Here, waterfalls aren’t just scenic — they’re a signature experience. Whether you’re after a heart-pumping hike to find roaring waters, splashing through creekside paths with the family or simply pulling off the road for that instant “wow” moment, the Upstate delivers waterfall magic at every level of adventure.
Lower Whitewater
Bad Creek Road, Salem VisitOconeeSC.com/Point-of-Interest/Lower-Whitewater-Falls
It’s a 2-mile hike to get to the Lower Whitewater Falls. The observation deck is the best place to take in the 200-foot drop and cascading waters.
Spoonauger
State Highway 107 at Cherry Hill Recreation Area, Walhalla SCTrails.net/Trails/Spoonauger-Falls
It’s an easy, 20-minute walk to the 50-foot falls, located in the Chattooga River watershed. The water flows down a stepped rockface. There is a shallow area at the base of the falls to splash around in.
King Creek
State Highway 107 at Cherry Hill Recreation Area, Walhalla SCTrails.net/Trails/King-Creek-Falls
Continue a mile farther from Spoonauger Falls and you’ll come to this 70-foot beauty, where the water runs in a U-shape. If you enjoy camping, check out nearby Burrells Ford Campground.
Jones Gap
303 Jones Gap Road at Jones Gap State Park, Marietta SCTrails.net/Trails/Trail/Jones-Gap-Falls
Wade in several shallow pools along the 1-mile hike to the falls. The 50-foot falls descend over a rugged, rock staircase into the Middle Saluda River.
Twin
Waterfalls Road, Sunset SCTrails.net/Trails/Trail/Twin-Falls
Also known as Reedy Cove Falls, Rock Falls and Eastatoe Falls, this waterfall is unmistakable for its unique configuration. The 75-foot left waterfall cascades over a granite slab and a smaller waterfall on the right runs down rock. Waters from both flow down a slope and meet in a shallow pool at the base.
Wildcat Wayside
5500 Geer Highway, Cleveland SCTrails.net/Trails/Trail/Wildcat-Wayside
Located between Caesars Head and Jones Gap state parks, you’ll head up a short, steep staircase to reach the top of the 130-foot waterfall.
Station Cove
Oconee Station Road (State Road S 37-95), Oconee SCTrails.net/Trails/Trail/Station-Cove-Falls
Walk an easy half mile into the Sumter National Forest to arrive at the 60-foot waterfall perched atop Station Mountain. This family-friendly hike is a can’t-miss.
Yellow Branch
2911-3023 Highlands Highway, Walhalla SCTrails.net/Trails/Trail/Yellow-Branch-Falls
An hour-long, moderately difficult hike will lead you through hardwoods, creek bottoms and steep terrain to reach the beautiful, 50-foot waterfall.
Laurel Fork
Laurel Valley Road, Pickens SCTrails.net/Trails/Trail/Laurel-Fork-Falls
If you’re up for a challenge (it’s a five- to six-hour, 8-mile trek), then you’ll get a spectacular payoff. The 80-foot waterfall plunges into Lake Jocassee providing a stunning panoramic view.
Pleasant Ridge
4232 State Highway 11 at Pleasant Ridge County Park, Marietta GreenvilleRec.com/Parks/Pleasant-Ridge-Park
This kid-friendly, mile-long trail through Pleasant Ridge County Park leads to a waterfall surrounded by lush foliage.
FAST FACT
Not a hiker? No problem. These waterfalls offer all the beauty without the trek.
Falls Park on the Reedy
37 Furman College Way, Greenville GreenvilleSC.gov/167/Falls-Park
Right in the heart of downtown Greenville, Falls Park offers spectacular views from the iconic Liberty Bridge.
Cedar Shoals
201 Cedar Falls Road at Cedar Falls Park, Fountain Inn GreenvilleRec.com/Parks/Cedar-Falls/
Here, the Reedy River widens to over 200 feet and park visitors can watch the water cascade over rocks and boulders.
Rock Quarry Garden
Sherwood Street, Greenville
In the heart of Cleveland Park, you’ll find an oasis that feels much removed from the city. Among the gardens and greenery is a small but beautiful waterfall.
Lake Jocassee Waterfalls
Devils Fork State Park, Salem
Lake Jocassee’s waterfalls pour into the lake in multiple places that you can access with a kayak, paddleboard or boat from Devils Fork State Park — a unique no-trail way to enjoy big cascades.
