The name 'Oconee" means 'Land beside the water,' and that's entirely true when we speak of Oconee County, South Carolina. The area is also known as the 'Mountain Lakes Region' for that very reason. But Oconee County has more than just gorgeous mountain lakes, rivers, creeks and streams... it also has more than 150 waterfalls just waiting for you to discover them all. Visit Oconee County is a terrific resource for discovering all that Oconee offers to nature lovers - especially waterfall chasers. Of course, we can't feasibly feature all 150 waterfalls in one single article, so here's the highlight reel for some of the best Oconee County waterfalls:

Opossum Creek Falls

The trail to Opossum Creek Falls is four miles round trip and because of the elevation drop on the way to the falls (and the elevation gain on the way back), it can be relatively strenuous to non-seasoned hikers — yet doable with some strategic stops to rest along the way. The payoff is this gorgeous 50-foot beauty surrounded by nothing by wilderness.

Pigpen Falls (and Licklog Creek Falls)

Travel less than a mile down the Chattooga Trail and you'll discover Locklog Creek and Pigpen Falls; one is an 80-foot cascade and the other is a 25-foot stack with water rushing over and down. Consider this hike a two-for-one to see two of the most stunning waterfalls in South Carolina.

Station Cove Falls

One of the Oconee State Park waterfalls, this 60-foot waterfall is an easy 30-minute hike from Oconee Station State Historic Site. The trail is filled with old trees and lush natural foliage.

Lee Falls

Perhaps one of the most striking waterfalls in Oconee County, Lee Falls is difficult to get to because there is no official trail. The trailhead carries you through a field in the beginning so if you're going in summer, wear long pants.

Long Creek Falls

The 3.3-mile round trip hike out to see Long Creek Falls is easy -- until you get to the last little bit right before the waterfall. At that point, take the trail to the right (not left) and then you'll find it drops significantly as it descends down to the bottom of the falls. When all is said and done, you'll find yourself staring up in awe at a 50-foot tiered beauty.

Riley Moore Falls

It's certainly difficult to see the scale of this waterfall from just a photo. But Riley Moore falls is 15 feet high and 100 feet across! Getting here is an easy one mile hike each way which should take about 15-30 minutes. The trail is well maintained and located on a forestry road.

Blue Hole Falls

On the same note of perspective and size, this image of Blue Hole Falls doesn't show the grand scale of this narrow waterfall in South Carolina. Blue Hole Falls is a 75-foot narrow run and drop into the (enormous) blue waterhole you see at the bottom. Beautiful! The hike getting to Blue Hole is quick and can usually be accomplished in approximately 30 minutes.

Kings Creek Falls

A 70-foot cascade awaits at the end of the trail to Kings Creek Falls. The trail is accessible year round and is a short 1.7 miles total, out and back. Kings Creek Falls is #1 on our waterfalls trail in South Carolina.

Brasstown Falls

As you may expect, the easiest hike with perhaps the biggest payoff isn't the one where you'll find the most peace and quiet. Don't let the traffic on this short half-mile trail keep you from exploring Brasstown Falls, or its four different sections. The trail is easy and has only an 88 foot elevation gain. Go for it!

Bee Cove Falls

The trek out to Bee Cove Falls is a strenuous three-hour hike. Seasoned hikers may even find it challenging as they traverse the miles of up and down terrain making their way over 2.1 miles to get to the 40-foot cascade, but as you can see from the photo above, the payoff is worth it. And it's a part of our delightful waterfalls and wineries road trip in South Carolina!

Nature lovers know the thrill of searching 'waterfalls near me.' Visit Oconee South Carolina has more information about all of the Oconee County waterfalls we listed.

Looking for more fun? Follow this South Carolina waterfall road trip! Or have you heard about the secret waterfall in South Carolina that no one has really seen up close? Check it out!