South Carolina is home to many beautiful waterfalls throughout the state. From easy to access waterfalls located right off the road to hidden falls that require intense hiking or a boat ride, we’ve got you covered. Read on for our list of top waterfalls in South Carolina.
Waterfalls in South Carolina
1. Spoonauger Falls
2. Raven Cliff Falls
3. Opossum Creek Falls
4. Kings Creek Falls
5. Brasstown Falls
6. Lower Whitewater Falls
7. Issaqueena Falls
8. Twin Falls
9. Laurel Fork Falls
10. Station Cove Falls
Visiting Waterfalls in South Carolina
With so many fantastic waterfalls to choose from it was hard to narrow down our top 10. Here’s our list for popular waterfalls to visit the next time you visit South Carolina in your RV.
1. Spoonauger Falls
Part of the Chattooga River watershed on the border of South Carolina and Georgia, Spoonauger Falls is a 50-foot high waterfall that’s easy to access. The 20-minute, half mile hike is an easy trail through the woods in Sumter National Forest that ends at the beautiful falls. The cascading waterfall tumbles down a many-stepped rock face and is the perfect photo opp. The flow of water is smaller during the dry season, so the best time to see this waterfall is after it rains.
Things to do near Spoonauger Falls: You’re near King Creek Falls (number four on our list) and can easily to both falls in one day. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is 65 miles away.
2. Raven Cliff Falls
Next on our list is Raven Cliff Falls, the tallest waterfall in South Carolina. It’s said to have a 400 foot drop and can be seen from a trail in Ceasars Head State Park. The trail is 4 miles round trip, and the out and back hike leads to a wooden viewing platform where you can see the majestic falls. You’ll have to view this waterfall from a distance, but the it’s one of the most scenic waterfalls in the state. Both the hike and the falls are a favorite for families and photographers alike.
Things to do near Raven Cliff Falls: There are many fantastic preserves and wilderness areas in this part of the state, as well as many other, smaller waterfalls to visit. Explore more hiking in Ceasars Head State Park, then head to Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area or Bald Rock Heritage Preserve for more outdoor adventures. And Wildcat Branch Falls is waterfall that didn’t quite make our list, but it’s a very short drive away and easy to view if you’d like to see two falls in one day.
3. Opossum Creek Falls
If you’re looking for a rewarding waterfall hike that takes some effort, Opossum Creek Falls is for you. This 50 foot falls sits at the end of a moderate out and back hike that’s 2.2 miles each way. The trail leads you to the Chattooga River, and then up Opossum Creek to the falls. This waterfall tends to be overshadowed by others in the area, so you’ll typically find less crowds here.
Things to do near Opossum Creek Falls: The Chattooga River empties into Lake Tugaloo just south of the falls, where you can rent kayaks, canoes, and stand up paddle boards. Local outfitters also provide kayak and rafting tours down the river.
4. King Creek Falls
Just down the road from Spoonauger Falls in Sumpter National Forest sits another fantastic waterfall, Kings Creek Falls. This waterfall is at the end of a moderate half mile one-way hike that’s surrounded by beautiful views of the forest. And your reward at the end of the trail is the 70-foot cascading waterfall. The trail leads to the bottom of the falls where you can sit and enjoy the spray of the water and marvel at the tiered waterfall.
Things to do near Kings Creek Falls: Since you’re already in the area, stop by another waterfall on our list, Spoonauger Falls. You’re also next to Burrells Ford on the Chatooga River.
5. Brasstown Falls
Brasstown Falls is a waterfall in the southern part of Sumter National Forest that’s great for families. This waterfall offers 3 different drops over 120 feet as it rushes down the river, and plenty of places to view all the falls. It’s a short 0.3 mile hike from the parking area to the Upper Falls, and from there the trail continues to the Middle and Lower Falls. There are stairs to the other falls, as well as a viewing area to enjoy the picturesque scenery.
Things to do near Brasstown Falls: Opossum Creek Falls is a short drive to the north, and Lake Tugaloo is also nearby. Great Smoky Mountains National Park is also less than 90 miles to the north.
6. Lower Whitewater Falls
Located on the border of North and South Carolina is Lower Whitewater Falls. This majestic waterfall sits about a half mile downriver from Whitewater Falls in North Carolina. While you can hike to see both falls in one go, each waterfall has its own trailhead and it’s easier to see each waterfall separately. The trail to the Lower Whitewater Falls is 1.9 miles each way. The hike is moderate to difficult, but the view of the 200-foot drop of the falls is fantastic. The waterfall has a viewing platform some distance away from the actual water that makes for a great photo spot.
Things to do near Lower Whitewater Falls: If you’re looking to see Upper Whitewater Falls, drive just up the road into North Carolina to the waterfall’s trailhead. You’re also near Lake Jocassee and Jocassee Gorges Wilderness Area where there are several other fantastic waterfalls to see!
7. Issaqueena Falls
Issaqueena Falls is just one of the great things to do in Stumphouse Park. Located in Oconee County, this waterfall can be easily accessed from the park’s parking area. Follow the easy trail through the woods to a viewing platform of this 100-foot tall cascading waterfall. If you want to get closer, you can make your way down the steep trail to the bottom of the falls. Be aware that this part of the trail is rocky and difficult and not recommended for small children, dogs, or anyone with mobility issues.
Things to do near Issaqueena Falls: Stumphouse Park is full of history. When you’re done viewing the waterfall check out the Blue Ridge Railroad Historic Trail, a hike that follows an old Civil War railroad bed, and Stumphouse Tunnel which is an incomplete railway tunnel into the mountain. And the trailhead to yet another waterfall that didn’t make our list, Yellow Branch Falls, is located just a few minutes down SC 28. We told you there were a ton of waterfalls in this state!
8. Twin Falls
Twin Falls has many names – Reedy Cove Falls, Eastatoe Falls, and Rock Falls, but it’s a set of waterfalls that shouldn’t be missed! It’s an easy quarter mile hike to the base of the falls, and although it’s located on a privately owned preserve, it’s free and open to the public. Once you walk down the old roadbed from the parking area to the falls, you’ll see the left waterfall pouring over a granite rock face at 75-feet tall. The right waterfall is shorter and flows down several levels before both waterfalls meet at the base.
Things to do near Twin Falls: This area is great for hiking, mountain biking, and exploring nature. Table Rock State Park is nearby, and Greenville, SC is an hour’s drive away. Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area is also close and just over 20 miles to the east. We’ve got some great local RV rentals for you to check out.
9. Laurel Fork Falls
There are two ways to see this 80-foot waterfall – the easy way or the hard way. If you’re looking for some intense hiking you can hike the 8.6 miles each way to Laurel Fork Falls from US 178. It’s a difficult trail and full day of hiking, but is very rewarding for hard core hiking enthusiasts. If you’re looking for something much simpler, view this waterfall from a boat on Lake Jocassee! Head over to Devil’s Fork State Park for boat rentals and guided tours. And if you go this route, there’s camping spots at the state park so you can enjoy the rest of what the area has to offer.
Things to do near Laurel Fork Falls: Explore Devil’s Fork State Park! There’s fantastic fishing, boating, swimming, and even scuba diving opportunities on Jocassee Lake. There’s also fantastic hiking throughout the park and campsites to stay for a weekend or week.
10. Station Cove Falls
Last but certainly not least on our list is Station Cove Falls. Located in Oconee County, this 60-foot cascade waterfall is access by an easy, half mile hike each way through Sumter National Forest. Aside from the majestic waterfall, this trail is also known for its wildflowers that bloom throughout the spring and summer. So even though the waterfall is the destination, your journey will be just as gorgeous!
Things to do near Station Cove Falls: There’s plenty of things to do right around this waterfall. Oconee Station State Historic Site features a stone blockhouse that was used as an outpost in the 1700s. And Oconee State Park has fishing opportunities and canoe rentals, along with a swimming area on the lake and plenty of camping spots.
Planning an RV trip to South Carolina
There are so many fantastic waterfalls to choose from in South Carolina, and traveling in an RV is a great way to explore them. We’ve got all the resources you need to plan a perfect vacation. As you explore, be sure to check out our resources on traveling in the state.
Here are guides to some of the best state parks in South Carolina, as well as all the national parks in the country. RVshare is also the perfect one-stop-shop to help you find an RV rental and get all the information you need for your trip.
