Most people don’t realize that in our beautiful state of South Carolina, there are waterfalls to be seen. They know that there are miles of beaches and they know that there are mountains, but most never think about the waterfalls. In fact, the Palmetto State has quite a few of them. Sure, they are in the upstate, but everyone needs a break once in a while and these are worth your while! Here are the 20 best waterfalls in South Carolina:

1. Bee Cove Falls
Bee Cove Falls Trailhead, SC-107, Tamassee, SC 29686, USA
Flickr/Brenda Wiley




Near Mountain Rest, SC, off a slightly beaten path and a moderate hike, you will come across this beautiful destination.
2. Big Bend Falls
Big Bend Falls, South Carolina 29664, USA
Flickr/Josh Tremper
Big Bend Falls is only accessed after a demanding hike, but if you are up for it the reward will be amazing.
3. Brasstown Falls
Brasstown Falls, Creek, Westminster, SC 29693, USA
Flickr/Jeff Moore
Brasstown Falls is a hidden gem and if you plan on viewing this one in person be prepared for an hour or more of climbing up and down the gorge. Take plenty of energy bars!
4. Carrick Falls
Carrick Creek Falls, 388 Table Rock State Park Rd, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
Flickr/Mike Burton
Carrick Falls is an easily-accessible waterfall with only a 0.2-mile hike along a paved road in Table Creek State Park. Carrick Falls would be a great waterfall to bring the whole family and a picnic basket for a day of fun and relaxation.
5. Chauga Narrows
Chauga Narrows, Sumter National Forest, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
Flickr/Jeff Moore
Found in Oconee County, this waterfall is a fisherman's paradise and a hiker's delight!
6. Fall Creek Falls
Fall Creek Falls 1, Fall Creek Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
Brenda Wiley/Flickr
Home to three waterfalls in one, reaching Fall Creek Falls will take a moderately experienced hiker and approximately two hours of your time. Definitely wear those hiking boots because you will be battling some rhododendron thickets that cover the area.
7. Hidden Falls
Alltrails/Charles Allen
Clearly marked and easily found, this waterfall should definitely be on your must-see list. The park has also provided aptly placed benches so that you can take off your boots and dip your toes in the cool, crisp waters.
8. Issaqueena Falls
Issaqueena Falls, South Carolina 29691, USA
Flickr/Joel Hatfield
Not just a magnificent waterfall, but a beautiful legend goes with it as well. It is said that Issaqueena Falls is named after a Native American woman who risked her life to save the life of white settlers.
9. King Creek Falls
King Creek Falls, Burrells Ford Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
Flickr/Brenda Wiley
Found in the Sumter National Forest, King Creek Falls should be a 'to-do' on your list. It is a short half-mile hike and great for all ability of hikers. What's even better than a waterfall after a hike? There is a small 'beach' for you to enjoy as well!
10. Laurel Fork Falls
Laurel Fork Falls, Sunset, SC 29685, USA
Flickr/M Fletcher




Be careful at Laurel Fork Falls, they are stunning but dangerous! Be sure to admire from below as the rocks close to the top can be slippery.
11. Moonshine Falls
Moonshine Falls, 150 Asbury Dr, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
Flickr/MarksPhotoTravels
Moonshine Falls is one of those rare falls that you can walk behind to admire. The trail to reach the falls is not too clearly marked so you will want to bring some printed directions.
12. Opossum Creek Falls
Opossum Creek Falls Trailhead, Turkey Ridge Rd, Long Creek, SC 29658, USA
Flickr/Jeff Moore
When you reach Opossum Creek Falls you will have received your reward. The two-hour hike is not for the faint of heart and can be an adventure for that feisty spirit or the most difficult journey you have ever taken.
13. Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls, South Carolina 29635, USA
Flickr/Brian
Rainbows? Yes, please! Rainbow Falls is rated as difficult, but I would definitely take the journey to see something so magical.
14. Raven Cliff Falls
Raven Cliff Falls, South Carolina 29635, USA
Flickr/Brenda Wiley
Everything I have read says that the hike is strenuous, a 7 out of 10, or very difficult. But, I have also read that there are crowds of people at Raven Cliff Falls. Obviously, this one is well worth the hike difficult or not.
15. Riley Moore Falls
Riley Moore Falls, Riley Moore Falls Trail, Westminster, SC 29693, USA
Flickr/Josh Tremper
Only 12 feet high on each tier, Riley Moore Falls in South Carolina is worth it just to take photographs and a boon for all hikers.
16. Spoonauger Falls
Flickr/Brenda Wiley
Easy hike, picturesque, and beautiful scenery. There is just not more to be said about Spoonauger Falls.
17. Twin Falls
Twin Falls Lane, Twin Falls Ln, South Carolina 29063, USA
Flickr/Jim Liestman
Very easy and accessible to just about anyone. No hiking has to be done to reach Twin Falls as it is just a few steps to view this spectacular 2-for-1 special!
18. Yellow Branch Falls
Yellow Branch Falls Trail, 2911-3023 Highlands Hwy, Walhalla, SC 29691, USA
Flickr/Bill Herndon
Simply breathtaking are the words to describe Yellow Branch Falls. After a good moderate hike, this is the view you will enjoy. However, watch the weather in the area a week or two before because this waterfall is best seen after a really good gullywasher!
19. Station Cove Falls
Station Cove Falls Trailhead, State Rd S-37-95, Walhalla, SC 29691, USA
Flickr/Eric Harrison
Station Cove Falls is a scenic waterfall to be sure and easily accessible through the gorgeous Appalachian cove forest.
20. Blue Hole Falls
Blue Hole Falls, Rich Mountain Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
Flickr/DM




Blue Hole Falls is a hidden treasure that is labeled moderately difficult in terms of the hike. This waterfall falls 75 feet and into a deep blue pool for which the area is named.

A lot of these waterfalls require some hiking to see them, if you need new boots, clothes, or pretty much any outdoor supply under the sun, check out backcountry.com.

How many of these South Carolina waterfalls have you visited? Do you know of any waterfall hikes in South Carolina? If so, make sure to share with us if you have pictures in our South Carolina Nature Lovers group on Facebook, and discover more natural scenic places in SC here.

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More to Explore

Best Waterfalls In South Carolina

Leah | July 31, 2020

Does South Carolina have any natural wonders?

There are many natural wonders in South Carolina that have inspired people for generations.

  • Table Rock is certainly a popular one, towering above the trees below. The view from the top is absolutely spectacular and worth hiking to see.
  • You can see a massive oak tree when you visit the Angel Oak on Johns Island, South Carolina. The tree is thought to be well over 400 years old and has a circumference of over 25 feet.
  • Speaking of old trees, you can visit some of the oldest in the world at the Congaree National Park near Hopkins, South Carolina. You can explore them on trails or by boat. Either way, the sights are gorgeous.

 

What are the best waterfall hikes in South Carolina?

While it's nice to be able to basically drive up to a waterfall and enjoy it with little effort, there are waterfall hikes in South Carolina that are definitely worth the miles.

  • Be rewarded at the end of the trail by taking hikes such as the Raven Cliff Falls Trail. At nearly nine miles long and somewhat difficult, you'll have your work cut out for you, but the views you'll see along the way - and the waterfall, of course - are all worth it.
  • For a much easier trail that is paved and pretty short, try the Cedar Falls Trail near Fountain Inn, South Carolina. It's considered an easy hike and will take you right past the cascading waters of the falls.

 

What are the best outdoor adventures in South Carolina?

 

Waterfalls aren't the only things you can explore and experience in the Palmetto State. There are many ways to have fun outdoor adventures in South Carolina, like visiting one of its many state parks. There are 47 state parks in the state and a national park, all of which have their own unique attractions and natural beauty. It's no secret that there are great beaches here, and you can explore the coast on your own in many ways. You have the option to lounge on the sands of popular tourist beaches or hike a trail up to a lighthouse and see some great sights and history.

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