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.)
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.
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Exploring this trail is so worth the little time it takes to hike the one-mile loop on the Wildcat Wayside Nature Trail.
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.
By the time you crest the top of the loop, you may feel the burn. 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.
The hike is one everyone in the family can enjoy. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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. Learn more about the trail from our friends at AllTrails.com. The nature trail here is best used from March through December, but it is open year-round.
Address: Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
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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.
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