Posted in South Carolina July 03, 2020 by

The Natural Swimming Hole At Long Shoals Wayside Park In South Carolina Will Take You Back To The Good Ole Days

Whether you have kids along for the fun or not, the natural swimming hole found tucked out of sight just off South Carolina’s Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway is almost guaranteed to make you squeal with delight. What better way to revisit the less complicated days of our youth than by hopping on a natural water slide and barrelling down a shoal of rocks made smooth from centuries of gushing water?

We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
The truth is, most people don't even know this fun swimming hole is even here. It's entirely hidden by the forest and runs virtually parallel to the highway.
Google Maps
The sign for Long Shoals Wayside Park (a.k.a. Long Shoals Roadside Park) is small and nearly unnoticeable as most people travel past it distracted by the sheer beauty found along the scenic highway.
But hidden beyond a mostly unseen (from the highway) set of parking areas is a swimming hole stripped of all of the pomp and circumstance found in today's modern water parks.
TripAdvisor/AmberLeigh H
Instead of ginormous water slides and man-made lazy rivers, visitors here discover the read deal.
Locals have been visiting Long Shoals Wayside Park, which is under the State Forest & Wildlife Management Area's rules and guidelines, for generations.
Google Images/Belinda Tucker Phillips
The shoals extend for several hundred feet along the Little Eastatoe Creek and include some downhill runs that turn this natural water park into a thrilling adventure — especially if a recent rain adds to the water flow.
Google Images/Joshua Griner
At the bottom of the slide is a near perfect pool for cooling off and enjoying some down time floating, wading, or simply splashing in the cool waters of the Little Eastatoe.
Google Images/Travis Henson
At the northern end of the shoals are smooth, dry rocks for setting up a base station for the day's adventure.
Google Images/Donald Davis
A bit farther down to where the swimming hole is located is a sandy beach.
Google Images/Wayne Wood
Enjoy the shoals to the fullest (and protect your bum) by bringing an inflatable tube for the ride down the small rapid... or channel your inner child and go without.

Get a look at how fun the natural waterslide is by viewing this short video from YouTube user Andy & Heidi Thompson:
Locating the park can be a challenge so be sure to follow this link and input your starting location into the Directions link.
Google Maps
The northern parking lot leads to a set of stairs that will take you down to the Little Eastatoe Creek; while the southern parking lot leads you to the creek by way of a gravel trail.

Learn more about the park and the trails from AllTrails. The park is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. Admission is free.

When you’re in the mood for a different sort of water park, head to the coast to experience the only Floating Water Park In South Carolina.

Address: Scenic Hwy 11, Pickens, SC 29671, USA