The One County In South Carolina With 150 Waterfalls You’ll Want To Visit
The name ‘Oconee” means ‘Land beside the water,’ and that’s entirely true when we speak of Oconee County, South Carolina. The area is also known as the ‘Mountain Lakes Region’ for that very reason. But Oconee County has more than just gorgeous mountain lakes, rivers, creeks and streams… it also has more than 150 waterfalls just waiting for you to discover them all. The Mountain Lakes Convention & Visitors Bureau is a terrific resource for discovering all that Oconee offers to nature lovers – especially waterfall chasers. They even have a waterfall app to guide you to their best spots! If you’re searching for ‘waterfalls near me,’ look no further! Of course we can’t feasibly feature all 150 waterfalls in one single article, so here’s the highlight reel:
Opossum Creek Falls
Turkey Ridge Road, Turkey Ridge Rd, Long Creek, SC 29658, USA
The trail to Opossum Creek Falls is four miles round trip and because of the elevation drop on the way to the falls (and the elevation gain on the way back), it can be relatively strenuous to non-seasoned hikers — yet doable with some strategic stops to rest along the way. The payoff is this gorgeous 50-foot beauty surrounded by nothing by wilderness.
Pigpen Falls (and Licklog Creek Falls)
Licklog Falls and Pigpen Falls, Lick Log Creek, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
Travel less than a mile down the Chattooga Trail and you'll discover Locklog Creek and Pigpen Falls; one is an 80-foot cascade and the other is a 25-foot stack with water rushing over and down. Consider this hike a two-for-one.
Station Cove Falls
State Road S-37-95, State Rd S-37-95, South Carolina, USA
Perhaps one of the most striking waterfalls in Oconee, Lee Falls is difficult to get to because there is no official trail. The trailhead carries you through a field in the beginning so if you're going in summer, wear long pants.
The 3.3-mile round trip hike out to see Long Creek Falls is easy -- until you get to the last little bit right before the waterfall. At that point, take the trail to the right (not left) and then you'll find it drops significantly as it descends down to the bottom of the falls. When all is said and done, you'll find yourself staring up in awe at a 50-foot tiered beauty.
Riley Moore Falls
Riley Moore Falls Trail, South Carolina 29693, USA
It's certainly difficult to see the scale of this waterfall from just a photo. But Riley Moore falls is 15 feet high and 100 feet across! Getting here is an easy one mile hike each way which should take about 15-30 minutes. The trail is well maintained and located on a forestry road.
On the same note of perspective and size, this image of Blue Hole Falls doesn't show the grand scale of this narrow waterfall. Blue Hole Falls is a 75-foot narrow run and drop into the (enormous) blue waterhole you see at the bottom. Beautiful! The hike getting to Blue Hole is quick and can usually be accomplished in approximately 30 minutes.
A 70-foot cascade awaits at the end of the trail to Kings Creek Falls. The trail is accessible year round and is a short 1.7 miles total, out and back.
As you may expect, the easiest hike with perhaps the biggest payoff isn't the one where you'll find the most peace and quiet. Don't let the traffic on this short half-mile trail keep you from exploring Brasstown Falls, or its four different sections. The trail is easy and has only an 88 foot elevation gain. Go for it!
Bee Cove Falls
Bee Cove Falls Trailhead, SC-107, Tamassee, SC 29686, USA
The trek out to Bee Cove Falls is a strenuous three-hour hike. Seasoned hikers may even find it challenging as they traverse the miles of up and down terrain making their way over 2.1 miles to get to the 40-foot cascade, but as you can see from the photo above, the payoff is worth it.
Nature lovers know the thrill of searching ‘waterfalls near me.’ The Mountain Lakes CVB has more information about all of the Oconee waterfalls we listed. And, while you’re looking at their website, check out their waterfall app.
Address: Sumter National Forest, South Carolina 29819, USA
Address: Brasstown Falls, Westminster, SC, USA
Address: Bee Cove Falls Trailhead, SC-107, Tamassee, SC 29686, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls Near Me
February 24, 2022
Elisa Regulski
What are the best outdoor adventures in South Carolina?
Outdoor adventures don’t have to break the bank! In fact, we rounded up a list of the best free activities in South Carolina that are sure to spark excitement. For starters, visit the the Gardens of the South Carolina Governor’s Mansion. Located in Columbia, this blissful escape will make you feel a million miles away from it all. The majestic trees, verdant plants, and lovely fountains are definitely photo-worthy. Looking for more fun? Check out the South Carolina Botanical Garden in Clemson. This stunning destination spans 295 acres, and it’s full of themed gardens and natural landscapes.
What are the best waterfall hikes in South Carolina?
Eager for an easy afternoon getaway? If so, you should definitely check out the trail to Spoonauger Falls. Nestled near Mountain Rest, this gorgeous walkway is perfect for kids and adults alike. Yes, the hike is only about .6 miles long, but we promise it’s jam packed with stunning sights. The highlight is definitely the gorgeous five-story waterfall. Spoonauger Falls stands 50 feet above the landscape, and it’s so beautiful that you’ll want to stare at it all afternoon. For more information about one of the best waterfall hikes in South Carolina, read our full article about Spoonauger Falls.
Are there any good swimming holes in South Carolina?
Absolutely! Wildcat Creek Falls, located in Wildcat Wayside State Park, is always a hit. When the temperature climbs, there’s no better place to make a splash and cool off. There’s even a 130-foot sliding rock! Carrick Creek Falls is another wonderful swimming hole in South Carolina. You’ll find this lovely oasis inside Table Rock State park. The water is always refreshing, and the views are always astounding. You also can’t forget about Parsons Mountain Recreation Area. This spring-fed pond is full of shimmering blue water. Whether you’re visiting by yourself or with your kiddos, you’re certain to have a blast.
Address: Licklog Falls and Pigpen Falls, Lick Log Creek, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
Address: State Road S-37-95, State Rd S-37-95, South Carolina, USA
Address: Government Road 715A, Government Rd 715A, Tamassee, SC 29686, USA
Address: Turkey Ridge Road, Turkey Ridge Rd, Long Creek, SC 29658, USA
Address: Riley Moore Falls Trail, South Carolina 29693, USA
Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
