This Hidden Swimming Hole With A Waterfall Slide In South Carolina Is A Stellar Summer Adventure
By AnneMarie|Published June 29, 2023
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AnneMarie
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South Carolina has been home for AnneMarie since 2001. Her favorite part of the state is Lake Jocassee. An App State alumna, it's always the mountains; the lake bonus makes it heavenly. When not writing about the state, she may be spending time with family, relaxing by the pool, or out somewhere enjoying nature.
One of the best things about summer is the arrival of warmer weather and the refreshing feeling of jumping into cool water when temperatures creep higher, not to mention swimming is such a superb form of exercise. Not only is it easier on our bodies, but the coolness of the water also eliminates the misery of engaging in other types of exercise on hotter days. When you can add the adventure of discovering a hidden swimming hole in South Carolina with an incredible natural feature, it doesn’t get much better.
This swimming hole is small, but it has an incredibly fun waterfall slide leading to it!
Located in Oconee County along the Thompson River, which feeds into beautiful Lake Jocassee, you can have hours of fun at this hidden swimming spot. The river can be accessed via the Foothills Trail, which this map shows. The trail begins at the Bad Creek Trailhead, is 6.8 miles out and back, and crosses the border into North Carolina.
Some adventurers have started off with the Musterground Road Trail route, parked, and then continued on-foot. This option keeps you in-state the entire time.
To find this trail, just before you reach the Bad Creek Parking Area you'll see a dirt road taking off to the right. This is Musterground Road. There's a gate at the beginning of the road, which is open only during both spring and fall hunting seasons.
The swimming hole is estimated to be about 1,000 feet from Lake Jocassee. On your way to and around the swimming hole, you'll enjoy a variety of gorgeous scenery in this area while taking in the peaceful sounds of the river.
As you can see from the videos, the slide isn't particularly fast, but of course, anywhere you're swimming and sliding with no lifeguards present, it's at your own risk. So of course, proceed with caution!
