The Upcountry and Lake Hartwell region showcase South Carolina's mountainous beauty through dozens of breathtaking waterfalls. Find a waterfall hike to suit your adventure level.
Waterfall Country
Spoonauger Falls near Mountain Rest offers one of the most accessible waterfall experiences, with a short walk leading to a 50-foot cascade.
Issaquena Falls in Walhalla tumbles 100 feet in a dramatic plunge, easily reached by a short hike to an overlook platform.
Station Cove Falls is a stepped cascade at Oconee Station State Historic Site in Walhalla, where rare plants and seasonal wildflowers flourish along the 1.5-mile trail.
Brasstown Falls in Westminster has a dramatic three-stage drop waterfall with viewing platforms built into the side of the mountain. Take it all in on the 1.5-mile round-trip walk.
Fall Creek Falls near Mountain Rest is a multi-tiered waterfall, with Andrew Ramey Falls and Pristine Falls along the way.
Raven Cliff Falls at Caesars Head State Park in Cleveland is a moderate hike featuring a suspension bridge overlook and breathtaking views of the 400-foot waterfall.
Yellow Branch Falls near Walhalla is accessed with a moderately difficult woodland hike that showcases a 50-foot vertical waterfall.
Rainbow Falls in Marietta's Jones Gap State Park often touts rainbows in its mist—your reward for a strenuous 5-mile round-trip hike.
Spillway vs. Waterfall: What’s the Difference?
Spillways are hardworking water managers—built to prevent overflow and keep things safe around reservoirs and dams. Waterfalls, on the other hand? They’re nature’s showstoppers, tumbling over cliffs just to dazzle us with their beauty.
