Waterfalls and swimming holes are the crown jewels of summer in South Carolina. And anytime you can put the two together to visit a waterfall swimming hole? Well, let’s just say the combo takes the cake. You’re sure to create an epic summer adventure when you visit any of the following waterfalls in South Carolina. They’re not all swimming holes, but many are. Take a look (and don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a towel!).

1. Carrick Creek Falls - Pickens

Carrick Creek Falls, 388 Table Rock State Park Rd, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
TripAdvisor/bobbilo
At 15 feet tall, Carrick Creek Falls isn't the tallest waterfall in South Carolina, but it's one of the most scenic falls found on the Carrick Creek Loop Trail at Table Rock State Park. The trail itself is 1.9 miles long, but Carrick Creek Falls is found near the beginning. Find this waterfall at 158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671. (Note: This park charges an admission.) South Carolina waterfalls don’t get prettier than this!

2. Wildcat Branch Falls - Cleveland

Wildcat Branch Falls, 5500 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
Google Maps/Danny Goode
TripAdvisor/Lea Austin
Found alongside the road on the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway (SC-11), Wildcat Branch Falls' lower waterfall is visible from the car. But this roadside park has a small pullout along the road where you can get out and explore the three waterfalls found in this wayside park. During warm weather, the lower falls often have swimmers dipping their toes in the plunge pool. Find it at 5500 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635. This is one of the easiest waterfall hikes in South Carolina.

3. Issaqueena Falls - Walhalla

Issaqueena Falls, South Carolina 29691, USA
Flickr/Brendan Bombaci
Issaqueena Falls is surrounded by mystery and legend and is so worth a visit. At 100 feet tall, it sends ribbons of water billowing down its many ledges. An easy .03-mile trail from Tunnel Park in Walhalla leads to the top of the waterfall. Find it on Stumphouse Tunnel Rd, Walhalla, SC 29691. This is such a pretty South Carolina waterfall.

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4. Falls Park on the Reedy - Greenville

Falls Park on the Reedy, 601 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA
Thom_Morris / iStock / Getty Images Plus
With just one visit to Reedy Falls at Falls Park on the Reedy, you'll fall in love with this expansive and beautiful urban waterfall that is now the focal point in an enormous green space at the foot of Main Street in Greenville. A beautiful one-of-a-kind curved pedestrian bridge passes over the foot of the waterfall giving visitors a bird's eye view of the action. If you’re in the Greenville area and looking for easy access waterfalls near me, it doesn’t get easier than this! See it for yourself at 601 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601.

5. Spoonauger Falls - Mountain Rest

Spoonauger Falls, South Carolina 29664, USA
Google Maps/Mistah Vega
In 20 minutes of hiking, or less, you can hike to the base of this 50-foot waterfall where water spills over a rock ledge and then down stepped ledges to the base. The trail traverses the Sumter National Forest for one-half mile to the waterfall. It’s one of our favorite waterfall hikes in South Carolina. Find the trailhead on Burrells Ford Road in Mountain Rest, SC 29664.

6. Chau Ram Falls - Westminster

Chau Ram County Park, 1220 Chau Ram Park Rd, Westminster, SC 29693, USA
TripAdvisor/Shane G
TripAdvisor/Torie M
Head to Chau Ram County Park and you can drive right up to Chau Ram Falls, which is a favorite local swimming hole found within this awesome county park. Take the one-mile Chau Ram Trail that follows along the Chauga River, offering various places to take a dip. It’s one of our favorite mellow waterfalls in South Carolina. Find it at 1220 Chau Ram Park Rd, Westminster, SC 29693.

Venturing out in search of waterfalls in South Carolina doesn’t always mean hiking long distances in hot and humid conditions. The waterfalls featured here are all easy access with minimal work to reach them. What’s your favorite easy-to-get-to waterfall in South Carolina? And if you need some new hiking shoes, we love the ones at North Face.

For one more can’t-miss waterfall in South Carolina, check out the natural water slide at this roadside park.

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More to Explore

Waterfalls In South Carolina

Megan McDonald | March 22, 2024

How many waterfalls does South Carolina have?

South Carolina is home to numerous waterfalls, although it's challenging to provide an exact count as new ones may be discovered, and some may only flow seasonally or after heavy rainfall. However, the state boasts a significant number of waterfalls, particularly in the western and mountainous regions. 

Areas such as the Blue Ridge Mountains, Upstate South Carolina, and the Piedmont region are known for their stunning cascades. Some popular waterfalls in South Carolina include Rainbow Falls, Whitewater Falls, Raven Cliff Falls, and Falls Creek Falls, among many others. These waterfalls vary in size, height, and accessibility, offering visitors a diverse range of natural beauty to explore.

What are the best waterfalls in South Carolina?

Based on popularity, stunning scenery, and visitor experience, here are five of the top waterfalls in South Carolina:

  • Whitewater Falls: Located in the Jocassee Gorges area of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Whitewater Falls is among the highest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. It cascades over 400 feet in multiple tiers, offering breathtaking views from various overlooks. The Lower Whitewater Falls is in South Carolina, while the Upper Falls is just across the state line in North Carolina.
  • Rainbow Falls: Situated in Jones Gap State Park near the town of Marietta, Rainbow Falls is a majestic waterfall tumbling approximately 100 feet over a rocky cliff. The falls are named for the rainbow that often appears in the mist created by the cascading water, particularly on sunny days.
  • Raven Cliff Falls: Raven Cliff Falls is a spectacular 400-foot cascade located in Caesars Head State Park near Cleveland, South Carolina. The waterfall is accessed via a moderate hiking trail that leads through lush forest scenery, offering stunning views of the falls from multiple vantage points.
  • Reedy River Falls: In the heart of downtown Greenville, Reedy River Falls is a scenic urban waterfall in Falls Park on the Reedy. The waterfall drops 30 feet over a rocky ledge, creating a picturesque focal point within the park and offering a tranquil escape amidst the city's hustle and bustle.
  • Jones Gap Falls: Another gem within Jones Gap State Park, Jones Gap Falls is a serene waterfall nestled in a wooded gorge. The falls plunge approximately 50 feet into a refreshing pool below, accessible via a moderately challenging hiking trail that winds along the Middle Saluda River.

 

These waterfalls showcase the natural beauty of South Carolina's diverse landscapes and offer memorable experiences for visitors seeking to explore the state's scenic wonders.

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Explore South Carolina

Featured Addresses
Table Rock State Park, 158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
Wildcat Branch Falls, 5500 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
Issaqueena Falls, South Carolina 29691, USA
Falls Park on the Reedy, 601 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA
Burrells Ford Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
Chau Ram County Park, 1220 Chau Ram Park Rd, Westminster, SC 29693, USA