Spectacular Waterfall Trails

South Carolina’s dramatic mountains and roaring rivers mean plenty of lush wilderness and gorgeous waterfalls. Find your perfect trail, whether you’re looking for a thigh-searing climb or an easy stroll in nature. They all come with incredible views.

Table Rock Trail | 7.2 miles
Strenuous

Begin at the Nature Center at Table Rock State Park in Pickens and start your ascent at Carrick Creek Falls to climb 2,000 feet to the summit of Table Rock Mountain. You’ll pass beneath the cool canopy of hickory and oak trees, past numerous waterfalls and up to a spectacular overlook.

Rainbow Falls Trail | 4.4 miles
Moderate

Follow the Jones Gap & Palmetto Trail in Marietta’s Jones Gap State Park and take this offshoot trail to see the dramatic Rainbow Falls. All those steep inclines and mountainside stairways will be worth it.

Raven Cliff Falls | 4.0 miles
Moderate

Trek this shady trail in Cleveland’s Caesars Head State Park to see where Matthews Creek plunges over the edge of Raven Cliff Mountain to create a 400-foot waterfall—the tallest in South Carolina. Birders, bring your binoculars to spot ravens in the area.

Riley Moore Falls | 1.9 miles
Easy

This waterfall on the Chauga River might be modest at only 12 feet tall, but the well-maintained hiking trail in Sumter National Forest also offers colorful springtime wildflowers along the way.

Wildcat Branch Falls | 1 miles
Easy

Also called Wildcat Wayside Falls, this cascade can be seen from SC-11 (Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway). Pull over and stretch your legs on the quick loop trail for views of the upper and lower falls.

Spoonauger Falls | 0.5 miles
Easy

Along the Georgia–South Carolina border in Mountain Rest start at the Chattooga River Trailhead and follow this short hike to find 50-foot falls.

Issaqueena Falls | 0.3 miles
Easy

Follow the walking trail in Walhalla’s Stumphouse Mountain Park to the top of this 200-foot cascade. Interpretive signage tells the history of the falls and early Native people.

Protect South Carolina’s Natural Beauty

Keep South Carolina beautiful and wild by practicing the seven Leave No Trace principles.

• Plan ahead and prepare for a safe and enjoyable experience. Consider weather, terrain, ability level and supplies.
• Travel and camp on trails’ durable surfaces to minimize ecological impacts.
• Dispose of waste properly — that includes garbage, wastewater and pet and human waste.
• Leave what you find, including rocks, wildflowers and cultural artifacts.
• Minimize campfire impacts by using existing fire rings and extinguishing all fires.
• Respect wildlife by not touching, feeding, picking up or getting close to wild animals.
• Be considerate of others.

Hikers yield to equestrians and bikers yield to both. Keep pets under control and do not use speakers or other items that create excessive noise.