Learn about the best South Carolina Waterfalls road trip with this complete guide. Travel over hiking trails, stunning falls, and unmissable scenic spots! South Carolina is a hoarded wealth of natural beauty. Its Upstate region offers some of the most magnificent waterfalls in the country. This marvelous road trip will take you through hidden trails, remarkable state parks, and spectacular cascades. Follow our guide thoroughly. Get useful tips, trail details, and exclusive knowledge. Thus, you can plan an unforgettable adventure.
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Unforgettable South Carolina Waterfalls Road Trip
Discover the beauty of South Carolina’s waterfalls on an unforgettable road trip! Explore stunning cascades, hike through lush forests, and enjoy peaceful trails perfect for families. This guide will help you plan the ultimate adventure to experience nature at its finest. Let’s get into the details.
Why Plan A South Carolina Waterfalls Road Trip?
This road trip highlights the ultimate South Carolina waterfalls, taking you through four counties in the Upstate region. Along the way, you’ll explore the best waterfalls in South Carolina, enjoy hikes through lush forests, and discover serene spots to relax and connect with nature.
With each stop, you’ll find essential details such as trail difficulty, parking tips, and unique features to help you make the most of your journey. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there’s something here for everyone.
Must Read: Backpacking and Camping Comparison
SC Waterfalls Road Trip Map
Below is a stop-by-stop guide to your adventure. Use a Waterfalls road trip map to plan your route and easily navigate. Each waterfall is marked to help you visualize the itinerary and streamline your trip.
Stop 1: Greenville – Falls Park On The Reedy
Start your journey in downtown Greenville, a thriving area known for its charming Falls Park on the Reedy.
Reedy River Falls: Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.25 miles (walk-up)
- Registration: None
You can view the falls from the iconic Liberty Bridge or stroll through the park’s grassy lawn. This area is perfect for families, as it offers an easily accessible walk with plenty of nearby dining options, such as Smoke on the Water.
When you have time, hop on the Swamp Rabbit Trail for a longer adventure.
Also Read Staying Warm While Camping:
Stop 2: Jones Gap State Park
Head to Jones Gap State Park, a gem in the Palmetto State featuring multiple waterfalls.
Jones Gap Falls
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 3.5 miles (out-and-back)
- Registration: Required
This scenic hike follows the Jones Gap Trail to a charming 50-foot cascade. The trail is relatively easy to follow and offers serene views of the forest.
Rainbow Falls
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 4.6 miles (out-and-back)
- Registration: Required
For a more challenging hike, take the Rainbow Falls spur trail. The climb is steep, but the payoff is worth it as you reach the base of this towering cascade.
Wildcat Branch Falls
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: Negligible for the lower falls; 1 mile to the upper falls
- Registration: None
This roadside waterfall is perfect for a quick stop. The lower falls have a small swimming hole, while the upper falls are accessible via a short trail.
Stop 3: Caesars Head State Park
At Caesars Head State Park, you’ll find one of the most iconic waterfalls in South Carolina.
Raven Cliff Falls
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 4 miles (out-and-back)
- Registration: None
This 400-foot waterfall is the tallest in South Carolina. The trail to the observation deck is relatively flat, making it a must-visit for families. Keep an eye out for ravens soaring above the cliffs!
Stop 4: Rocky Bottom – Beech Bottom Falls
Next, drive to Rocky Bottom for a quieter yet stunning waterfall experience.
Beech Bottom Falls
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 1.7 miles (out-and-back)
- Registration: None
This trail offers rustic footbridges and lovely views of the falls from an observation platform. Be cautious of steep banks near the waterfall.
Eastatoe Narrows
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 3.4 miles (out-and-back)
- Registration: None
Known for its unique geology, this waterfall is accessible via the Eastatoe Gorge Spur Trail. The hike is moderately challenging but rewarding with its stunning views.
Stop 5: Twin Falls
Located near Reedy Cove, Twin Falls is a unique double cascade.
Twin Falls (Reedy Cove Falls)
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.3–1.3 miles, depending on the route
- Registration: None
The lower trail takes you to the base of the falls, while the upper trail offers a bird’s-eye view. Kids will love the swimming holes near the base of the falls.
Spot 6: Western Lake Jocassee
Let’s explore the western side of Lake Jocassee.
Wright Creek Falls and Mill Creek Falls can only be reached by boat. You can launch from Devil’s Fork State Park, where rangers provide maps and directions.
Lower Whitewater Falls: Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 4.2 miles round trip
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Registration Required: No
The trail to Lower Whitewater Falls is a great 4-mile hike starting on the Foothills Trail Access Road off Bad Creek Road. Along the way, you’ll cross the Whitewater River and catch glimpses of the falls. The best view is from a wooden observation tower near the end of the trail. Swimming is not allowed here.
Stop 7: Mountain Rest – Spoonauger And King Creek Falls
The Mountain Rest area is home to several beautiful waterfalls.
Spoonauger Falls
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.6 miles (out-and-back)
- Registration: None
This quick hike leads to a stunning rock-face waterfall. The trail is family-friendly, with just a few switchbacks near the end.
King Creek Falls
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.7 miles (out-and-back)
- Registration: None
This 70-foot waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, and its pool is perfect for splashing on hot days.
Stop 8: Oconee State Park
Hidden Falls is a popular hiking destination inside Oconee State Park, perfect for families with older kids.
Hidden Falls: Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 5.1 miles round trip
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Registration Required: Yes
The trail is a bit long but easy to follow, ending with a beautiful 60-foot waterfall. To access the trail, drive through the park, passing the playground and cabins. Look for the parking lot on the left near the Tamassee Knob Trail. From there, follow the Foothills Trail signs and take the Hidden Falls turnoff about 1 mile into the hike.
Traveling in Oconee State Park is a great option when you plan to stay overnight. The park offers fun activities like canoe rentals, a lake with a diving platform, and even weekly square dances for visitors to enjoy.
Stop 9: Oconee Station State Park
Station Cove Falls is one of the easiest waterfall hikes, perfect for kids and beginners.
Station Cove Falls: Quick Facts
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.6 miles round trip
- Trail Type: Out-and-back
- Registration Required: No
The trail is wide and simple, with gentle slopes that make it easy to follow through a beautiful Upstate forest. At the end of the trail, you’ll reach the stunning Station Cove Falls. Kids can splash in the ankle-deep water at the base, or you can relax on one of the large boulders nearby.
To find the trailhead, drive along Oconee State Road from Walhalla, passing the state park entrance. Look for a small parking area on the left with trailhead signs clearly visible.
You can also reach Station Cove Falls from Oconee State Park by following the Oconee Passage of the Palmetto Trail.
Stop 10: Walhalla – Issaqueena Falls
In Walhalla, you’ll find Issaqueena Falls, one of the most accessible waterfalls in the state.
Issaqueena Falls
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.3 miles (out-and-back)
- Registration: None
This site features a large parking lot, picnic tables, and even vault toilets. After visiting the falls, explore the nearby Stumphouse Tunnel, a historic Civil War-era site.
Yellow Branch Falls
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 3 miles (out-and-back)
- Registration: None
This hike is perfect for families with older kids. The trail leads to a stunning cascade that trickles over a wide rock face.
Stop 11: Long Creek, South Carolina
Long Creek Falls
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 3.3 miles (out-and-back)
- Registration: None
Long Creek Falls is a beautiful hike through the forest. The trail becomes less visible near the waterfall, so look for a smaller path to reach the base. Nearby, the Top-of-the-Rock Trail offers views of the Chattooga River.
Opossum Creek Falls
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Distance: 4.4 miles (out-and-back)
- Registration: None
This hike starts on a wide trail and becomes more challenging near the falls. The waterfall is large, and there’s a small beach for wading. The return hike includes an incline.
Bull Sluice
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.4 miles (out-and-back)
- Registration: None
Bull Sluice is a short hike to a rapid on the Chattooga River with a small beach for wading. While not a huge waterfall, it’s an easy stop.
Brasstown Falls
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.6 miles (out-and-back)
- Registration: None
This trail features three stunning cascades—Upper, Middle, and Lower Brasstown Falls. It’s family-friendly and ends with a sandy beach and wading pool.
Blue Hole Falls
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1 mile (out-and-back)
- Registration: None
Blue Hole Falls has a swimming hole at the base, but you must cross Cedar Creek to reach it. Avoid this hike after rain, as the stream can become too swift.
These trails near Long Creek provide incredible views and a mix of easy and moderate hikes for all explorers.
Stop 12: Westminster, South Carolina
Ramsey Falls
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 500 feet from the parking lot
- Trail Type: None
- Registration: No
Located in Chau Ram County Park, Ramsey Falls is very easy to reach, making it great for families. The waterfall is small but perfect for wading. The park also offers tubing and has picnic areas and 4 miles of trails. Entry costs $2 per day.
Riley Moore Falls
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.9 miles (out-and-back)
- Registration: No
Riley Moore Falls is a hidden gem with a wide swimming hole and sandy beach. Park on Spy Rock Road when you don’t have a 4×4 and walk down the forest road to the trailhead. The trail gently slopes to the Chauga River, where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.
Final Stop: Central, South Carolina
Todd Creek Falls
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 1.4 miles (out-and-back)
- Registration: No
The trail to Todd Creek Falls crosses the creek twice and has an overlook in between. A small spur trail leads to the base, where you can enjoy a swimming area and take photos. When you continue past the falls, you’ll find historic mill ruins worth exploring before heading back.
Waldrop Stone Falls
- Difficulty: Easy
- Distance: 0.8 miles (out-and-back)
- Registration: No
Just 20 minutes from Todd Creek Falls, Waldrop Stone Falls is a short, family-friendly trail with some wooden stairs to help with steep sections. At the base, you can wade in shallow water. The trail continues past the falls but is overgrown and less maintained, so it’s best to turn back after visiting the waterfall. This site is part of the Clemson Experimental Forest.
Tips For Your South Carolina Waterfalls Road Trip
Planning a South Carolina Waterfalls road trip? These tips will help make your adventure safe and fun! From packing the right gear to staying on marked trails, this guide covers everything you need to know to explore beautiful waterfalls and enjoy nature with your family.
Read: Understanding Ecotourism Practices
- Pack Wisely: Bring sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water, and snacks.
- Plan Your Stops: Use a waterfalls road trip map to organize your itinerary.
- Check Trail Conditions: Some trails can be closed or require permits, so always check ahead.
- Leave No Trace: Preserve the beauty of South Carolina waterfalls by packing out all trash.
- Safety First: Stay on marked trails and avoid getting too close to the edge of waterfalls.
Do you have more queries about the best South Carolina Waterfalls road trip? Check out the following questions and answers.
FAQs
What Are The Mentionable Things In The South Carolina Waterfalls Trip Itinerary?
The South Carolina waterfalls trip itinerary highlights stunning spots like Raven Cliff Falls, Twin Falls, and Lower Whitewater Falls. Enjoy family-friendly hikes, scenic trails, swimming holes, and picnic areas while exploring breathtaking cascades across state parks and forests in the Palmetto State.
What Things To Remember During Your South Carolina Waterfall Road Trip?
Pack essentials like sturdy shoes, water, snacks, and a map. Stay on marked trails, check weather conditions, and avoid slippery areas near waterfalls. Bring a camera, but leave no trash behind to protect nature. Plan ahead for parking and enjoy your adventure safely!
What Is The Closest Waterfall To Charleston Sc?
The closest waterfall to Charleston, SC, is Cypress Gardens Waterfall, located about 30 minutes away in Moncks Corner. While small, this picturesque waterfall is part of the beautiful Cypress Gardens, a peaceful area featuring trails, a butterfly house, and scenic boat rides.
What Are The Best Waterfalls To Swim In South Carolina?
The best waterfalls to swim in South Carolina include Riley Moore Falls with its wide swimming hole, Brasstown Falls offering calm wading pools, and Wildcat Branch Falls with its refreshing lower cascade. These spots combine scenic beauty with safe areas for water fun!
Where Is The Eastatoe Falls?
Eastatoe Falls is located in Pickens County, South Carolina, near the Eastatoe Valley. This stunning waterfall can be accessed via the Eastatoe Gorge Trail in the Jocassee Gorges area. It’s a peaceful spot surrounded by lush forests, perfect for nature lovers and hikers.
What Is The Biggest Waterfall In South Carolina?
The biggest waterfall in South Carolina is Raven Cliff Falls, located in Caesars Head State Park. It cascades over 400 feet, making it a breathtaking sight. You can view it from an observation deck after a 4-mile hike, surrounded by the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Conclusion: Best South Carolina Waterfalls Road Trip
This best South Carolina Waterfalls road trip showcases the natural beauty of the Palmetto State. From family-friendly or easy hikes to challenging waterfall trails, this guide offers something for everyone. Plan your trip today and experience the serene beauty of South Carolina’s waterfalls!
