Are you trying to find one of the best waterfalls near Greenville, SC? Ones that you can attain in 2 hours or less? Then you’re in luck! I’ve put together this listing of my favourite local waterfalls. And I’ve obtained all the details like location, if there’s hiking required (and how much), and, relying on the waterfall, a hyperlink to a full information.
Now I am a bit of a waterfall hunter. I love waterfalls. If I’m on a visit somewhere and and there’s a waterfall close by, you can bet I’m going to see it. But the truth is I don’t must go far to get my waterfall repair. There are dozens of waterfalls near Greenville.
But why are there so many waterfalls? Well you can thank the Blue Ridge Escarpment (basically where the Blue Ridge Mountains stop and drop 2,000ft to the rolling foothills under – suppose like the panorama at Caesar’s Head State Park). And this escarpment has the best focus of waterfalls in the Eastern United States.
Chasing waterfalls is likely certainly one of the finest outdoor activities in the space. However out of doors activities (and Greenville in general) has grown considerably in recognition just lately. More and extra persons are hitting the trails today.
If you’re headed to a preferred waterfall, expect crowded trails and parking heaps to replenish by 9am on weekends yr round.
Due to the sheer number of waterfalls right here, I’ve linked the waterfall’s name to an extended guide if I even have one. Sometimes this can link to a trail information for the hike to the waterfall or a information for the park it’s located in. And as I go to more waterfalls near Greenville, I’ll be adding them to this list!
Also many waterfalls have the same name, so when you see “duplicated” waterfalls here just know they are actually completely different waterfalls. (Looking at you Rainbow Falls.)
Read Next: The Best Places to Go Hiking Near Greenville, SC
Less Than 30 Minutes From Greenville
Reedy River Falls
Description: Located in downtown, the Reedy River Falls is the guts of Greenville. Stroll the Liberty Bridge, sit beside the rocks at its base, or have a picnic within the park. There is not any unhealthy method to view Greenville’s waterfall.
Fee: There is no charge to enter Falls Park.
Rock Quarry Falls
Description: This small waterfall is located in a small park subsequent to the Swamp Rabbit Trail downtown. The backyard is a gorgeous, quiet spot and is often used by photographers for portraits, weddings, and so on.
Fee: There isn’t any payment.
30 Minutes to 1 Hour From Greenville
Hiking Required: Second lot = none. Main lot = 0.6 miles with less than 100ft of elevation achieve.
Description: There was several dams in operation at what’s now Cedar Falls Park. Now you’ll find a way to view the waterfalls left behind of their wake. Be positive to stroll the trail next to the water for a closer look. (Though be aware that wading is not really helpful as a result of bacteria levels).
Fee: There is no fee.
Parking: There are two heaps at Cedar Falls Park. The first one near the playground, pavilion, and bogs is the primary lot for the park. But should you proceed south alongside the road, there’s a small lot right near the Cedar Shoals.
Hiking Required: 1 mile with 150ft of elevation acquire
Height: 3 waterfalls ranging from ft
Description: This simple roadside pull-out alongside Highway eleven has 3 waterfalls along a simple 1 mile loop trail. The decrease waterfall could be seen proper from the street and is ideal for swimming on calm summer days. Continue up the trail to see the remainder of the lower falls and the Wildcat Branch Upper Falls.
Fee: There isn’t any payment.
Parking: The parking right here can get very crowded on the weekends in the summertime.
Hiking Required: 2.four miles with 900ft of elevation gain
Description: This a number of tiered waterfall in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area is one of the prettiest waterfalls in the area. It’s about 1.2 miles down the Falls Creek Trail however with a good quantity of elevation acquire. It’s undoubtedly going to get your coronary heart pumping!
Fee: There isn’t any fee.
Parking: The parking right here is very limited (only a handful of cars can fit). Plan to hike this through the week or very early morning on the weekends.
Hiking Required: four.4 miles with 1,300ft of elevation acquire
Description: Rainbow Falls is certainly one of the tallest waterfalls within the region and is certainly a must-see if you’re up for the steep hike. Make positive you’re ready for the serious climb to the waterfall.
Fee: There isn’t any charge.
Parking: Parking could be very limited at Jones Gap State Park. An further parking reservation may be required. See the park’s web site for extra particulars.
Jones Gap Falls
Hiking Required: three.5 miles with ~500ft of elevation gain
Description: This staircase waterfall is the smaller of the 2 waterfalls in Jones Gap State Park, however it’s additionally the one with the better hike. The elevation gain may be very gradual here, however it is extremely rocky so be certain to watch your footing.
Fee: There is a fee to enter Jones Gap State Park.
Parking: Parking is very limited at Jones Gap State Park. An additional parking reservation could also be required. See the park’s website for extra details.
Hiking Required: 4 miles with ~700ft of elevation acquire
Description: Raven Cliff Falls is the tallest waterfall in South Carolina. This moderately difficult hike will take you to a viewing platform where you’ll find a way to see the waterfall from a distance. If you need to get closer, think about the Dismal Trail. However this may be a very strenuous trail and may only be tried by experienced hikers.
Fee: There is a charge to enter Caesar’s Head State Park.
Parking: The Trailhead for the Raven Cliff Falls Trail is situated a few 1.2 miles past the visitor center. The car parking zone for the trail is on the small aspect so keep away from peak times during the weekends.
1 Hour to 1.5 Hours From Greenville
Description: So you’ll want some kind of water vessel (boat, canoe, kayak, paddle board, and so forth.). But Lake Jocassee has numerous waterfalls that pour into its waters. Some are close-ish to the touchdown, however others are farther away (as in you’ll desire a boat more than a kayak).
Fee: There is a fee to enter Devils Fork State Park (where you’ll launch your water vessel).
Parking: Devils Fork State Park is super in style in the summertime. You’ll need to get there very early on the weekends.
Hiking Required: 1 mile with 175ft of elevation achieve.
Description: This simple gravel trail will lead you down to this beautiful waterfall. And if the weather’s heat, you might even be in a position to swim in the waters under the falls.
Fee: There is no fee.
Parking: Hooker Falls may be very in style during the summer season. Be certain to get there early to snag a spot as parking along the road is most likely not allowed.
Hiking Required: 1 mile with 250ft of elevation gain.
Height: three waterfalls dropping mixed 120ft
Description: You can easily mix this waterfall with Hooker Falls above (and High Falls below). There is a steep climb up from the Hooker Falls parking lot, nevertheless it doesn’t last lengthy. And you can take the steps all the method down to the waterfall after you pass the overlook.
Fee: There is not any fee.
Parking: The Hooker Falls Parking Lot may be very popular through the summer season. Be certain to get there early to snag a spot as parking alongside the street may not be allowed.
Hiking Required: 1 mile roundtrip with ~250ft of elevation gain
Description: This is a short half of mile hike down to the base of High Falls from the Visitor Center. Or if you’re coming from the other direction, it’s lower than a mile previous Triple Falls to the base of High Falls. The overlook is on the trail main uphill to the Visitor Center.
Fee: There is no charge.
Parking: You can park on the Hooker Falls Parking Lot (if combining this with Hooker and Triple Falls). Or you possibly can park on the High Falls Access Parking Lot (at the primary Visitor Center) which is a lot closer to this waterfall. Regardless, each lots are very fashionable through the summer. Be sure to get there early to snag a spot as parking along the highway may not be allowed.
Grassy Creek Falls
(Picture Coming Soon!)
Hiking Required: 2.eight miles with 350ft of elevation acquire
Description: This much less visited waterfall consists of a cascade tumbling down a shallow slab of rock. It can be simple to combine this with High Falls. Plus you’ll go over the coated bridge at the prime of High Falls.
Fee: There isn’t any charge.
Parking: The High Falls Access Parking Lot is very popular during the summer time. Be certain to get there early to snag a spot as parking along the highway may not be allowed.
Hiking Required: ~4.seventy five miles with ft of elevation achieve
Description: This smaller waterfall was really featured in the movie The Last of the Mohicans. The waterfall is broken into two sections with the upper that includes a 4ft tall overhanging ledge and the lower an extended shallow incline.
Fee: There isn’t any charge.
Parking: The High Falls Access Parking Lot is very in style in the course of the summer time. Be sure to get there early to snag a spot as parking along the road may not be allowed. The Fawn Lake Access is smaller and should still be crowded throughout peak times as well.
Hiking Required: zero.6 miles with ~128ft of elevation acquire
Description: Whitewater Falls is the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies. The remark deck for the higher half of the waterfall is well accessible through a brief stroll on a paved walkway and wood staircase.
Fee: There is $3 charge. You’ll want actual change.
Hiking Required: 4.6 miles with ~900ft of elevation achieve
Description: Whitewater Falls is the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies. To see the decrease half of the waterfall, you’ll have to do a little bit of a hike to an statement deck. (You is not going to be close to the waterfall.)
Fee: There is no payment.
Hickory Nut Falls
Hiking Required: 1.5miles with ~300ft of elevation achieve
Description: This waterfall doesn’t get as much love as the the rest of the park, but it’s a pleasant addition to your day at Chimney Rock. The hike is fairly stage and a beautiful waterfall awaits you on the finish. (It was also featured within the film the Last of the Mohicans!)
Fee: There is a payment to enter Chimney State Park.
Parking: You’ll want to park at the prime of the park (near Chimney Rock) and just stroll down the road a little to the Hickory Nut Falls Trailhead.
Hiking Required: ~1.75 miles with 110ft of elevation gain
Description: The hike to this tiered waterfall could be very flat and straightforward. Signs are well marked and the trail is in good condition. Plus you’ll hike part of the Palmetto Trail in your method to the waterfall.
Fee: There isn’t any payment.
Parking: The parking lot on the trailhead could be very small (maybe only a handful of cars). If it’s full, park by the picnic area in the Oconee Station State Historic Site (just .3 miles down the road) and take the character trail to the trailhead (it’ll pop you out throughout the road from it).
Hiking Required: ~3 miles with 450ft of elevation acquire
Description: The hike to stunning cascade is straightforward and comparatively flat. It can additionally be quite well-liked on weekends.
Fee: There is no charge.
Parking: The parking zone at the trailhead is limited with spots for nearly a dozen or so cars.
Looking Glass Falls
Description: This popular waterfall positioned right along US 276 is definitely accessible from the street and doesn’t require any hiking. Though there are stairs that may take you down closer to the waterfall.
Fee: There is not any payment.
Parking: Leading up to the waterfall there is a lengthy stretch of parking alongside the street. However there isn’t much parking after the waterfall. On weekends when you see a spot as you get shut, remember to grab it. There just isn’t a fantastic place to turn around when you drive previous the waterfall.
Moore Cove Falls
Hiking Required: 1.2 miles with 150ft of elevation achieve.
Description: The hike to this waterfall may be very easy and many wear their swimming fits so they can stand near the waterfall. But one of the best part of the waterfall is the flexibility to stroll behind it and go underneath the overhang. If there hasn’t been much rain although, this waterfall may be very small.
Fee: There is not any fee.
Parking: There is proscribed parking alongside the street near the trailhead so it can fill up quick on the weekends.
Sliding Rock
(Picture Coming Soon!)
Description: This in style waterfall’s major attraction is that you can slide down it! Yep that’s right. This natural incline allows you to slide down the waterfall’s face ending in an 8ft deep pool. Though that water could be very cold!
Fee: There is a $4 charge per particular person (in 2021).
Parking: This is a extremely popular attraction in the summertime and the small parking lot fills up very fast. Avoid the weekends when you can in the summertime.
Rainbow Falls & Turtleback Falls
Hiking Required: 4 miles with ~800ft of elevation achieve
Description: The hike to these two waterfalls may seem easy at first, as its principally downhill. And you do have a great reward of an extremely spectacular Rainbow Falls. Once you’ve gotten your fill, proceed down the trail to Turtleback Falls. When the weather’s heat, folks often swim at Turtleback.
Fee: There isn’t any fee.
1.5 to 2 Hours From Greenville
Bridal Veil Falls
Description: This small waterfall is tremendous accessible as it’s right off the street. In the previous you have been capable of truly drive behind the waterfall, however you possibly can still walk round it. Plus the trail behind it’s utterly paved.
Fee: There is not any fee.
Dry Falls
Hiking Required: None. Just a short walk down some stairs
Description: This massive waterfall is not just simply accessible, however you can walk behind the waterfall. It is very popular, so avoid the weekends if you need to have it extra to yourself.
Fee: There isn’t any charge.
Parking: There is a parking lot, however it is fairly small. On a Monday morning I expected it to be empty. But the lot was simply over half full. Plan accordingly.
First Cascade at Glenn Falls Hiking Required: 2 miles with 500ft of elevation gain
Height: three cascades starting from 15-70ft
Description: You’ll must hike a couple of mile downhill, however you’ll have four viewpoints along the greatest way to see the various cascades of Glenn Falls. Though you’ll must be ready to hike again uphill. And it is quite steep.
Fee: There isn’t any charge.
What are your favorite waterfalls near Greenville?