You can explore Lake Glenville, the highest elevation lake in the Eastern US, in Jackson County, North Carolina by boat with Lake Glenville Scenic Scenic Waterfall Cruises. We did the beautiful boat tour and will tell you all you need to know to enjoy the scenic lake. We have information about Lake Glenville, including: What you’ll see on the waterfall tour Tips for your boat trip How to book your waterfall tour
Thanks to Jackson County, North Carolina for hosting us and providing the opportunity to take the boat tour.
There’s something really special about mountain lakes. Maybe it’s that crisp mountain air, the ancient hills that loom in the distance, that clear water – whatever it is, that’s where I want to be. So when I had the opportunity to take a boat tour with Captain Mark and his scenic boat cruise on Lake Glenville – the only boat tour company that operates on the lake – I was all in. We got to see waterfalls, a bald eagle nest, and enjoy the beauty of the lake. Plus, it’s only a short drive from Cashiers, so you can add it to your itinerary when visiting the area.
Looking for waterfalls in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, and Tennessee? Enjoy a hike with waterfall views as a reward, then relax by the sound of rushing water with a snack. Some waterfalls even have pools suitable for wading where you can cool off after a hot summer hike. We’ve put together a list of our favorite waterfall hikes in the southeast! Most of these hikes are great for families to do together, there are even a few that don’t require anything more than a short walk to view the falls.
We split up our list of great waterfall hikes by state. Use the links below to navigate our list!
Remember, exploring waterfalls can be dangerous with slippery rocks and drop-offs. Obey all signage and always use caution.
Find the Best Waterfalls For You
No hiking waterfalls
If you love waterfalls but need to avoid hikes, try our Waterfall Driving Tour! Many of the waterfalls can be viewed from the road, or require just a short walk down paved paths, perfect for families with small children and those with mobility concerns.
Waterfalls for families with babies and toddlers
Not all waterfall hikes require miles of strenuous hiking. Our guide to the Best Hikes for Toddlers and Young Children includes many beautiful waterfalls like Wildcat Wayside, Pearson’s Falls, and Yellow Branch Falls.
Here’s our list of waterfalls in South Carolina. These are gorgeous spots that our families have loved to visit again and again. Pack a picnic, and throw in a beach towel. You’re not going to want to miss any of these!
Greenville, SC Waterfalls: Discover Magical Waterfalls near Greenville SC in our guide. Whether you want to take in a waterfall while enjoying a long hike or a waterfall that you can view with very little effort, local mom Kristina has all the details!
Waterfalls at Laurel Fork Heritage Preserve
Sunset, SC
The beautiful Laurel Fork Heritage preserve is worth the drive, even if you never intend on getting out of the car, although I encourage you to. There are several hiking trails and roadside waterfalls. Depending on recent rainfall, one might be sufficient to splash around in. The over 1,300-acre preserve is an easy place to get away from everything.
Beech Bottom Falls
F Van Clayton Memorial Hwy Sunset, SC
Not far from Laurel Fork H.P. and on the way to Sassafras Mountain, you’ll see the Beech Bottom Falls trailhead parking lot for the falls. This is an easy two-mile round-trip hike to an observation deck that overlooks the falls.
Twin Falls
Water Falls Rd Sunset, SC
This is an easy hike that is only a ¼ of a mile. There are places to splash in the water, but please use caution. While these falls are beautiful, they are also dangerous if you are trying to climb up on the rocks.
Twin Falls in Pickens, SC
Spoonauger Falls
Burrells Ford Rd Mountain Rest, SC
Spoonauger Falls is a 50-foot waterfall reached by just a short trail from Burrells Ford Road located in the Ellicott Rock Wilderness. At just 0.3 miles to reach the base of the waterfall, it’s a perfect excursion for a family with small children.
Spoonauger Falls/ Photo Credit: Liene Kukainis
King Creek Falls
Long Creek South Carolina
King Creek Falls can be accessed from the Burrells Ford campground, from the parking area on Burrells Ford Road, and also while through-hiking the Foothills Trail. If you’re staying in the campground, the hike can be as short as a one-mile round-trip. If you’re coming in from the parking area, the hike is closer to 1.5-2 miles, depending on which trail you take. But since the trail climbs steadily up towards the waterfall, even that ½ mile can be hard for shorter legs when it’s a hot summer day – which is why the pool at the base of King Creek Falls is a perfect reward.
King Creek Falls / Photo Credit: Liene Kukainis
Rainbow Falls – Jones Gap State Park
303 Jones Gap Road Marietta, SC
The trail to Rainbow Falls is around 2.5 miles one-way, mostly up in a staircase manner. Plan to spend plenty of time wading at the base of the falls with a picnic in tow. Hiking alone may take 4-5 hours depending on the ages and abilities of your kids, plus picnicking time.
While this is a strenuous hike, there are no major dangers on the trail itself (other than the falls, of course) it is simply sweat-inducing, and the falls are worth it!
Rainbow Falls at Jones Gap
Jones Gap Falls – Jones Gap State Park
303 Jones Gap Road Marietta, SC
Jones Gap Falls is a round-trip 2.6-mile hike along a river that ends at a fan waterfall splashing over a 50-foot drop, spilling over a staircase of granite ledges. Pack a picnic and plan to spend a few hours on this lovely trail with your kiddos. The trail is so beautiful that if your kids couldn’t stick it out to the falls, nothing would be lost alongside that gorgeous river.
Jones Gap Falls
Issaqueena Falls
Walhalla, SC
Issaqueena Falls is a short hike from Stumphouse Tunnel through a covered bridge to an observation deck for viewing a lower area of the falls.
There is a path that continued past the observation deck, but parents should be aware that it isn’t a maintained trail and poses safety concerns. There have been several deaths and many accidents at this waterfall so be careful and aware of your surroundings even on the marked trails.
Horseshoe Falls – Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
Horseshoe Falls Rd Enoree, SC
Horseshoe Falls is located at the start of the Battlefield Trail at Musgrove Mill State Historic Site. It is a very short walk from the parking lot and is accessible by wheelchair.
Hikers of the battlefield trail will continue on past the falls, where the trail is no longer paved. The battlefield trail is a 1.3-mile loop, with frequent signage that describes the backcountry’s role in the Revolutionary War.
Horseshoe Falls at Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
Blue Wall Preserve
Landrum, SC
Blue Wall Preserve is a 575-acre preserve owned by The Nature Conservancy and has stunning views of the Blue Ridge mountains. The trails are well-defined, and at the back end of the 3.4-mile loop, you will be rewarded with a waterfall.
The waterfall at Blue Wall Preserve
Raven Cliff Falls – Caesars Head State Park
8155 Geer Hwy Cleveland, SC
Getting to Raven Cliff Falls at Caesars Head State Park is a long and arduous trek along a few different trails, but if you have the kids with you and prefer something more manageable, you still have the option to see the falls from afar. Start at the Raven Cliff Falls parking lot and take the Raven Cliff Falls trail about 2 miles out to an overlook where you can view the falls in all their glory.
Raven Cliff Falls at Caesars Head
Carrick Creek Falls – Table Rock State Park
158 Ellison Lane Pickens, SC
The Carrick Creek Trail at Table Rock State Park begins at the Nature Center. It starts out paved and immediately opens up to the beautiful Carrick Creek Falls where your kiddos can wade around in a cool, shallow lagoon fed by a cascading waterfall.
Beyond that, the pavement ends and the trail becomes a bit more moderate as it follows the creek for a while and then loops around back to the falls for a grand total of two miles. You and your kids will enjoy traveling alongside the creek as the rushing water drops over boulders and slides along ledges, creating an amazing backdrop for a hike.
The waterfall at Carrick Creek
Riley Moore Falls
Riley Moore Falls Trail Westminster, SC
Riley Moore Falls is a waterfall at the end of a short trail with a small beach. It’s a beautiful place but be aware some people are careless with their trash at this location, unfortunately. The trail is about two miles and starts at the end of the forestry road.
Riley Moore Falls
Wildcat Wayside
US 276/SC 11 Cleveland, SC
This waterfall, swimming hole, and trail are located right off SC 11 in Cleveland. There are stone steps leading up to the trails – the Wildcat Wayside loop is an easy mile.
Heading north on Route 11, the trail and pull-off parking area are located on the right side of the road. There is a brown wooden sign that says Wildcat Wayside, but it is easy to miss. It’s about 5 miles north of the 276/11 intersection.
Wildcat Wayside
Yellow Branch Falls
Walhalla, SC
A moderate three-mile round trip hike near Walhalla with a beautiful waterfall payoff. Parking is trailside on the road. This one is fairly popular so try to get there early in the day to get a parking spot.
Yellow Branch Falls
Station Cove Falls
State Rd S-37-95 Walhalla, SC
Station Cove is an easy trail less than two miles round trip that has a huge, beautiful waterfall. It’s located at Oconee Station State Historic Site and is an easy trail perfect for little kids.
Station Cove Falls
North Carolina Waterfall Hikes: Waterfalls in NC
Waterfalls in North Carolina are stunning. Wonderful family day trips have been made by these waterfalls, and we know you’ll love them, too!
Sapphire Valley, Land of the Waterfalls
Cashiers, NC
Kidding Around’s Kristina visited Sapphire Valley with her family and discovered why it is nicknamed, “Land of the Waterfalls.” She has all the details on the numerous waterfall hikes in this beautiful area in her article Sapphire Valley.
Sliding Rock
Waterfalls of DuPont State Recreational Forest
Staton Rd Cedar Mountain, NC
With its 900 miles of hiking trails, six major waterfalls, and over 10,000 acres of forest, DuPont State Forest is a showcase of some of the most fabulous scenery in western NC, just an hour from Greenville! KAG Contributor Liene tells us all about the best waterfalls hikes in Dupont State Forest.
Waterfalls at Triple Falls, Dupont State Forest
Catawba Falls [Closed until 2024]
3074 Catawba River Rd Old Fort, NC
This trail east of Asheville is a fantastic trail for families because it’s not long and ends at a stunning waterfall. Total mileage is around 2.5 miles and it’s a fairly easy trail.
Pearson’s Falls
2748 Pearson’s Falls Rd Saluda, NC
Located in Saluda, NC this trail to Pearson’s Falls is a moderate, .75 mile hike through a botanical preserve. Most of the trail is made up of a stone stairway going up to the falls. The falls and the pond at the base of the falls are not accessible to the public, but there are multiple wading pools among the rocks at the top of the trail that are perfect for cooling off little feet on hot days.
Waterfall at Pearsons Falls
Little Bradley Falls
Holbert Cove Road Saluda, NC
To reach Little Bradley Falls, hikers can park at a gravel pull-off on Holbert Cove Road, which is about three miles from exit 59 on I-26. There are no signs, but the hike to Little Bradley starts on the opposite side of the road from the main parking area, across the bridge on the east side of Cove Creek.
The trail is a 2.4 mile out and back moderate hike across boulders and through streams. It ends at the 35-foot, triple-tiered waterfall that feeds into a large pool at the bottom, perfect for wading and cooling off on a hot summer day.
Little Bradley Falls
Moore Cove Falls
Brevard, NC
The trailhead to the Moore Cove Falls Trail is between Looking Glass Falls and Sliding Rock in the Pisgah Forest on 276. If you’re coming from Brevard, the trailhead will be on your right.
To get to the falls, just cross the bridge and head up the stairs to the right. The trail is well-marked and has a few creek crossings and bridges. It is about 1.2 miles round trip and is great for families with smaller kids since you don’t need to work hard to see a beautiful sight!
Moore Cove Falls
Hickory Nut Falls
431 Main Street Chimney Rock, NC
The trail to Hickory Nut Falls at Chimney Rock State Park is a 1.4-mile round trip moderate hike. The waterfall at the end is an epic 404-foot-high beauty that was featured in the film, “The Last of the Mohicans.”
Hickory Nut Falls at Chimney Rock
Rainbow Falls and Turtleback Falls at Gorges State Park
976 Grassy Ridge Road Sapphire, NC
Rainbow Falls at Gorges State Park is one of my favorite waterfalls and trails in our area. The waterfall is enormous, and you can get a really good view from the overlook on the trail or you can take a smaller trail down to the bottom of the falls (just be careful).
But if you keep going another quarter-mile from those falls, you’ll come to more waterfalls. Turtleback Falls isn’t as stunning but it’s really fun. It’s a great place to cool off and go for a swim before heading back to the trailhead.
The trail is about four miles round trip and of moderate difficulty. The hike back is harder and more uphill than the hike to the waterfalls.
Rainbow Falls
Whitewater Falls
NC 281 Cashiers, NC
Cascading more than 800 feet tall, Whitewater Falls is the tallest waterfall in the Eastern United States – and it’s easily accessible just over the border into North Carolina and close to Gorges State Park.
The trail is a paved quarter-mile walk that gets you to the overlook of the falls. You can go down a stairway to get a closer view.
Whitewater Falls
Looking Glass Falls
US-276 Brevard, NC
Right off 276 in Pisgah Forest in North Carolina, you can see this stunning waterfall from the road. It is beautiful and loud and amazing. If it’s really cold, Looking Glass Falls has iced over in the past, making it a winter wonderland.
It’s very close to Brevard, about 15 minutes away in the forest. Park on the shoulder of the road and you can walk down to the bottom on the path and stairs.
Looking Glass Falls
Mingo Falls
Eastern Cherokee Reservation Cherokee, NC
Located in Cherokee, NC, the hike to Mingo Falls involves climbing a lot of stairs. I think it’s worth it because the waterfall is beautiful. It’s a great stop if you’re near the Great Smoky Mountains.
High Falls
358-1486 State Rd 1158 Glenville, NC
Also in North Carolina near Cashiers is High Falls. The waterfall is located below the dam of Lake Glenville and the dam releases water a few times a year which kayakers really love. The trail is of moderate difficulty and under four miles round trip.
Mouse Creek Falls can be accessed via Big Creek Trail, a 4-mile moderate hike along a river. While you’re in the area, check out the gorgeous Midnight Hole Lagoon!
Cataract Falls
Sevier County, TN
In the Great Smokey Mountains National Park, there is a one-mile round trip easy nature trail you can take along a creek that goes to the small but pretty Cataract Falls. It’s perfect for families with small kids.
Georgia Waterfall Hikes: Waterfalls in GA
The mountains of Northern Georgia are full of beautiful waterfalls. Below are some of our family favorites. These are waterfalls in Georiga that you just shouldn’t miss.
Anna Ruby Falls
Helen, GA
Anna Ruby Falls is actually a spectacular double waterfall, as two waterfalls combine to form Smith Creek. The down-and-back trail to the falls is paved, with a moderate incline at times, as it follows the boulder-lined creek to the falls. It’s a very pretty trail, and though short, it’s worth a trip in and of itself. There are multiple overlooks to enjoy the falls for a while before returning back down the trail.
The trail begins at the Anna Ruby Falls visitor center where you will find restrooms and a gift shop, plus scenic picnic areas along the creek.
Don’t miss the Alpine town of Helen, GA while you are in the area. If you’re looking for more hiking, don’t miss nearby Unicoi State Park. The hike around the lake is pretty and family-friendly.
Anna Ruby Falls
Trahlyta Falls
Blairsville, GA
At Vogel State Park, you’ll find a scenic trail around a small lake: Trahlyta Lake. You’ll start at the visitor’s center and as you walk around the lake you’ll come to a spur at the lake’s dam. Take the short spur trail down and you’ll quickly come to Trahlyta Falls. After viewing the falls you’ll walk back up the spur trail to finish the trail around the lake. The trail around the lake is mainly gravel and flat, while the spur trail to the falls is a bit steep on the way back up.
There are lots of other fun things to do in Blairsville, GA, too!
Trahlyta Falls
Long Creek Falls
Blue Ridge, GA
The trail to Long Creek Falls is an easy 1.9-mile hike. Want to say you’ve walked some of the Appalachian Trail with your family? The Long Creek Falls Trail combines with the AT and the Benton Mackaye Trail for most of the hike until it veers off to the falls. The signage to the falls is very clear, so you won’t end up hiking all the way to Maine.
The falls itself is beautiful with a nice area to relax, enjoy a snack on a rock, or even string up a hammock and enjoy the afternoon.
Note that the trailhead for Long Creek Falls is off of a gravel road. You’ll need to drive on gravel Forest Service Road 40 for about 5 miles once you turn off the main road, Doublehead Gap Road. We did this drive in a minivan. We likely would not have been able to make the drive had there been recent rain and the road was wet. 4×4 vehicles are generally recommended on the forest service roads, although we did see many 2-wheel drive cars using the service road. Go slow and watch for potholes and larger rocks in the road.
Long Creek Falls
Fall Branch Falls
Blue Ridge, GA
The trail to Fall Branch Falls is only 0.9 miles. It’s a down-and-back trail that is very heavily trafficked. It’s an easy hike for families with children, and the drive is nearly all on paved roads, with just the last tenth of a mile or so on gravel. Fall Branch Falls has several cascades and then a 30-foot drop into the pool. There is an observation deck right beside the pool. These things make the Fall Branch Falls trail pretty popular. The parking area is also a very short walk away from a pretty mountain creek you should check out before or after your hike to the falls.
The trail to Fall Branch Falls sees a lot of traffic. Please stay on the trail and notice the places where hikers have cut off parts of the switchback by going off-trail. These areas show significant erosion. Check out our article on Leave No Trace to learn about caring for trails and nature.
Fall Branch Falls
Explore the waterfalls!
Take a Boat Ride on the Highest Lake East of the Mississippi River at Lake Glenville, NC
Waterfalls of the Southeast: Waterfall Hikes for Families
20+ Natural Swimming Holes Near Greenville, SC: Beautiful and Refreshing
King Creek Falls: Hike along the Chattooga River to a 70-foot Tiered Waterfall in South Carolina
Spoonauger Falls: Try This Family Friendly Hike to a Beautiful Waterfall Near Mountain Rest, SC
Find the Most Jaw-Dropping Waterfalls Near Greenville, SC
Looking for a swimming hole near Greenville, SC to cool off in the South Carolina heat? We love swimming holes because they are great for swimming, wading and splashing in nature.If you’re wondering “where are the swimming holes near me?” you’re in luck, because these lakes, rivers, and creeks are the perfect spots to get wet on a hot summer day.
Pack a few beach towels and your bathing suits and head to a nearby swimming hole to cool off!
Jump into the crystal clear water, find a hidden gem swimming beach, glide on a rope swing into a natural pool. All this and more is waiting at swimming holes near Greenville, SC.
Are swimming holes better than swimming pools? We’ll let you decide.
If you love swimming holes and want more, here’s a great list of Swimming Holes in North Georgia. Pack a lunch and make it an awesome day trip adventure!
One of the best waterfall hikes around is King Creek Falls. SC only has a couple of accessible waterfalls that you can hike up to, so this waterfall is worth the trek. The hike to this 70-foot waterfall is 1 to 2 miles depending on your starting point. The waterfall’s reward is great for kids, with a pool fit for splashing and exploring. Find out all the details about this hike, how to find it, and where to park below.
Are you looking for a family-friendly hike with a waterfall in the SC Upstate? KAG contributor Liene explores another one of the Upstate’s famed waterfalls, Spoonauger Falls! Part wilderness adventure, part waterfall magic, but entirely worth the drive to the Ellicott Rock Wilderness Area!
Want to see the great outdoors without actually hiking? Kidding Around’s Kristina Hernandez loves hunting out great waterfalls. She’s created this amazing driving tour packed full of stops where you can see waterfalls without hiking. It’s a perfect day trip activity. She even included a map with all the stops. So fire up that GPS or pop open your favorite map app and get going!
Are you wondering where to go to find some beautiful waterfalls without traveling too far from Greenville, SC? You’re in luck because we have gathered all the information you need about finding waterfalls close to home, all in one handy place! Whether you want to take in a waterfall while enjoying a long hike or a waterfall that you can view with very little effort, local mom Kristina has all the details right here!
Waterfalls can be quite magical. I got to see Niagara Falls in person several years ago and it was amazing, even more so than any photo I had ever seen of it. While we don’t have anything quite as grand here, Greenville does boast lots of beautiful waterfalls in the area. Why not pick a few local waterfalls to visit this summer (and take your camera to capture the magic!)?
Please, for your own safety and for the safety of your family, EMTs, and rescuers, never play at the top or sides of a waterfall, even for a second or to get an Insta-worthy photo. Those rocks are slippery and many people have unfortunately lost their lives at waterfalls in our area.
Below are some of our favorite waterfalls near Greenville, SC. But, if you love waterfalls you’ll want to take a look at this list ofWaterfalls of the Southeast, loaded with waterfall hikes in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee.
Waterfalls in & near Greenville, SC
Falls Park
You don’t have to go far to see the first waterfalls on this list. Pack a picnic, relax on the nearby swings, or take a walk through Falls Park on the Reedy River in downtown Greenville and see the beautiful waterfalls that run right through our beautiful city.
South Main Street and Camperdown Way Greenville, SC Distance from Greenville: 0 minutes – it is located downtown
Raven Cliff Falls
Take the two-mile long Raven Cliff Falls trail to view the gorgeous 420-ft Raven Cliff Falls from an overlook at Caesar’s Head State Park. There are also a variety of hiking trails within that park and the surrounding Mountain Bridge Wilderness.
Or if you’re a more experienced hiker, take the Dismal Trail to get to the suspension bridge that goes over the falls. It’s a tough 8+ mile loop but worth it.
8155 Geer Hwy Cleveland, SC Distance from Greenville: ~hour
Jones Gap State Park
Known for its natural scenery, this 300 acre park is perfect for a relaxing day of exploration – and waterfall viewing of course. One of the more popular trails leads uphill to the stunning Rainbow Falls. It’s a strenuous trail but there are other waterfalls that are along the main trail.
This is a hugely popular park that now requires reserved parking ($5) on weekends in addition to the entrance fee.
303 Jones Gap Road Marietta, SC Distance from Greenville: ~an hour
Station Cove Falls
This waterfall in Oconee County near Hwy 11 is so, so stunning. It’s a big waterfall towering high dripping water from hundreds of small ledges. It’s also a very easy hike, about 1.5 miles round trip.
State Rd S-37-95 Walhalla, SC Distance from Greenville: an hour and 10 minutes
Station Cove Falls
Chau Ram County Park
A little over an hour from Greenville, Chau Ram Park is called South Carolina’s “Best Kept Secret” by the Oconee County Recreation and Tourism Department. There is a 40 foot waterfall at Ramsey Creek plus the county’s longest suspension bridge here. You can also swim, hike and camp, all for only $2 per car load.
1220 Chau Ram Park Road Westminster, SC Distance from Greenville: an hour + 5 minutes
Table Rock State Park
Table Rock contains lots of awesome waterfalls easily accessible from the many trails that wind through this beautiful park. Trails are not stroller-friendly so be sure to either bring a baby carrier if you’ve got a little one or sturdy shoes for the younger kids. There is a fee to enter the park if you don’t have a park pass.
158 Ellison Lane Pickens, SC Distance from Greenville: ~45 minutes
Yellow Branch Falls
Located in Walhalla near Isaqueena Falls, Yellow Branch Falls are amazing. The falls are huge and picturesque and just a beautiful place to visit. This is a popular waterfall and trail so again, get there early if you want to experience it with less people.
This one is perfect for smaller kids to splash around in a waterfall without any of the hiking. The waterfall is literally on the side of the road on SC 11 in Cleveland, SC as you drive towards Table Rock from Greenville. There is an easy mile loop trail if you’d like to hike.
Heading north on Route 11, the trail and pull-off parking are on the right side of the road.
SC 11 Cleveland, SC Distance from Greenville: ~38 minutes
Wildcat Wayside
Beech Bottom Falls
The trail to Beech Bottom Falls will take your family across a footbridge straight out of a fairytale, to a viewing platform overlooking a beautiful waterfall. The trail is located in Sunset, SC near Sassafras Mountain.
Beech Bottom Falls
Issaqueena Falls
Located in Oconee County, Issaqueena Falls is located at the end of a short walk through what is known as Stumphouse Tunnel, which was originally constructed in 1852 to connect Charleston to Knoxville but was halted because of a lack of money.
As for the waterfalls, “legend has it that the falls is named for an Indian maiden, Issaqueena, who warning the white settlers of an Indian attack, was then chased by Indians and she appeared to jump over the falls. By actually hiding behind the falls (or some legend-tellers say she hid behind a stump, hence Stumphouse Tunnel), she tricked her pursuers and survived.”
Hwy 28 Walhalla, SC Distance from Greenville: an hour + 10 minutes
Wright Creek Falls
This is an extra special waterfall since you can only get there by boat. It’s on Lake Jocassee and you can access the lake through Devils Fork State Park. Here’s a map of the waterfalls at this stunning lake. There is a fee to enter the park.
161 Holcombe Circle Salem, SC Distance from Greenville: Devils Fork Park is an hour + 20 minutes plus another hour to 90 minutes of paddling (or take a boat through Jocassee Lake Rentals)
Wright Creek Falls
Spoonauger Falls
This family-friendly hike is located near Mountain Rest, SC, close to the Georgia border. The hike to the falls is an easy 0.3-mile hike, so it is perfect for families with small children. Once there, you can check out salamanders and small fish in the pools and discover the falls towering above!
Spoonauger Falls Near Mountain Rest, SC Ellicott Rock Wilderness Distance from Greenville: 1 hour 55 minutes from Downtown Greenville.
Our huge guide to waterfalls of the southeast tells you all about waterfalls you can hike to in the Georgia mountains, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. They make a beautiful day trip or addition to a family getaway.
If you love waterfalls and want to help in protecting them and their unique ecosystems, check out the new nonprofit, Waterfall Keepers, on how you can help!
Our readers know how much we just love our area forests, parks, hiking trails, and especially, waterfalls. Our list of awesome waterfalls in our area and our waterfall driving tour are some of our most viewed stories and for good reason – waterfalls are awesome. They are not only beautiful but if you ask people why they go waterfall chasing, I bet you’ll get answers that talk about how they are peaceful, awe-inspiring, calming, and just plain incredible.
Waterfalls Need Protection
Yet have you been on trails and seen trash strewn around or wrappers left over from lunches on rocks near the falls? I have. Or maybe you’ve seen obvious erosion around popular waterfalls from people climbing all over the place, destroying the natural habitats of creatures that live there. Or even worse is reading about or knowing people who have died at these natural wonders from accidental slips.
And largely because of the pandemic (and social media) and the lack of places open, people have flocked in droves to parks and forests. Many of these places you couldn’t even get if you didn’t get up at the crack of dawn to drive to. There aren’t enough park staff to keep up with the maintenance and education that this new influx of people require.
So that’s where we’re at right now but it doesn’t need to be the future of our beautiful natural landscapes, which is exactly why a waterfall and nature-loving group of individuals founded Waterfall Keepers of North Carolina.
What’s Waterfall Keepers?
Waterfall Keepers is a brand new nonprofit that seeks to protect the natural beauty and landscape of waterfalls in Western NC. Personally, I travel to WNC several times a month to hike and explore waterfalls and we have a lot of content about our northern neighbor so even though the group is based in NC, we here in the Upstate care about these waterfalls also.
Waterfall Keepers was founded by the author of North Carolina Waterfalls, Kevin Adams. If you don’t have his book, I highly recommend you buy it. It’s always in my car and I’ve discovered some truly amazing places because of it, many totally off the beaten path and away from the crowds. Kevin is also a photographer who grew up with a love of waterfalls and feels it’s time to give back.
Co-founder Holly Bass is a homeschooling mom to one son and teaches mathematics part-time. She’s a super cool woman who has no fear of trying new trails and finding waterfalls wherever they may be.
Get Involved
Waterfall Keepers plans to host waterfall clean up days plus events for members at private waterfalls. They are also compiling a historical library on the area’s waterfalls, which I think is a really neat aspect. I love thinking about who else has laid eyes on the waterfalls I see and what they thought and why they happened to come across the falls.
They already have a great page on education, which includes how to stay safe while at waterfalls and things to watch out for on the trails.
In the spring of 2021, Waterfall Keepers plans to announce programs for Junior Waterfallers that are specifically geared towards kids and getting them involved on protecting waterfalls.
If you have a favorite waterfall, Waterfall Keepers invites you to “adopt” that waterfall, which means you visit it several times a year, pick up trash and send back reports on trail and waterfall conditions.
There are also lots of volunteer opportunities like cleaning up, removing graffiti, trail maintenance, tree removal, and fundraising.
Waterfall Keepers of SC?
While Waterfall Keepers is based in NC for now, the concept certainly extends into South Carolina. Waterfall Keepers is open to the possibility of starting a similar group in SC but if you love waterfalls and have a trash bag handy on a hike, why not start yourself?
I’ve started bringing extra trash bags with me on hikes for this purpose and my kids usually spot litter before I do because they understand how precious our beautiful forests and waterfalls are and also want to protect them.
There really isn’t any reason why all of us who spend time outside, on trails, and taking endless photos at the waterfalls we love can’t help keep them pristine. We can even share information from Waterfall Keepers of NC to help educate one another on how to stay safe around waterfalls and really how to make the most of our time enjoying the falls.
