You'll find yourself standing next to a gorgeous emerald lagoon at the end of the Lands Bridge Falls Trail near Mountain Rest, South Carolina. When it comes to waterfalls in the Palmetto State, few are less traveled than this hidden gem. In fact, you will likely have the trail, the waterfall, and the emerald lagoon here all to yourself, even in the height of the season.
Even better still, the trail is not only ranked as "easy" by AllTrails, it's also less than half a mile from the small parking area to the lagoon and waterfall.
If there are any complaints across the board about this trail, it's that it's so untraveled it's not always clearly marked and can sometimes get a bit overgrown. But that's ok. You can download the AllTrails app to your phone and use the app's map as your guide. And as for the overgrowth, well... wear your snake boots. You'll be glad you braved the trail when you get to the waterfall at the end.
Lands Bridge Falls may not be super tall, but it spans the entire width of the Chauga River.
And that plunge pool is a color you just don't see often in nature... such a beautiful gemstone emerald green!
The color carries on down the river, too.
And that's significant because at least half of the trail to Lands Bridge Falls follows right beside the beautiful Chauga River.
Speaking of the trail, as mentioned, it can pose a few challenges, like with the occasional downed tree. Stay the course. As they say, take your bruises but be sure to stay in the ring because winning this fight will be worth it.
If you decide to dip your toes in the water, please use caution with your footing. Wet rocks are often slippery rocks.
But the cool mountain waters of the Chauga River are so refreshing!
Even the four-legged family members are welcome - and love it!
Access the trailhead via Land Bridge Road in Mountain Rest.
When you arrive, if you'll drive past the trailhead to cross the river, you'll find a small parking area just ahead on the left.
Learn more about this trail here from AllTrails, and download the AllTrails app so you can use their navigational tools while on the trail, by visiting the app store on your phone and searching for AllTrails. The trailhead for Lands Bridge Falls is located at the following coordinates: 34.832744, -83.158882.
While you're hiking in Mountain Rest, visit the one trail here that has a whopping SIX waterfalls along the trail!
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