Waterfalls
Rushing cascades hidden in the misty hollows of the Blue Ridge
Explore
The Upstate is blessed with glorious waterfalls.
Rushing water surrounded by stunning Appalachian scenery makes each cascade a special destination. Most waterfalls are tucked deep in the forest — not accessible by car. To reach them, you'll need to hike. A few can only be reached by boat from the lake. Every step is worth it.
10+
Waterfalls Listed
5
Easy Access Falls
100+
Miles of Trails
Waterfall Safety
Stay on designated trails and viewing platforms. Rocks near waterfalls are extremely slippery. Never climb above or behind a falls. Do not swim in pools above a waterfall. Wear proper footwear. Most waterfalls require a hike — plan accordingly.
Easy to Reach
(5 falls)
Easy20–40 ft · Four TiersBrasstown Falls
Long Creek, SC
Four cascading tiers with updated trails, new steps, viewing platforms, and a family-friendly bridge crossing. Swimming holes at both ends of the trail. Brasstown Creek BBQ nearby (Fri–Sat, cash only). One of the most accessible and rewarding waterfall hikes in the region.
Access: Brasstown Road, Long Creek, SC 29658 · GPS: N 34.71908 W 083.30158
Easy~100 ftIssaqueena Falls
Walhalla, SC · Stumphouse Park
A short walk to beautifully designed viewing platforms overlooking one of the most dramatic falls in the region. Named for a Creek maiden who hid on the ledges during an attack. The base trail is rugged and dangerous — stay on the platforms.
Access: 150 Stumphouse Tunnel Rd, Walhalla, SC 29691 · $5 entry
Easy–Moderate70 ftKing Creek Falls
Mountain Rest, SC
A 70-ft cascade through a laurel-choked gorge — one of the best falls in the Upstate. Well-marked trail with restrooms at the trailhead. Kids love wading in the pool at the base. Family-friendly and picturesque in every season.
Access: Burrells Ford Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664 · GPS: N 34.97128 W 083.11465
Easy40 ftRamsey Creek Falls
Westminster, SC · Chau Ram Park
A stunning 40-ft cascade over large boulders where Ramsey Creek and the Chauga River converge. Roadside viewing from the lower lot. Great wading pond at the base and excellent swimming just a short walk from the falls on a paved trail. Perfect for camping and picnicking.
Access: 1220 Chau Ram Park Rd, Westminster, SC 29693 · $3 parking
Easy (viewing)Class V RapidBull Sluice
Mountain Rest, SC · Chattooga River
Technically a rapid, not a traditional waterfall — but Bull Sluice is one of the most thrilling sights in the region. A short 0.2-mile hike from the parking lot brings you to viewing rocks where you can watch rafters tackle the Chattooga's most intense Class V drop.
Access: US Highway 76, Mountain Rest, SC 29664 · Free parking
Moderate Hikes
(3 falls)
Moderate60 ftHidden Falls
Mountain Rest, SC · Oconee State Park
A 60-ft drop tucked inside Oconee State Park, reached via a forested trail near the Foothills Trail junction. Best experienced after a rain when flows are peak. A classic moderate hike through dense upstate forest — well worth the effort.
Access: 624 State Park Road, Mountain Rest, SC 29664 · GPS: N 34.863309 W 083.09820
Moderate75 ftCheohee (Miuka) Falls
Mountain Rest, SC
A 75-ft waterfall on Townes Creek reached via the Winding Stairs Trail. One of two falls accessible from the same trailhead — pair it with Secret Falls for a full day of exploration. Hear the falls before you see them.
Access: Winding Stairs Trailhead, Burrells Ford Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664
Moderate–Strenuous30–40 ft · Multiple FallsFall Creek Falls
Mountain Rest, SC
Multiple falls within a 1-mile stretch of the creek, ranging 30–40 ft each. The approach is long and steep but not dangerous. Best viewing in winter when foliage clears and all falls are visible. A real reward for those willing to work for it.
Access: Fall Creek Road off Chattooga Ridge Rd, Mountain Rest, SC · GPS: N 34.82275 W 083.25078
Strenuous — For Experienced Hikers
(2 falls)
StrenuousMulti-tiered · RemoteBee Cove Falls
Mountain Rest, SC
A remote, multi-tiered gem requiring route-finding off Forest Service Road 702 on SC-107. A 2–3 hour hike recommended for experienced, adventurous hikers only. The solitude and scenery at the top make every step worthwhile.
Access: Hwy 107 at FS 702, Mountain Rest, SC · GPS: N 34.98233 W 083.06224
Strenuous30 ft vertical dropBig Bend Falls
Mountain Rest, SC
The largest vertical drop on the Chattooga River — a 30-ft plunge that is a sight to behold. A difficult 3-hour hike via Burrells Ford Campground, recommended only for adventurous, experienced hikers. One of the most dramatic river features in the entire Southeast.
Access: Burrells Ford Campground, 191 Burrells Ford Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664
Plan Your Waterfall Adventure
Combine waterfalls with nearby rivers, state parks, and mountain towns for a complete Blue Ridge experience.