In the heat of the day, a long and strenuous hike may seem like a bit of a daunting challenge to those who aren’t up for such an undertaking, especially in high temperatures. The good news is that you can stop googling “Hiking trails near me with waterfalls” because not all of the waterfalls in South Carolina require a planned expedition into the forest. Check out the list below. It features seven wonderful waterfalls that require little to even no hiking. Chasing waterfalls… without the chase? You bet!

1. Wildcat Branch Falls, Cleveland

Wildcat Branch Falls, 5500 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
Bob Mol/ AllTrails
Wildcat Branch Falls' lower waterfall in a series of three is so accessible, that visitors can see it from the road while passing by in a vehicle. Luckily, this little wayside park does have a small parking area as well as a trail leading up the hill to the other two falls in this trio. The wading pool at the lower waterfall even has a set of stone steps, making it easy to get in there and splash around.

For more information please check out our previous coverage of Wildcat Branch Falls.

2. Pleasant Ridge Falls, Marietta

Pleasant Ridge Falls, 4232 SC-11, Marietta, SC 29661, USA
Jason R./ AllTrails
Located inside Pleasant Ridge County Park (a Greenville County Park), Pleasant Ridge Falls is easily observed from a short walk along a park trail. Prepare to dip your toes in the water to cool off on a hot summer day. A little-known fact about this area is that it used to be a state park, check out the history of Pleasant Ridge State Park.

3. Carrick Creek Falls, Pickens

Carrick Creek Falls, 388 Table Rock State Park Rd, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
Google Maps/Kristafer
Hike the short and easy Carrick Creek Trail at Table Rock State Park and at only a short distance into the trail you'll encounter Carrick Creek Falls. Yes, it's always this beautiful!

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4. Reedy River Falls, Greenville

Reedy River Falls, 37 Furman College Way, Greenville, SC 29601, USA
Andrea Bedard/ AllTrails
Easily the most spectacular urban South Carolina waterfalls and possibly even in the South, Reedy River Falls shares the limelight in the heart of Greenville's famously popular Falls Park on the Reedy with the park's other main attraction: the curved Liberty Bridge. Any visit to Greenville deserves to have some time carved out to view this waterfall from the bridge.

5. Issaqueena Fall, Walhalla

Issaqueena Falls, South Carolina 29691, USA
Michelle Allen/ AllTrails
Head to the Sumter National Forest for a short 0.3-mile hike to view the 100-foot cascade with a legendary backstory. Issaqueena Falls trail is accessible via Stumphouse Tunnel Park just north of Walhalla.

6. Chau Ram Falls, Westminster

Chau Ram Park Road, Chau Ram Park Rd, South Carolina 29693, USA
Kelly Downey/ AllTrails
Drive right up and park beside this fun waterfall swimming hole found within Chau Ram County Park in Oconee County. Wear or bring swimming attire; this one may be irresistible for checking out the cool waters flowing over this 30-foot waterfall at just the right intensity. Make sure you have a handy AllTrails map of Chau Ram Falls before you go.

7. Twin Falls, Sunset

Waterfalls Road, Waterfalls Rd, Sunset, SC 29685, USA
Flickr/Jim Liestman
There are two trails to view Twin Falls. The Upper Trail is 2.3 miles and, as the trail's name implies, is a view nearer to the top of the falls.

But the Twin Falls Lower Trail is only 0.7 miles out and back and is rated as easy. This waterfall on this list may require a bit more effort than the others, but it's absolutely worth it to see this pair of falls that are 75 feet tall.

Have you already discovered any of these easy-access waterfalls in South Carolina? Add your beautiful photos and reviews of your faves in our Facebook comments! We hope we helped you in your endless search for “Easy to get to waterfalls near me” and inspired you to find these natural beauties. Make sure you download AllTrails+ to get the most out of your hikes and keep track of your progress.

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SKS | March 19, 2022

What are the best waterfall hikes in South Carolina?

If you are looking for some longer hikes to see some waterfalls, South Carolina is the place, with plenty of excellent options to choose from.

Table Rock Trail

Table Rock Trail is probably the most difficult hike on this list, clocking in at almost 7 miles and with about 1,000 feet of elevation. However, you will be rewarded for your effort when you see the incredible view from the top of Governor’s Rock Overlook. Along the way, you will also pass the Carrick Creek Falls.

Rainbow Falls Trail

The Rainbow Falls Trail is easier than the Table Rock Trail, clocking in at about 4.4 miles. Located in Jones Gap State Park, this narrow waterfall flows right off the cliffs and is quite cool. Reservations for Jones Gap State Park are required 48 hours in advance, so this isn’t a great hike for a last-minute trip, but with a little planning, is well worth the hike.

Yellow Branch Falls Trail

Located in Walhalla, South Carolina, this trail brings you to the picturesque 50-foot Yellow Branch Falls. This waterfall is much different than Rainbow Falls, as the water cascades down a series of boulders and rocks.

What is the tallest waterfall in South Carolina?

In the northern part of South Carolina, close to the South Carolina / North Carolina border, you can find Raven Cliff Falls, the state’s tallest waterfall. Although the official number is disputed, Raven Cliff Falls is thought to be around 400 feet tall and has quite an impressive view. Located in Caesar’s Head State Park outside of Cleveland this hike is a popular one. In the fall, the surrounding trees turn all shades of orange, yellow, red, and green, and surrounding the rushing water of Raven Cliff Falls, the view is absolutely incredible.

The hike to Raven Cliff Falls is a little over 2 miles each way, but is mostly flat, making for a great morning walk if you feel up for it.

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