Posted in South Carolina Nature, Waterfalls August 02, 2022 by

A Short But Beautiful Hike, Wildcat Wayside Trail Leads To A Little-Known Series Of Waterfalls In South Carolina

(Editor’s Note: Do not deviate from the marked trail at this site or try to stand near the top of any of the waterfalls in this series. Fatalities have occurred as a result of leaving the trail. The most recent fatality here was in June, 2020.)

Asking yourself, “are there any waterfalls near me?” will usually yield at least one waterfall, especially here in South Carolina. Sitting in plain view for anyone traveling along South Carolina’s Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway, Wildcat Wayside Falls can actually be seen from the highway – without pulling over. During the warmer months, in fact, passersby may spot a flurry of cars pulled off here and scores of people cooling off in the roadside waterfall. But what most people don’t know is the trail that begins next to this popular waterfall swimming hole leads to two more waterfalls further uphill that belong in this series of three falls.

Exploring this trail is so worth the little time it takes to hike the one-mile loop on the Wildcat Wayside Nature Trail in South Carolina.
alltrails/Shannon Hopkins
Lace up your hiking shoes and prepare for an adventure filled with waterfalls, water crossings, and wildlife sightings — all underneath a heavy canopy of shade from the towers of trees above.
Google Maps
Although AllTrails rates this hike as easy, it does sport more stairs than you'd like to count.
Google Maps/Josh Slowmez
By the time you crest the top of the loop, you may feel the burn, but the journey to the falls is one of the reasons that this is one of the best waterfall hikes in South Carolina. And if you have issues with your knees, then you may want to make sure you pack your hiking sticks because they will make a world of difference on this trail.
Despite the steps, this is one of the most scenic hiking trails with waterfalls in South Carolina everyone in the family can enjoy.
alltrails/Ryan Cragun
During the warmer months, the middle falls provide another opportunity to wade in the refreshing waters of Wildcat Branch Creek, a tributary to the nearby South Saluda River.
At the very top of the loop, you'll find the upper set of falls in this series of three fantastic falls.
alltrails/Tori Breneman
As the first in the series, it trickles down a very steep rock ledge. Extra caution is required when reaching this particular waterfall, and you'll surely find warning signs to caution against attempting to stray off the trail to the top of this one. Please adhere to the warnings.
Overall, AllTrails.com users give this short and easy (save for the stairs) hike 4.5 stars and a big thumbs-up in reviews.
TripAdvisor/Greg W
No wonder is one of the best waterfall hikes in South Carolina!
As it meanders uphill and then back down on the other side of the loop, you'll cross other small streams a number of times. Usually, unless there has been a significant recent rainfall, the crossings are doable without getting your feet wet.
alltrails/Wes Walter
However, packing a second pair of shoes for this adventure is highly recommended.
Google Maps/Deborah Sheline
And if there's a crossing that has just way too much water flowing over even the smallest of streams, then don't attempt to cross unless you're absolutely sure of your footing. The rocks in these streams can be very slippery.
As stated in the Editor's note at the beginning of this feature, please don't attempt to stray from this trail.
Google Maps/David Hussell Jr
Warning signs are posted all along the trail, just in case you're tempted and need a gentle reminder that fatalities have occurred when people veer from the marked pathway.

Did you know this popular roadside waterfall swimming hole in South Carolina has two more waterfalls upstream, forming a series of three major waterfalls? All are accessible via a short and easy hike leading from the base of the lowest falls at Wildcat Wayside. The nature trail here is best used from March through December, but it is open year-round. For even more cascades, take this epic waterfall road trip through South Carolina. 

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Address: Wildcat Wayside, 5500 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

waterfalls near me

August 07, 2022
Jackie Ann

What are the best waterfall hikes in South Carolina?

With more than a hundred waterfalls in South Carolina, you’re never too far away from a cascade or two. The trail to King Creek Falls in South Carolina is one of the most kid-friendly hiking trails with waterfalls in South Carolina, clocking in at less than a mile. At the end of the trail, you’ll be face to face with the impressive 70-foot waterfall. For a longer adventure, consider the 8-mile hike to Confusion Falls, one of the best waterfall hikes in South Carolina. While it may be a little bit of a longer hike, you’ll be rewarded with not one but two stunning 12-foot waterfalls. There’s even a third, 40-foot waterfall on the trail, and Moonshine Falls is one of the few that you can walk behind!

What are the best hikes with a view in South Carolina?

You might be surprised to learn that some of the best hikes with a view in South Carolina don’t require a full day of hiking. Some of the best views in the state are on trails that are short and sweet, like the one-mile Waldrop Stone Falls Trail in Central that leads to a peaceful little waterfall. For endless marsh views, you can’t beat the two-mile hiking trail at Huntington Beach State Park, which also features beautiful oceanfront views to take in after your hike.

Are there any good swimming holes in South Carolina?

South Carolina may be a coastal state, but sometimes you just want a secluded little spot to splash around in, and the Palmetto State certainly delivers in the swimming hole category. Located in Table Rock State Park, Carrick Creek Falls is not only an easily accessible waterfall in South Carolina but the pool it cascades into makes for a refreshing dip after your 2-mile hike. For endless fun in the sun, head to Aiken State Park where you can enjoy a 14-acre spring-fed lake. Don’t forget the sunscreen!