6 Easy-Access South Carolina Waterfalls That Are Perfect For A Summer Adventure

Waterfalls and swimming holes are the crown jewels of summer in South Carolina. And anytime you can put the two together to visit a waterfall swimming hole? Well, let's just say the combo takes the cake. You're sure to create an epic summer adventure when you visit any of the following waterfalls in South Carolina. They're not all swimming holes, but many are. Take a look (and don't forget to bring sunscreen and a towel!).

1. Carrick Creek Falls - Pickens

At 15 feet tall, Carrick Creek Falls isn't the tallest waterfall in South Carolina, but it's one of the most scenic falls found on the Carrick Creek Loop Trail at Table Rock State Park. The trail itself is 1.9 miles long, but Carrick Creek Falls is found near the beginning. Find this waterfall at 158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671. (Note: This park charges an admission.) South Carolina waterfalls don’t get prettier than this!

2. Wildcat Branch Falls - Cleveland

Found alongside the road on the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway (SC-11), Wildcat Branch Falls' lower waterfall is visible from the car. But this roadside park has a small pullout along the road where you can get out and explore the three waterfalls found in this wayside park. During warm weather, the lower falls often have swimmers dipping their toes in the plunge pool. Find it at 5500 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635. This is one of the easiest waterfall hikes in South Carolina.

3. Issaqueena Falls - Walhalla

Issaqueena Falls is surrounded by mystery and legend and is so worth a visit. At 100 feet tall, it sends ribbons of water billowing down its many ledges. An easy .03-mile trail from Tunnel Park in Walhalla leads to the top of the waterfall. Find it on Stumphouse Tunnel Rd, Walhalla, SC 29691. This is such a pretty South Carolina waterfall.

4. Falls Park on the Reedy - Greenville

With just one visit to Reedy Falls at Falls Park on the Reedy, you'll fall in love with this expansive and beautiful urban waterfall that is now the focal point in an enormous green space at the foot of Main Street in Greenville. A beautiful one-of-a-kind curved pedestrian bridge passes over the foot of the waterfall giving visitors a bird's eye view of the action. If you’re in the Greenville area and looking for easy access waterfalls near me, it doesn’t get easier than this! See it for yourself at 601 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601.

5. Spoonauger Falls - Mountain Rest

In 20 minutes of hiking, or less, you can hike to the base of this 50-foot waterfall where water spills over a rock ledge and then down stepped ledges to the base. The trail traverses the Sumter National Forest for one-half mile to the waterfall. It’s one of our favorite waterfall hikes in South Carolina. Find the trailhead on Burrells Ford Road in Mountain Rest, SC 29664.

6. Chau Ram Falls - Westminster

Head to Chau Ram County Park and you can drive right up to Chau Ram Falls, which is a favorite local swimming hole found within this awesome county park. Take the one-mile Chau Ram Trail that follows along the Chauga River, offering various places to take a dip. It’s one of our favorite mellow waterfalls in South Carolina. Find it at 1220 Chau Ram Park Rd, Westminster, SC 29693.

Venturing out in search of waterfalls in South Carolina doesn't always mean hiking long distances in hot and humid conditions. The waterfalls featured here are all easy access with minimal work to reach them. What's your favorite easy-to-get-to waterfall in South Carolina? And if you need some new hiking shoes, we love the ones at North Face.

For one more can't-miss waterfall in South Carolina, check out the natural water slide at this roadside park.