The Ultimate South Carolina Waterfall Road Trip Will Take You To 7 Scenic Spots In The State
The upstate of South Carolina is rich with breathtaking waterfalls. But, unlike our neighbor to the north where you can hop on US 64 and see 6-8 waterfalls in an afternoon, it seems waterfall hopping isn’t all that easy in the Palmetto State. Or is it? Is it possible to see the best waterfalls in South Carolina on one road trip?
At Only in South Carolina we found the Internet to be loaded with lists and lists of waterfalls to see in our beautiful state. We picked out seven waterfalls with relatively easy access and created this easy to follow route. The total trip is 189 miles with an estimated four and a half hours drive time. We’ve included a link to the Google Map here.
Got four hours and twenty-eight minutes – plus the time you’re spend enjoying some of the Palmetto State’s most beautiful natural wonders? We’ve got the Google map here – if you’ve got the time, South Carolina!
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This 30-foot waterfall can be seen from the highway but there's ample space to park and get out. If you wander up the stairs to the left you'll get a look at the 100-foot sections of the two upper falls. If you're looking for more info and directions, we've got you covered.
Surprise! These falls are just a short walk (1/4 mile) down a paved path from the parking lot at Table Rock State Park. The 15-foot fall rolls into a deep pool at this point. If you decide to stay on the Carrick Creek trail (it continues unpaved for 2 miles) you'll find even more surprises along the trail. More information and directions can be found right here. This is perhaps one of the most popular waterfall hikes in South Carolina, and it provides a beautiful view.
Twin Falls was just named by Only In South Carolina as The #1 Waterfall(s) to see in the state. One reason is the easy access. A short hike along a pleasant stream ends up here, overlooking this massive 75-foot vertical drop on the left and a cascading flow on the right. There's no scenic hike just like it, and the view is breathtaking. Check this outfor more information.
This 200-foot cascading beauty is located a short and relatively easy 15 minute hike from the parking lot along Hwy 28 just north of Wahalla. It's a waterfall hike that simply can't be missed, and though it's a bit off the beaten path, some say that it's one of the best waterfalls in South Carolina. More info and directions.
This one tops the list of easy access! You can see it from your car in the parking lot, which make sit the perfect spot for families trekking little ones across the state. If you're looking for a quick and easy view while you road trip across South Carolina, Chau Ram County Park has the answer. Looking for more information? You can find it here.
These falls are a must-see because at this point the Reedy River widens to 200-feet. It's a short walk on a paved trail to this point, and a true South Carolina gem. If you're looking for a fairly easy hike with the view of a lifetime, this is it. We'd recommend visiting during the warmer months, when the surrounding natural area becomes a truly lush paradise. More info and directions.
Reedy Falls in Falls Park on the Reedy is the centerpiece of downtown Greenville. Stand over the river and look down at the 25-foot cascading falls from Liberty Bridge. If this isn't one of the best waterfalls in South Carolina, we're not sure what is. More info and directions.
Did you know these waterfalls could be organized on such an easy route? Who’s up for a road trip to some of the best waterfalls in South Carolina?
Address: 388 Table Rock State Park Rd, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
Address: Twin Falls Dr, Simpsonville, SC 29680, USA
Address: Issaqueena Falls, South Carolina 29691, USA
Address: 1220 Chau Ram Park Rd, Westminster, SC 29693, USA
Address: Cedar Falls, South Carolina 29058, USA
Address: Reedy Falls Dr, Greenville, SC 29605, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Waterfalls In South Carolina
January 04, 2020
Meghan Kraft
What are the best waterfall hikes in South Carolina?
Although we’d argue the best waterfall hikes in South Carolina can be found above, there are all sorts of stunning hikes throughout the state that are well-worth an afternoon spent in nature. Head to Wildcat Wayside Falls for stunning autumn views, and Tin Falls is a perfect day spent in perfectly natural isolation. Blue Hole Falls is a favorite, as well as Raven Cliff Falls and the ever beautiful, yet fairly small Carrick Creek Falls.
What is the largest waterfall in South Carolina?
Raven Cliff Falls, the tallest waterfall in South Carolina, is one of the hardest to get to, though the pay-off for the trek through Caesars Head State Park makes it worth it. Accessible by a lengthy, advanced hiking trail, Raven Cliff Falls is estimated to fall 400-feet.
Are there any other scenic hikes in South Carolina?
South Carolina is full of beautiful, scenic hikes, though most folks seem to stop exploring the state at the coast. We’d recommend Rainbow Falls in Jones Gap State Park for the scenery, as well as any hiking trail in Lynches River State Park. The Riverwalk tends to be fairly popular. Congaree National Park has a very popular 2.4 mile hike that takes you along a boardwalk into the park, and the Swan Lake Irish Garden is a leisurely hike that has an abundance of Japanese Iris along the 3/4 of a mile hiking trail.
Robin Jarvis is a travel and entertainment 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 spent more than two decades living on the coast in South Carolina and currently lives in the mountains of North Carolina - although she still makes it back to see family in South Carolina quite often. When she's not working, she loves to hike, kayak, and check out new adventures. Get in touch at [email protected]
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