Waterfalls are one of nature’s most beautiful displays of both elegance and power. For many hikers and adventurers, a stunning display of cascades is a great reward after making their way through miles of forests, rocky creeks, and up steep trails. Thankfully, South Carolina is loaded with these majestic marvels. Even better, some can be found without too much of a trek. Here are the 12 waterfalls in South Carolina to see.  

Raven Cliff Falls, Greenville County

Get ready for a jaw-dropping sight, as this is waterfall hike is worth the payout. A four-mile out-and-back trail takes you where Matthews Creek drops 400 feet. The vertical waterfall is one of the largest in South Carolina. Raven Cliff Falls is in Caesars Head State Park. The hike itself is relatively flat and takes you to an observation tower where you can view the stunning falls in all their glory. You can also see the falls from a rock outcropping on the Dismal Trail. The best views from Dismal Trail and the observation tower are in the fall and winter when the leaves are off the trees.

The name “Raven Cliff Falls” comes from the ravens that breed around the cliff face. Around 180 species of birds have been identified in the state park, making it attractive to bird watchers. Add in a waterfall hike, and you’ve got a special outdoor adventure.

Pig Pen Falls & Licklog Falls, Oconee County

Pig Pen Falls is a smaller waterfall that drops in two cascades a short distance from its peak. While it’s certainly not a big waterfall, perhaps it deserves a better name. Clear and gentle waters flow down from the top. While the higher tier of this waterfall is hidden by vegetation, visitors can enjoy a nice dip in the second tier’s base. At just 25 feet high, Pig Pen Falls offers easier access compared to the other choices here.

You can stop at Pig Pen Falls or continue the hike to the impressive 80-foot cascade at Licklog Falls. Licklog Falls is a multi-tiered waterfall cascading in two tiers. The higher tier stands at 30 feet above the ground, where its water drops into the basin beneath it. The second tier is bigger and flows straight into the Chattooga River. While it is possible to make your way down to the base of this waterfall, the descent is quite steep, so extra caution is needed. During warm weather, Licklog Falls is a wonderful spot for families with kids to cool off or have a picnic.

When taking a hike, you will need to cross over Licklog Creek on a bridge before it joins Pigpen Creek. It’s just under one mile long, so it’s also one of the quicker treks on this list. Some parts of the hike follow the 77-mile Foothills Trail and part of the 15.5-mile Chattooga Trail.

Located within Mountain Rest, the trail leading to the falls is more laid-back, ideal for family outings and younger adventurers. A large camping area is close by, so overnight stays are possible.

Spoonauger Falls, Oconee County

Find the 50-foot Spoonauger Falls within Sumter National Forest close to Georgia’s border. It’s another short hike, and will only take around 20 minutes to reach via the out-and-back trail which leads to it. The kid-friendly trail is just over a half-mile and is fairly easy.

This beautiful, multi-tiered scenic waterfall off the Chattooga River looks its best when the water levels reach higher than normal. If you do decide to go during the dry season, you might just get trickles of water, so it probably won’t be worth the trip. If you go there on a good day, you can expect to see a series of steps to the pool where the refreshing water will certainly cool you off during a hot day.

King Creek Falls, Oconee County

If you’re going on a trip to Upstate South Carolina just to see waterfalls, combine King Creek Falls and Spoonauger Falls in one adventure-filled trek. Both are outside Mountain Rest in the Sumter National Forest near the Burrells Ford Campground, and they can easily be accessed separately or together in one easy trip. Located on Kings Creek off the Chattooga River the falls cascade from 70 feet.

Take a short half-mile walk from the trailhead parking area to the falls. Find offers plenty of areas to sit, dip your toes in ankle-deep water, and enjoy the gentle spray. While water also pours down in stages into a wide gorge, it doesn’t do this in the same manner as that of Spoonauger. Basic camping facilities are near here, so you can enjoy an overnight stay just a shorter walk away.

Twin Falls, Pickens County

When visiting, you get two for the price of one. As its name suggests, Twin Falls is made up of two streams of water fed by Reedy Cove Creek. The higher of the cascades measures 75 feet and falls off a large chunk of granite. While the second one isn’t as high, it still provides a magnificent image as it sends water over 45 feet into the bigger falls.

Close to the community of Sunset, South Carolina, Twin Falls has quite a few names, including Reedy Cove Falls, Eastatoe Falls, and Rock Falls. It can even be called Triplet Falls whenever precipitation is high. Whenever the snow from the mountains melts, and it begins raining in the spring, a third waterfall appears next to the middle fall. However, it is visibly smaller compared to the two more permanent falls.

Moreover, Twin Falls is a quick and easy walk to and from its entrance at around a quarter-mile. Just a few minutes of walking will take you right to the falls where the views are excellent. While you can get closer to the trail, the views won’t get much better, and the slippery rocks present a danger to visitors. Even if you follow the water downstream, you’ll only find a slide where the water gathers inside a swimming hole, so it’s best to cool off somewhere else.

Another trail does run for a mile at the top of the falls, but for most of the year, leaves obscure the views.

Lower Whitewater Falls, Oconee County

While known as the smaller version of the Upper Whitewater Falls in North Carolina, the Lower Whitewater Falls still stands at 200ft tall and plunges in the same manner as its bigger counterpart. This impressive waterfall is connected to Lake Jocassee. Visitors will be required to move past some Duke Energy infrastructure. Upon arrival at the actual waterfall, you’ll enjoy a quieter experience compared to what you might experience from its bigger brother.

Located near Salem in Oconee County, this beautiful natural wonder will make for a great photograph. Those seeking the perfect waterfall picture should be prepared for a moderate hike of around 45 minutes to an hour. To get there, park your car approximately two miles away from the waterfall at the Lower Whitewater Falls Trail Access. From the top of the waterfalls, the Whitewater River takes a dramatic drop into Jocassee Gorge. Head over to the observation platform for spectacular views and to hear its roar.

Rainbow Falls, Greenville County

With damp walls of sparkling mica schist and gneiss Rainbow Falls is a true beauty. From Mountain Rest, find it in Jones Gap State Park by following the Jones Gap Trail to the Rainbow Falls Trail.

Getting there takes a strenuous hike of 1.6 miles and 1,000 feet of elevation gain. But at the end is a 100-foot waterfall set against a striking cliff face. For those who make the hike, it’s one of their favorite waterfalls. Spring is the best time to visit Rainbow Falls, as the azaleas and blooming wildflowers add striking beauty to the falling water.

Please be respectful and if you pack it in, pack it out. The waterfall hike may start on state land but ends on YMCA Camp Greenville property. Follow all posted signs on the well-marked trail. Also note that it’s fed by Cox Camp Creek, which can run thin during drier spells. Plan to go after a solid rainfall for the best pictures and views.

Long Creek Falls, Oconee County

Long Creek Falls is aptly named. The best way to get there and view the great sights is on a raft from the Chattooga River. Otherwise, the Long Creek Falls trail runs 3.3 miles. Expect about an hour’s hike through wildflower meadows and forests.

These multi-tiered falls are 50 feet high and drop right where the creek meets the river. Long Creek Falls is located inside the Sumter National Forest near Long Creek Academy (which is on the National Register of Historic Places) and the community of Long Creek.

The final stretch of the trek can be difficult for novice adventurers. The last part of the strenuous hike to the falls has steep sections. Since the path to Long Creek Falls isn’t an official trail, there may not be any permanent markings. Experienced hikers are best for this route.

Opossum Creek Falls, Oconee County

Not far from the Long Creek trailhead, pick up the hiking trail for Opossum Creek Falls on Camp Branch Falls Trail. Get ready for an adventure! The round trip is four miles. On your way to the falls, you’ll need to cross the creek twice. The hiking trail is designed to take you to the creek. It is mostly an easy jaunt, with the hike on a former forest service road. The way is bordered by beautiful partridgeberry wildflowers and shaded by trees. Once you reach the Chattooga River, you’ll come across heavily vegetated paths where you begin the half-mile hike up to the falls. Be sure to take caution when passing here since the area makes an excellent habitat for bobcats, wild turkeys, and black bears.

The falls themselves have a 50-foot drop that comprises a collection of cascades. At the bottom is a jumble of rocks and logs before it continues its way through the forest. If your kids don’t mind walking, during summer, its creek is a great place for a swim, but it gets too cold during the winter.

Depending on your sense of outdoor adventure, this spectacular waterfall might rank among your most difficult excursions or one of your most rewarding experiences. Primitive camping is also available along the trail.

Laurel Fork Falls, Pickens County

To get to Laurel Fork Falls, you either need to love hiking or be ready for a suspension bridge. To reach them, you’ll have to follow the Foothills Trail for over five hours, climb many sets of wooden steps, and cross a challenge.  Camping overnight is recommended, although there is a shorter 2.6-mile day trip option along the Appalachian Trail. Either way, make sure to prepare your gear.

Running for 8.4 miles, the hike to this waterfall will surely test your abilities. It asks adventurers to follow Laurel Creek, which also crisscrosses through the stream on bridges. If you’re looking for a challenge and think you have great hiking skills, then this waterfall is a great reward.

If you’re not willing or unable to hike, boating on Lake Jocassee is an easier and more relaxing alternative. Approaching from a boat in the Laurel Fork Creek cove, you’ll curve around a crescent-shaped grotto to see the stunning 80-foot drop directly into the lake. This view is best after it rains heavily, so be sure to plan your trip ahead of time.

Brasstown Falls, Oconee County

Located within Sumter National Forest near Mountain Rest, these stunning falls consist of three cascades that drop 120 feet. From the base, you can see all these beautiful waterfalls. They also have their own names—Sluice, Veil, and Cascades.

Updates to the 1.5-mile hiking trail have reduced its difficulty and travel time, now about an hour. It’s still an uneven trail with rocks and roots, but bridges and steps make it more accessible. Observation decks make it easier to get the iconic views. The first fork will take you to Little Brasstown Falls. Jump back on or take the right fork for the main falls.

The water pools at the bottom can be very inviting on a hot summer day. Sunlight can create rainbows in the mist, adding to this lovely location.

The quarter-mile hike to the first falls is one of the most popular choices for families with kids and pets. While the trail that leads to the Cascades is easy to reach, the Veil and Sluice sections have steep descents and are blocked off by large boulders. As a result, hiking there isn’t recommended for novice hikers.

Issaqueena Falls, Oconee County

Another entry from the Sumter National Forest, Issaqueena Falls is on a well-maintained trail only a 15-minute stroll from the parking area. Within a short walk, you will get a stunning view of the whole 100-foot cascade. Its beauty and all the things to do nearby make it one of the most popular waterfalls around.

There is a tougher trail next to the lowest platform that leads to the falls’ base. This path is dangerous, so visitors are discouraged from trying it.

Issaqueena is an interesting name with an equally interesting background. Legends circulate around the story of a young Native American maiden. She either hid in the falls to avoid capture or jumped off to escape from her tribe, which didn’t approve of her association with a white silversmith.

From the same parking lot, you can visit Stumphouse Tunnel, part of the incomplete Blue Ridge Railroad. The trail to the middle tunnel starts above the falls, or you can pick it up from the parking lot. Flashlights are recommended. Additionally, there are mountain bike trails and picnic areas at Stumphouse Park.

Yellow Branch Falls, Oconee County

Yellow Branch Falls drops from 50 feet high. Be ready for some waterfall adventures, as it isn’t as accessible as the others on this list. The 1.5-mile Yellow Branch Falls Trail will likely take a few hours to complete, depending on your hiking prowess. You’ll need to cross the creek a few times and walk by deep ravines before arriving at a tranquil setting. The moderately difficult hike runs through beautiful groves of tulip trees, oak, black gum, and pine.

The actual waterfall is located within the Yellow Branch Picnic Area. This facility has plenty of tables and a shelter equipped with a fireplace. Mountain laurels and rhododendrons run along with a small stream that flows through the day area.

These falls offer 60 feet of irregular rocky ledges which make for a dramatic setting, especially if it has just rained. If it hasn’t rained in a while, the falls may only be a trickle of water. Since Yellow Branch Falls is seasonal, the flow will likely be limited during summer. Be sure to wear sturdy shoes and practice extra caution when walking on the trail in wet conditions, as it skirts the edges of ravines.

Visit Waterfalls in SC

Upstate South Carolina is a prime location for waterfalls of all kinds, sizes, shapes, and trails, which all range in difficulty. From quick and easy 15-minute hikes to the more difficult all-day hikes suitable for only experienced hikers, there’s no shortage of gorgeous and powerful waterfalls in this state. Add these must-see falls in South Carolina to your bucket list.

Updated August 2024