24 Stunning Waterfalls in South Carolina That Will Leave You Breathless
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 24 best waterfalls in South Carolina:
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
This 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!
Well known to be an easily accessible waterfall with only a 0.2 mile hike along a paved road in Table Creek State Park. This would be a great waterfall to bring the whole family and a picnic basket for a day of fun and relaxation.
Home to 3 waterfalls in one, this gorgeous vision will take a moderately experienced hiker and approximately 2 hours of your time. Definitely wear those hiking boots because you will be battling some rhododendron thickets that cover the area.
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.
Not just a magnificent waterfall, but a beautiful legend goes with it as well. It is said that it is named for an Indian maiden who risked her life to save the life of white settlers.
Found in the Sumter National Forest, this waterfall 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!
There are 2 ways to reach this waterfall: The easy way or the hard way. The easy way is by boat over the Lake Jocassee. The hard way is an 8.1 mile hike. Part of the hike is made of wooden stairs and steel cables courtesy of Duke Power, but that is only part. So, if you attempt this one make sure you bring someone with you. It would be a great couples hike.
Don't let the names fool you because as you can see these waterfalls have nothing to do with their names, and with such an easy hike of approximately 30 minutes you can definitely take the whole family for a day outing.
Better take a map for this one guys. Although not difficult to find, it is not marked on the nature trail. Also, be sure to find out when camp is in session nearby because the trail can become people-logged.
When you reach this site, you will have received your reward. The 2-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.
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 the waterfall! Obviously, this one is well worth the hike difficult or not.
Don't worry, it's not so secret. After a nice 1.5 hour hike on the Winding Stairs Trail, you will come to this delightful waterfall as well as Miuka Falls (not pictured).
Simply breathtaking are the words to describe this waterfall. 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!
A hidden treasure that is labeled moderately difficult in terms of the hike. This waterfall falls 75 feet and into a deep blue pool that the area is named for.
How many of the best waterfalls in South Carolina have you visited? Do you know of any more of these hidden gems? 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.
Address: Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
Address: Big Bend Falls, South Carolina 29664, USA
Address: Creek, Westminster, SC 29693, USA
Address: 388 Table Rock State Park Rd, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
Address: Sumter National Forest, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
Address: Fall Creek Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
Address: Hidden Falls, South Carolina 29691, USA
Address: Stumphouse Tunnel Rd, Walhalla, SC 29691, USA
Address: Burrells Ford Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
Address: Sunset, SC 29685, USA
Address: Lee Falls Trailhead, Government Rd 715A, Tamassee, SC 29686, USA
Address: Lick Log Creek, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
Address: Turkey Ridge Rd, Long Creek, SC 29658, USA
Address: 8155 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
Address: Turkey Ridge Rd, Long Creek, SC 29658, USA
Address: Rainbow Falls, South Carolina 29635, USA
Address: Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
Address: Riley Moore Falls, Riley Moore Falls Trail, Westminster, SC 29693, USA
Address: Winding Stairs Trail, South Carolina 29686, USA
Address: Spoonauger Falls, South Carolina 29664, USA
Address: Water Falls Rd, Sunset, SC 29685, USA
Address: 2911-3023 Highlands Hwy, Walhalla, SC 29691, USA
Address: State Rd S-37-95, Walhalla, SC 29691, USA
Address: Blue Hole Falls, Rich Mountain Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Waterfalls In South Carolina
July 31, 2020
Leah
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 9 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.
Address: Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
Address: Big Bend Falls, South Carolina 29664, USA
Address: Creek, Westminster, SC 29693, USA
Address: 388 Table Rock State Park Rd, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
Address: Sumter National Forest, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
Address: Fall Creek Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
Address: Hidden Falls, South Carolina 29691, USA
Address: Stumphouse Tunnel Rd, Walhalla, SC 29691, USA
Address: Burrells Ford Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
Address: Sunset, SC 29685, USA
Address: Lee Falls Trailhead, Government Rd 715A, Tamassee, SC 29686, USA
Address: Lick Log Creek, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
Address: Turkey Ridge Rd, Long Creek, SC 29658, USA
Address: 8155 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
Address: Turkey Ridge Rd, Long Creek, SC 29658, USA
Address: Rainbow Falls, South Carolina 29635, USA
Address: Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
Address: Riley Moore Falls, Riley Moore Falls Trail, Westminster, SC 29693, USA
Address: Winding Stairs Trail, South Carolina 29686, USA
Address: Spoonauger Falls, South Carolina 29664, USA
Address: Water Falls Rd, Sunset, SC 29685, USA
Address: 2911-3023 Highlands Hwy, Walhalla, SC 29691, USA
Address: State Rd S-37-95, Walhalla, SC 29691, USA
Address: Blue Hole Falls, Rich Mountain Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
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Gwen is an author, artist, illustrator, graphic designer, mother, wife, and part-time super hero. She loves to tackle her dreams head on and takes life by storm. Coffee is her best friend and a good book cannot be beat! When does she have the time, you ask? Well...do you really need that much sleep?
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