Waterfalls of Appalachia
Waterfalls of the Blue Ridge Mountains
Waterfalls are awesome, y'all. There's nothing quite like walking through an Appalachian forest and hearing the ever-growing roar of an ancient waterfall in the distance. Below are a few of the waterfalls I have visited in Southern Appalachia. This is by no means an exhaustive list of all waterfalls in the area or ones that I have visited. The cascades below are ones with well-defined trails that most folks can access using a hiking app or map.
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To explore even more waterfalls, I recommend consulting a waterfall guide like Waterfalls of North Carolina by Kevin Adams, Waterfalls of Georgia by Mark Oleg Ozboyd, or Waterfalls Hikes of Upstate South Carolina by Thomas E. King.
North Carolina Waterfalls
Courthouse Falls
Distance: Approx. 2 miles round trip​
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Courthouse Falls sits in an impressive rock cathedral and plummets into a clear, beautiful pool of water. It's one of my favorites that I've ever hiked to in North Carolina!
High Falls (DuPont Sate Forest)
Distance: Approx. 1 mile round trip
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High Falls is one of many beautiful waterfalls in Dupont State Forest near Brevard, NC. This massive cascade has a deafening roar that's both powerful and awe inspiring.
High Falls (Thompson River)
Distance: Approx. 3.8 miles round trip​
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High Falls on the Thompson River is a gorgeous waterfall, towering at 50 feet tall. It's out of the way and less visited than other waterfalls in the area, which is perfect for you solitude seekers.
Little Bradley Falls
Distance: Approx. 1.9 round trip
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A three-tiered marvel, Little Bradley Falls is a stunner of a cascade. The trail includes a couple of tricky creek crossings, so prepare for the possibility of wet feet.
Looking Glass Falls
Distance: Short walk from parking area
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This is a very accessible waterfall located just off of Highway 276 near Brevard, NC. If you're heading up to the Blue Ridge Parkway on 276, Looking Glass needs to be on your list.
Milton Bradley Falls
Distance: 4.6 miles round trip​
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Tucked into the wonderful and wild Green River Gamelands, Milton Bradley Falls is a nice waterfall with a lovely trail that takes you through meadows and forest.
Schoolhouse Falls
Distance: 2.6 miles round trip
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Schoolhouse Falls can be found in a network of trails near Panthertown Valley in Sapphire, NC. Schoolhouse cascades into a nice pool, making it a refreshing stop on a hot day.
Triple Falls
Distance: 1.6 miles round trip
Located in Dupont State Forest, Triple Falls is a great waterfall with multiple vantage points. Trust me, y'all, she looks good from every angle!
Twin Falls
Distance: 4.6 miles round trip​
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The photo doesn't do this place justice. Twin Falls in Pisgah National Forest is an area with two very tall, picturesque cascades. It's worth the hike!
Upper Whitewater Falls
Distance: Short walk from parking lot​
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Upper Whitewater Falls, the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi River, is a magnificent sight to behold. There is a nice overlook to view this waterfall that is accessible for most skill levels. She's a beaut, y'all!
Rainbow Falls
Distance: Approx. 3 miles round trip
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This impressive cascade roars long before you hear it. And, at the right time of day, you may be lucky enough to see just why folks call this one Rainbow Falls!
South Carolina Waterfalls
Beech Bottom Falls
Distance: Approx. 1.9 miles round trip​
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Beech Bottom Falls is a gorgeous cascade that sits just miles from Sassafras Mountain, the tallest point in South Carolina. This one is perfect for a short stroll in the woods with a beautiful view, y'all!
Brasstown Falls
Distance: 0.3 miles one way​
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Brasstown Falls is a series of 3 uniquely beautiful waterfalls located near Long Creek, South Carolina. Although this is a short trail, it's not easy! There are several roots along the trail, and it's best to avoid this one after a heavy rainfall.
Eastatoe Narrows
Distance: 5.2 miles round trip​
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Located near Rocky Bottom, South Carolina in the Jocassee Gorges, the Eastatoe Narrows is the perfect waterfall to see for a short day hike. While you're here, be sure to follow Horsepasture Road up to the gorgeous Jumping Off Rock overlook!
Fall Creek Falls
Distance: Approx. 3 miles round trip
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Tucked into the mountain sides of the Sumter National Forest, Fall Creek Falls is an absolute stunner of a waterfall that feels like you're hiking into a fairytale land.
Issaqueena Falls
Distance: Short walk from parking area
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Located in the Stumphouse Park in Walhalla, South Carolina, Issaqueena Falls is a very popular spot for those looking for a quick, scenic stop. Check out Stumphouse Tunnel while you're here!
King Creek Falls
Distance: 1.8 miles round trip
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Just a few steps away from the Burrells Ford Campground near Mountain Rest, South Carolina, King Creek Falls is a towering waterfall that stands at nearly 70 feet tall. You have to experience this one in person to truly appreciate its size!
Lee Falls
Distance: 1.5 miles one way
Lee Falls is otherworldly. This incredible waterfall is located near Tamassee, South Carolina, and features a lush, green backdrop to a particularly sparkling falls. This one looks like it's straight out of a tropical jungle!
Lower Whitewater Falls
Distance: 4.2 miles round trip
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Just south of Upper Whitewater Falls in NC, Lower Whitewater Falls is another impressive cascade that tumbles along the Whitewater River. The overlook is kind of far away from the falls, but it is still beautiful and worth the trek.
Meadow Falls
Distance: 1.3 miles round trip
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A short drive from Clemson University, Meadow Falls is a surprising little gem in the Clemson Experimental Forest. It's perfect for a quick breath of fresh air in a nice, natural setting.
Station Cove Falls
Distance: 1.9 miles round trip
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A moderately flat and relatively short trail will lead you to Station Cove (or Oconee Station) Falls. This waterfall is a great one to bring your kids or furry friends to!
Opossum Creek Falls
Distance: 4 miles round trip
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Opossum Creek Falls is a beautiful waterfall located near Long Creek, South Carolina. The challenging hike that leads you to this falls offers some beautiful views of the Chattooga River along the way.
Rainbow Falls
Distance: 4.4 miles round trip
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Located in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Region in the mountains of South Carolina, Rainbow Falls is a beautiful cascade that can be accessed through Jones Gap State Park.
Reedy Branch Falls
Distance: Short walk from trailhead
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Reedy Branch Falls is a kid and dog friendly waterfall located near Long Creek, South Carolina. While you're visiting this pretty falls, be sure to check out nearby Chattooga Belle Farm for some gorgeous mountain views!
Riley Moore Falls
Distance: 2 miles round trip
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Riley Moore Falls is a unique waterfall that is wider than it is tall. Located near Westminster, South Carolina, this waterfall offers a great area for swimming in the warmer months.
Spoonauger Falls
Distance: 0.6 miles round trip
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Just a short walk from the Burrells Ford Campground along the Chattooga River, Spoonauger Falls features a unique, stair-step shape. It is also very close to King Creek Falls, so they are both easily doable in one day!
Yellow Branch Falls
Distance: 3 miles round trip
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Located near Walhalla, South Carolina in the Sumter National Forest, Yellow Branch Falls is an absolutely gorgeous waterfall that can be reached via a moderate hike.
Tennessee Waterfalls
Big Laurel Falls
Distance: 4 miles round trip
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This awesome waterfall is located in the Virgin Falls State Natural Area near Sparta, TN. Behind this cascade is a really cool cave, making this falls a definite must-see.
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Laurel Falls
Distance: 2.4 miles round trip
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Located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Laurel Falls is a very popular, paved trail. It attracts a lot of tourists, so get there early if you can!