Waterfalls

From modest to majestic, Oconee County is home to some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the nation! Their rushing waters surrounded by stunning scenery make each one a special place to visit. Hikes to these waterfalls range from easy to extremely difficult, but each offers a rewarding, picturesque view at the end.

Bee Cove Falls, Salem

(Map - Waterfalls 1) This remote multi-tiered falls is a difficult 2- to 3-hour hike, but worth the effort. Best viewing times during December – March when insects and vines are scarce. During other months beware of yellow jackets, poison oak and poison ivy. Path is mostly on logging roads and unmarked trail, which can be dangerous. The avid, adventurous hiker should use caution. NORTH from Walhalla on Hwy 28, BEAR RIGHT onto Hwy 107 for 12.5 miles. Park on LEFT and walk 150 yards to FS 702. BEAR RIGHT at 3-way intersection and follow the sounds to the waterfalls. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.98149 W 083.062800

Big Bend Falls, Walhalla

(Map - Waterfalls 2) Largest vertical drop of the Chattooga River is a sight to see, but it is a dangerous and difficult 3-hour hike. The adventurous, expert hiker may drive NORTH from Walhalla on Hwy 28. BEAR RIGHT onto Hwy 107 for 10 miles, then LEFT onto Burrells Ford Rd for 3 miles, park. Follow Foothills Trail 2.5 miles to Big Bend Trail. 0.5 miles hear the falls. Follow rugged paths to the falls. Closer to the end may be rough depending on the time of year. Good fishing! GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.97128 W 083.11465

Blue Hole Falls, Mountain Rest

(Map - Waterfalls 3) A series of falls where water rushes 75 feet down a narrow gap into a blue hole, thus the name. Moderate 30-minute hike. Requires hiking across the creek and shimmying down to the Blue Hole. Great for swimming. Easy hike up to the falls but to actually see the falls requires some climbing and agility. NORTH from Walhalla on Hwy 28 for 7 miles the LEFT on Whetstone Rd, 1 mile on LEFT on Cassidy Bridge Rd for 1 mile. Turn LEFT onto Rich Mountain Rd, 3.3. miles the RIGHT on Cedar Creek Rd, 2.5 miles and park. Hike .3 miles down 2658 to intersection. RIGHT down short path to creek. Cross and follow downstream. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.76171 W 038.18613

Easy Moderate

Icon Key

Strenuous Boat Accessible Only

Brasstown Falls, Long Creek

(Map - Waterfalls 4) Four falls ranging from 20 to 40 feet, divided left and right on the trail. WEST from Westminster on Hwy 76 for 11 miles the LEFT on Brasstown Rd for 4 miles. RIGHT on FS 751. Park and follow trail. The trail to the right is a difficult and dangerous hike, not for novice hikers. Requires climbing down an unmarked but worn trail; crossing through a narrow, shallow stream; then a short walk on the trail to the falls. The left trail is a more family friendly short hike. Good swimming holes are found at both ends of the trail. Brasstown Creek BBQ is a great place to eat after this hike. Open Friday-Saturday 4:00 – 9:00. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.71908 W 083.30158

Bull Sluice Falls, Long Creek

(Map - Waterfalls 5) An easy hike on a well marked trail leads to a 14-foot drop on Chattooga River with whitewater in action. Fun for watching rafters and kayakers drop over a class 4 falls. Family friendly, with restrooms and a beach area for swimming nearby, but DO NOT SWIM AT THE FALLS. Go NORTHWEST on Hwy 76 from Westminster 17 miles. Parking area is before bridge at SC/GA line. Walk ¼ mile upstream. Lunch options are available before reaching the river at Chattooga Belle Farm or Humble Pie. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.81473 W 083.30512

Chau Ram Falls, Westminster

(Map - Waterfalls 6) Beautiful 40-foot cascade over large boulders where Ramsey Creek and Chauga River meet. The falls is located inside Chau Ram County Park where a $2 parking fee applies. Lower parking lot provides roadside viewing. Good wading pond at foot of falls. Excellent swimming just a short, easy walk from the falls on well-marked and partially paved trail. Great place to camp and picnic. Two miles WEST of Westminster on Hwy 76 at Chau Ram County Park (entrance fee). GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.68171 W 083.14542

Chauga Narrows, Mountain Rest

(Map - Waterfalls 7) Located on the Chauga River, view the narrow 25-foot-high falls. A moderate hike. Great picnic spot and swimming along the river. For best viewing of falls, some climbing over rocks is required. NORTH 7 miles from Walhalla on Hwy 28. LEFT on Whetstone Rd. (S193) Go 3 miles to Blackwell Bridge over Chauga River. Park and

Cheohee or Miuka Falls, Mountain Rest

(Map - Waterfalls 8) Pronounced “Choy” this 75-foot waterfall on Townes Creek can be easily viewed with a 45-minute hike. NORTH from Walhalla on SC 28, Bear Right on Hwy 107 for 8. Miles. Park on RIGHT and follow the Winding Stairs Trail signs with yellow posts on RIGHT. Trail turns RIGHT in .2 miles. Make a sharp LEFT and continue 1/3 miles to clearing and hear the falls. Hike through foliage to creek. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.94220 W 083.08975

Fall Creek Falls, Mountain Rest

(Map Waterfalls 9) Multiple falls range from 30 to 40 feet within a 1-mile stretch. A long, steep, but not dangerous 2-mile hike made more difficult during spring and summer by foliage. Best visiting time is in winter. Still, in season, the creek is good for wading. Chattooga Belle Farm or Humble Pie are great places to eat along the way on Hwy 76. Travel WEST 16 miles from Westminster on Hwy 76, turn RIGHT on Chattooga Ridge Rd (S196). Go 2 miles to LEFT at Falls Creek Rd (FS

722). Take the LEFT fork across Falls Creek and park. Path on LEFT leads to base of the first falls and strenuous downstream hike. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.82246 W 083.25079

Hidden Falls, Mountain Rest

(Map - Waterfalls 10) Near the head of the Foothills Trail, this 50-foot waterfall over granite ledges can be reached with a moderate, one-hour hike. Best show of waterfall after a rain. NORTH from Walhalla on Hwy 28. Bear RIGHT on SC 107 for 2.5 miles to Oconee State Park (admission fee). RIGHT .8 miles to Foothills Trailhead. Park. Follow trail to its junction with Station Mountain Rd and the Tamassee Knob Trail. Crossing Station Mountain Rd, go LEFT 10 yards on Foothills Trail. Follow signs to waterfall. DO NOT CLIMB UP FALLS. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.863309 W 083.09820

Issaqueena Falls, Walhalla

(Map - Waterfalls 11) An easy 5-minute walk to the viewing platforms from which you can view the beautiful waterfall named for a Creek maiden who hid on one of the falls’ ledges to avoid capture during an Indian attack. There is a rough trail next to the lowest platform, which leads to the base of the falls. However, the path is quite dangerous and visitors are not encouraged to try it. NORTH from Walhalla on Hwy 28 for 5.5 miles, turn RIGHT at the entrance of Stumphouse Tunnel Park (entrance fee). Follow signs to waterfall, and it is worthwhile to visit Stumphouse Tunnel in the same park and Yellow Branch Falls located on the other side of Hwy 28. CPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.80740 W 083.12158

King Creek Falls, Mountain Rest

(Map - Waterfalls 12 This 70-foot tumble through a laurel-choked gorge is one of the best to view. Easy to moderate 30-minute hike. Trail is sometimes slippery, but well marked, with restrooms at the trail head. Beautiful sight. Family friendly. Kids can play in the pool at the base of the falls. You can hike the loop and view the river. NORTH from Walhalla on Hwy 28. BEAR RIGHT on Hwy 107 for 10 miles. LEFT onto Burrells Ford Rd for 2.3 miles. Park on LEFT. Hike Chattooga Trail for .3 miles then LEFT by bank of creek. Cross bridge then LEFT on trail to falls. GPS coordinates to parking area: N34.97128 W 083.11465

Laurel Fork Falls, Salem

(Map – Waterfalls 13) ) You should consider visiting the fall by boat instead of hiking. Witnessing the 80-foot high falls from a boat in the waters of Lake Jocassee is a one-of-a-kind experience. There are several other falls that can be visited on the lake including Wrights Creek and Mills Creek Falls. Drive NORTH from Pickens on US 178 for approximately 16.5 miles and turn LEFT onto Laurel Valley Rd, take the gravel road to the RIGHT and drive .5 miles to the Foothills Trail/Laurel Valley Access parking lot on LEFT. There is a 16 mile round trip hike. Otherwise, access the lake via Devils Fork State Park. Boat rentals and guided tours available. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 35 02.938 W 82 48.828

Lee Falls, Tamassee

Map - Waterfalls 14) ) A bit hard to find, but one of Oconee’s most picturesque falls is on Tamassee Creek. No official trail makes this a challenging hike. Best visibility in wintertime. No swimming. The last ¼ mile is difficult but not dangerous, with lots of boulder climbing. From intersection of Hwy 11 and Hwy 183, go NORTH on Hwy 11 for 4 miles. Turn LEFT on Cheohee Valley Rd for 1.4 miles. Turn LEFT onto Road 375 for 1 mile. Turn LEFT on Tamassee Knob Rd and RIGHT on Jumping Branch Rd. Turn LEFT on the second gravel road (FS 715A). At the NORTH end of the parking area, strike out through the middle of the first of three fields, crossing creeks as you come to them. At the end of the last field, the trail enters the woods. Hike through the woods for .3 mile and take the LEFT fork, crossing a creek, and head toward the larger branch of Tamassee Creek. Hike another .2 mile and follow Tamassee creek upstream to a point where the trail gets very rocky and obstructed. You are less than .2 mile from the falls. You may have to cross the creek several times depending on conditions. Once you can see the falls, you should be on the SOUTH side, which is the best place to be to view the falls. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.89344 W 83.08131. Waterfall coordinates: N 34.89428 W 83.10191

Long Creek Falls, Long Creek

(Map - Waterfalls 15) Experience this beautiful, multi-tiered, 50-foot cascade into Chattooga River. This is a moderate hour-long hike. The last 150 feet is very steep, making for a challenging climb out. WEST from Westminster on US 76. 13 miles to Damascus

Church Rd for 1 mile. Turn RIGHT on Battle Creek Rd for 1.8 miles, RIGHT on Turkey Ridge Rd for 3 miles. Park in clearing near FS 7551. Follow to small parking area and stay RIGHT to the fork. GPS coordinates to parking area: N34.77767 W 083.31212

Mill Creek Falls, Salem

(Map – Waterfalls 28) Located on Lake Jocassee this falls is only accessible by boat. Launch from Devils Fork State Park (parking fee required). Boat rentals and lake tours are available. For exact locations of the falls, please stop by the Devils Fork Ranger Station for a map and detailed directions. GPS coordinates for Devils Fork State Park are: N 34.952139 W 82.946134

Opposum Creek Falls, Long Creek

(Map - Waterfalls 17) The two-hour hike to this 50-foot cascade is not dangerous, but quite strenuous. Nice picnic area and swimming at the river. Best views are in the dormant season, or from the end of May to first of June for Mountain Laurel and Rhododendron. Just keep close eye on mileage to locate the sign at the Trail Head. Just keep close eye on mileage to locate it. WEST from Westminster on US 76 for 13 miles. LEFT onto Damascus Church Rd 1 mile. RIGHT on Battle Creek Rd 1.8 miles. RIGHT on Turkey Ridge Rd (sign may be hard to see because of foliage) 2.2 miles. Park on LEFT and follow trail for 2 miles to the river, then hike upstream. GPS coordinates to parking are: N 34.77332 W 083.30361.

Pigpen/Licklog Falls, Mountain Rest

(Map - Waterfalls 18) This is the perfect falls for a young family, and a great place for swimming. An easy one-hour hike to two sets of falls ¼ mile apart. From Hwy 28/ US 107 intersection, NORTH on 107, 3 miles to a LEFT on Village Creek Rd for 1 mile. Turn RIGHT on Nicholson Ford Rd (FS 775) 2 miles. Drive to the end of the road for hiking past the Foothills Trail parking lot, then access Foothills Trail toward Chattooga River and Falls. Pigpen will be the first falls on the left with a great swimming hole. Licklog is a short distance further on the right and is a little more difficult to view from the trail, unless dormant. Continue on the trail for a few more minutes to the Chattooga River. Great place to swim and picnic. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.91905 W 083.12020

Reedy Branch Falls, Mountain Rest

(Map – Waterfalls 30) This 30-foot cascade is easily accessible via a 300yard walk down a gravel road. The pull-off, with its large stone columns and iron gate, implies private property, however, it is indeed public land as the US Forest Service’s stake inside the gate indicates. According to a Forest Service ranger, the land was in the process of being developed for home sites when the Forest Service acquired it. Some remnants of this development remain. From Westminster, take US 76 for about 15 miles. Look for the pull-off on the LEFT after you pass Chattooga Ridge Road on the RIGHT. Good wading pool at the foot of the cascades. Chattooga Belle Farm and Humble Pie are great places to eat along the way on Hwy 76.

Riley Moore Falls, Long Creek

(Map - Waterfalls 20) Once the site of a gristmill, this waterfall measures 12 feet high, 100 feet wide and is a great family destination. After a moderate 15-minute walk to the falls, a tunnel to the left brings you up in the middle of the falls. It’s also a good place for swimming. Drive WEST from Westminster 7.5 miles on US 76. RIGHT on Cobb Bridge Rd 1.4 miles. LEFT on Spy Rock Rd, which is gravel, 2 miles. RIGHT on FS 748C. End of road, follow short trail to falls. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.74106 W 083.18535

Secret Falls, Walhalla

(Map - Waterfalls 21 ) A treacherous path for adventurous, physically fit hikers, Winding Stairs Trail leads to this waterfall off the beaten path. Best viewed when foliage is gone, as from April-November the path is overgrown. NORTH from Walhalla on Hwy 28. BEAR RIGHT onto Hwy 107 for 8.7 miles, park on right. Follow Winding Stairs Trail beginning at yellow posts on RIGHT. Trail turns RIGHT 0.2 miles. Continue past clearing where you exit to view Cheohee Falls. At 3rd LEFT turn, leave trail and head through foliage, looking for ravine on LEFT. 300 yards from the trail you view the waterfall. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.94110 W 083.08975

Spoonauger Falls, Walhalla

(Map - Waterfalls 22) This 50-foot waterfall is set back into a hillside and surrounded by an explosion of shrubbery. A relatively easy path leads to the falls, which are prettiest from fall to spring when rain is plentiful.

NORTH from Walhalla on Hwy 28. BEAR RIGHT on Hwy 107 for 10 miles then LEFT on Burrells Ford Rd. Drive approximately 2.4 miles. Park on shoulder of the road near the Forestry sign at the trail head. Follow the trail approximately 0.25 miles. Cross over Spoonauger Creek. Just after the creek, turn RIGHT at the Falls sign and hike uphill to the falls; King Creek Falls and the Chattooga River are in the same area. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.97480 W08311478

Station Cove Falls, Walhalla

(Map - Waterfalls 23) A stepped 60-foot waterfall that forms from headwaters atop Station Mountain. An easy, 30-minute hike through a gorgeous Appalachian cove takes you to the family friendly wading pond at the foot of the falls. From the intersection of Hwy 11 and 183, drive 1.5 miles NORTH on Hwy 11. LEFT on Oconee Station Rd 2.4 miles to parking area at historic site. Follow trail signs to falls. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.84867 W 083.07463

Whitewater Falls, Upper, NC

(Map - Waterfalls 26) (NC) Beginning in North Carolina and ending in South Carolina, these falls are the highest in eastern America. Easy 10 minute walk to a viewing platform at the end of the asphalt path. Stairs lead down to a better viewing platform. However, it is a difficult climb back up. From Hwy 11 in Salem, go NORTH on Hwy 130 ten miles and follow signs to Whitewater Falls.

Whitewater Falls, Lower, Salem

Beginning in North Carolina and ending in South Carolina, these falls are the highest in eastern America. From Hwy 11 at Salem go NORTH on Hwy 130 for 10 miles. RIGHT at Duke Energy’s Bad Creek Hydro Station. Follow the road to the parking area for the Foothills Trail. The trail to the overlook is a dangerous 1.7 miles trek. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 35.01246 W 082.99911

Wright’s Creek Falls, Salem

(Map – Waterfalls 28) Located on Lake Jocassee, this falls is only accessible by boat. Launch from Devils Fork State Park (parking fee required). Boat rentals and lake tours available. For exact locations of the falls, please stop by the Devils Fork Ranger Station for a map and detailed directions. GPS coordinates for Devils Fork State Park are: N 34.952139 W 82.946134

Yellow Branch Falls, Mountain Rest

(Map - Waterfalls 29) The 60-foot cascades over rock ledges makes this falls a visitors favorite. NORTH from Walhalla on Hwy 28 for 5.4 miles. Left to Yellow Branch Recreation Area. Hike a short distance on nature trail to Yellow Branch Falls Trail. 1.3 miles to the falls. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.80557 W083.12876