I. Hike 755 I, keeping right to the small parking area. Follow the path on the right to the fork and take a right.
Directions: Travel West on US 76 from Westminster 13 miles, then turn left onto Damascus Church Rd. Continue 1 mile then turn right onto Battle Creek Rd. Follow it 2 miles then turn right onto Turkey Ridge Rd. Drive 3 miles and park near 755 I. Hike 755 I, keeping right to the small parking area. Follow the path on the right to the fork and take a right.
Opossum Creek Falls
Located on Opossum Creek, this two-hour hike to the 50-foot cascade requires quite an effort.
Directions: Travel West from Westminster in US 76 for 13 miles, then turn left onto Damascus Church Rd. Travel 1 mile then turn right onto Battle Creek Rd. Continue 2 miles then turn right onto Turkey Ridge Rd. At .5 miles, park on the left and follow the trail for 2 miles, then hike upstream to the falls.
Directions: Travel West from Westminster in US 76 for 13 miles, then turn left onto Damascus Church Rd. Travel 1 mile then turn right onto Battle Creek Rd. Continue 2 miles then turn right onto Turkey Ridge Rd. At .5 miles, park on the left and follow the trail for 2 miles, then hike upstream to the falls.
Pigpen Falls (also Licklog Falls)
Located on the Pigpen Branch of Licklog Creek, these two sets of falls are ¼ mile apart, and are an easy 1-hour hike.
Directions: From HWY 28/US 107 intersection, travel North on 107 for 3 miles. Turn left onto Village Creek Rd, travel 1 mile and turn right onto Nicholson Ford Rd. Continue 2 miles and park on the right. Access the Foothills Trail towards the Chattooga River and falls.
Directions: From HWY 28/US 107 intersection, travel North on 107 for 3 miles. Turn left onto Village Creek Rd, travel 1 mile and turn right onto Nicholson Ford Rd. Continue 2 miles and park on the right. Access the Foothills Trail towards the Chattooga River and falls.
Riley Moore Falls
Located on the Chauga River, it was once the site of a gristmill. This waterfall measures 12 feet high and 100 feet wide. It is a moderate 15-minute walk.
Directions: Travel West from Westminster 7.5 miles on US 76, then turn right onto Cobb Bridge Rd. Continue 1.4 miles and turn left onto Spy Rock Rd (it is a gravel road). Continue 2 miles and turn right onto FS 748C. This is the end of the road, so follow the short trail to the falls.
Directions: Travel West from Westminster 7.5 miles on US 76, then turn right onto Cobb Bridge Rd. Continue 1.4 miles and turn left onto Spy Rock Rd (it is a gravel road). Continue 2 miles and turn right onto FS 748C. This is the end of the road, so follow the short trail to the falls.
Secret Falls
Located on Crane Creek, the Winding Stairs Trail leads to this waterfall off the beaten path.
Directions: Travel North from Walhalla on SC28. Bear right onto Hwy 107 and drive 8.7 miles. Parking will be on your right. Follow the Winding Stairs Trail beginning at the yellow posts on the right. The trail turns right after .2 miles, joining the Cherry Hill Recreation Area path. Continue 2 miles. At the third left turn, leave the trail and head south through the foliage, looking for a ravine on your left. 300 yards from the trail, you can view the waterfall.
Directions: Travel North from Walhalla on SC28. Bear right onto Hwy 107 and drive 8.7 miles. Parking will be on your right. Follow the Winding Stairs Trail beginning at the yellow posts on the right. The trail turns right after .2 miles, joining the Cherry Hill Recreation Area path. Continue 2 miles. At the third left turn, leave the trail and head south through the foliage, looking for a ravine on your left. 300 yards from the trail, you can view the waterfall.
Spoonauger Falls (also Rock Cliff Falls)
Located on Spoonauger Creek, this 50-foot waterfall has easy access off of an easy 20 minute hike.
Directions: Travel North from Walhalla on Hwy 28, then bear right onto HWY 107. Travel 10 miles, then turn left at Burrells Ford Rd and travel 2.3 miles to the bridge over the Chattooga River. Park and hike upstream along the Chattooga River until you’re crossing the first stream. The trail will switchback from 100 yards to the base of the falls.
Directions: Travel North from Walhalla on Hwy 28, then bear right onto HWY 107. Travel 10 miles, then turn left at Burrells Ford Rd and travel 2.3 miles to the bridge over the Chattooga River. Park and hike upstream along the Chattooga River until you’re crossing the first stream. The trail will switchback from 100 yards to the base of the falls.
Station Cove Falls
Located on Station Creek, this 60-foot waterfall should be included on your visit when you visit the historic Oconee Station. It is an easy 30-minute hike.
Directions: Travel North on SC 183 from Walhalla. Continue 3.5 miles then turn left onto SC 11, continue 1.5 miles. Turn left onto Oconee Station Rd and drive 2.4 miles to the trailhead (past the historic site). Park and follow the trail.
Directions: Travel North on SC 183 from Walhalla. Continue 3.5 miles then turn left onto SC 11, continue 1.5 miles. Turn left onto Oconee Station Rd and drive 2.4 miles to the trailhead (past the historic site). Park and follow the trail.
Whitewater Falls (lower)
Located on Whitewater River. Beginning in North Carolina and ending in South Carolina, these falls are the highest in eastern America.
Directions: From Hwy 11 at Salem, travel North on Hwy 130 for 10 miles. Turn right at Duke Power’s Bad Creek hydro station. Park for the Foothills Trail, and hike 1.7 miles to the overlook.
Directions: From Hwy 11 at Salem, travel North on Hwy 130 for 10 miles. Turn right at Duke Power’s Bad Creek hydro station. Park for the Foothills Trail, and hike 1.7 miles to the overlook.
Yellow Branch Falls
Located on Yellow Branch, this 60-foot waterfall cascades over rock ledges, making this one of the favourites.
Directions: Travel North from Walhalla on SC 28 for 5.4 miles, turn left to the Yellow Branch Recreation Area. Hike a short distance on the nature trail to the Yellow Branch Falls Trail. It is 1.3 miles to the falls.
Directions: Travel North from Walhalla on SC 28 for 5.4 miles, turn left to the Yellow Branch Recreation Area. Hike a short distance on the nature trail to the Yellow Branch Falls Trail. It is 1.3 miles to the falls.
Laurel Fork Falls
Located on Lauren Fork Creek, this 80-foot waterfall is located at the head of a narrow cove at the Northeastern tip of the Toxaway River arm of Lake Jocassee and can be best reached by boat launched at the Devil’s Fork State Park main boat ramp. Adventurous hikers can visit the waterfalls on the Foothills Trail.
Directions: Beginning at the Laurel Valley Access, it is 8 miles to the site and a recommended overnight trip.
Twin Falls (or Eastatoe Falls)
Located on Reedy Cove Creek, 70 feet of bare granite with rushing waterfalls make this a beautiful sight.
Directions: Travel North on US 178 from Pickens. Continue 12 miles and turn left onto Cleo Chapman Rd. Go 2 miles and turn right onto Eastatoe Community Rd. Continue 1 mile and turn right into Waterfalls Rd. The road ends at the parking area. Hike the old roadbed ¼ mile to the waterfall.
Directions: Travel North on US 178 from Pickens. Continue 12 miles and turn left onto Cleo Chapman Rd. Go 2 miles and turn right onto Eastatoe Community Rd. Continue 1 mile and turn right into Waterfalls Rd. The road ends at the parking area. Hike the old roadbed ¼ mile to the waterfall.
Falls Creek Falls
Located on Falls Creek, a moderate 1.2-mile climb leads to a 100-foot waterfall that is often overlooked.
Directions: Travel North on US 276 from Greenville past SC 11 junction. Turn right into River Falls Rd and continue 4 miles, then turn right onto Duckworth Road. Continue .5 miles and turn right into Falls Creek Falls Rd. Park after the Palmetto Bible Camp entrance. Follow the trail, crossing several creeks, and descend at granite boulders after 1 mile, crossing Falls Creek to the falls.
Directions: Travel North on US 276 from Greenville past SC 11 junction. Turn right into River Falls Rd and continue 4 miles, then turn right onto Duckworth Road. Continue .5 miles and turn right into Falls Creek Falls Rd. Park after the Palmetto Bible Camp entrance. Follow the trail, crossing several creeks, and descend at granite boulders after 1 mile, crossing Falls Creek to the falls.
Jones Gap Falls
A Tributary of Middle Saluda River, these falls are often overlooked. This is a moderate 1-mile hike that can be easily enjoyed.
Directions: Travel North on US 276 from Greenville, past the junction with SC 11. Turn right after 1.5 miles to River Falls Road, and continue 4 miles to Jones Gap State Park. Park and follow the footpath, crossing the footbridge over the river past park headquarters. Register to hike! Turn left at the service road and cross the bridge to the trailhead. Hike 1 mile, cross the river, and bear left. Use the stones to cross tributary. Turn right onto the short trail to the falls.
Note: also accessible from the Jones Gap Trail: Dargans Cascade, Toll Road Falls, Ben’s Sluice, Misty Cavern Falls and Walking Fern Falls.
Directions: Travel North on US 276 from Greenville, past the junction with SC 11. Turn right after 1.5 miles to River Falls Road, and continue 4 miles to Jones Gap State Park. Park and follow the footpath, crossing the footbridge over the river past park headquarters. Register to hike! Turn left at the service road and cross the bridge to the trailhead. Hike 1 mile, cross the river, and bear left. Use the stones to cross tributary. Turn right onto the short trail to the falls.
Note: also accessible from the Jones Gap Trail: Dargans Cascade, Toll Road Falls, Ben’s Sluice, Misty Cavern Falls and Walking Fern Falls.
Moonshine Falls
A tributary of Matthews Creek, the name says it all. It was once the site of a moonshine still with a 40-foot cascade hiding the evidence. This moderate 2-hour hike has the most difficulty at the end.
Directions: Travel Northwest from Greenville on US 276, passing the US 276/Hwy 11 fork. 2 miles past the fork, turn left onto River Falls Fire Substation. Park and then walk to US 276. Turn right for a shirt distance, then right into a forked gravel rock, taking the right fork. At the second stream crossing, follow the side trail downstream, crossing at a bedrock passage. Exercise caution for the rest of the trail to the base of the falls.
Directions: Travel Northwest from Greenville on US 276, passing the US 276/Hwy 11 fork. 2 miles past the fork, turn left onto River Falls Fire Substation. Park and then walk to US 276. Turn right for a shirt distance, then right into a forked gravel rock, taking the right fork. At the second stream crossing, follow the side trail downstream, crossing at a bedrock passage. Exercise caution for the rest of the trail to the base of the falls.
Rainbow Falls
Located on Camp Greenville property on Cox Camp Creek, this spectacular falls is a strenuous, difficult 45-minute downhill hike. You must register at the camp office before beginning the trek, and it is not recommended for small children.
Directions: Travel North on US 276, past Caesars Head State Park. Turn right at Camp Greenville at the NC/SC state line. Continue 4 miles to the camp office and park. The head of the trail begins hear the parking area, to the left before the crosswalk sign. Use caution and ropes and cables to reach the falls, and beware of the slippery path.
Directions: Travel North on US 276, past Caesars Head State Park. Turn right at Camp Greenville at the NC/SC state line. Continue 4 miles to the camp office and park. The head of the trail begins hear the parking area, to the left before the crosswalk sign. Use caution and ropes and cables to reach the falls, and beware of the slippery path.
Raven Cliff Falls
Located on Matthews Creek, it is the most scenic waterfalls in the upcountry with a 400-foot drop named for the natural breeding spot for ravens.
Directions: Travel North on US 276 past Caesars Head State Park. Turn right into the parking area, and cross 276 to the trailhead. Follow the trail 2 miles to the overlook platform.
Directions: Travel North on US 276 past Caesars Head State Park. Turn right into the parking area, and cross 276 to the trailhead. Follow the trail 2 miles to the overlook platform.
Reedy River Falls
Located on Reedy River, this is the site of the original 1776 settlement in Greenville.
Directions: To view the falls, visitors will find easiest parking and access behind the West End Market. The falls is located right off the sidewalk at the corner of South Main Street and Camperdown Way.
Directions: To view the falls, visitors will find easiest parking and access behind the West End Market. The falls is located right off the sidewalk at the corner of South Main Street and Camperdown Way.
Wildcat Branch Falls
Everyone can view this popular waterfall.
Directions: Travel North from Greenville on US 276, the falls are located roadside on Hwy 11 5 miles after the US 276/Hwy 11 junction. About 100 feet to the left of these falls are steps that ascend to a ¼ mile trail to another set of falls.
Directions: Travel North from Greenville on US 276, the falls are located roadside on Hwy 11 5 miles after the US 276/Hwy 11 junction. About 100 feet to the left of these falls are steps that ascend to a ¼ mile trail to another set of falls.
