Hike Through South Carolina’s Sumter National Forest, Then Dine At Belle’s Bistro

There are so many beautiful hiking trails in South Carolina, that you’d need a lifetime or two to hike them all. One of our favorite hidden hiking trails will lead you straight to an enchanting waterfall, and this scenic trail might just be one of the most secluded waterfall hiking trails in South Carolina. The Opossum Creek Falls Trail will take you about four hours round trip through the majestic Sumter National Forest, right along the South Carolina/Georgia border. All that hiking is bound to work up an appetite, and wouldn’t you know it, there’s a delicious farm-to-table restaurant not far from the trailhead. Sounds like the perfect day, right? Let’s check it out:

Opossum Creek Falls is one of the most enchanting waterfalls in South Carolina.

Located in the western corner of Oconee County, the two-mile hike may sound short and sweet, but you’ll be getting your workout in today, so make sure you've got on your best hiking shoes and bring some water with you.

The trail starts off fairly easy, taking you through a shaded canopy of hardwoods with beautiful wildflowers popping up along the trail to add a little splash of color to your hike.

You'll be heading downhill for the hike to the waterfalls, so just remember that that means you'll be climbing back up on the way back!

About a mile and a half into the hike, you'll run into the section where the Opossum Creek enters the Chattooga River.

This is a great spot to take a break, pull up some sand, and admire the view.

Though the water may be chilly, it can be refreshing after an hour or so of hiking!

You'll continue on the trail for just a little while longer, and then you'll see it: Opossum Creek Falls.

The last bit of the trail to reach the waterfall will have you scaling over some rocks, but it's worth every step when you get to see this 50-foot cascade.

After all that hiking, you're bound to be hungry.

Belle’s Bistro is less than five miles away from the trailhead, making it the perfect post-hike stop to refuel and recharge.

Belle's Bistro is located at Chattooga Belle Farm, a 198-acre working farm that's filled with even more adventures.

In addition to the bistro, the farm also has a distillery plus a U-pick area where you can fill up your buckets with various produce. Depending on the season, you can pick apples and peaches, muscadines, scuppernongs, table grapes, blackberries, raspberries and blueberries. Yum!

The menu features a wide range of farm-fresh options to replenish you after a day of hiking.

Most of what you'll find on the menu is grown right here at the farm. Talk about freshness!

Before you leave, be sure to visit the general store to pick up some farm fresh finds so you can bring some home with you.

Check out Chattooga Belle Farm's website for more detailed information on everything you can do here.

Have you ever hiked this trail or dined at Belle's Bistro? What's your favorite waterfall hiking trail in South Carolina? Let us know in the comments below!