The name ‘Oconee’ translates to ‘land beside the water,’ and this holds true when exploring Oconee County, South Carolina. This region, often referred to as the ‘Mountain Lakes Region,’ is renowned for its stunning lakes, rivers, and streams. However, Oconee County is also home to over 150 mesmerizing waterfalls waiting to be explored. For nature enthusiasts and waterfall seekers, Visit Oconee County serves as a fantastic guide to uncovering the many natural wonders this area has to offer. While it’s impossible to showcase all 150 waterfalls in a single article, here’s a selection of some of the most remarkable waterfalls in Oconee County:
Opossum Creek Falls
The hike to Opossum Creek Falls spans four miles round trip and may prove challenging for inexperienced hikers, primarily due to the descent toward the falls and the subsequent climb back. However, with some planned breaks to catch your breath, it remains an attainable journey. The reward for your efforts is the stunning 50-foot waterfall, nestled amidst pristine wilderness.
Pigpen Falls (and Licklog Creek Falls)
If you take a short trek of under a mile along the Chattooga Trail, you’ll come across the picturesque Locklog Creek and the mesmerizing Pigpen Falls. The first is an impressive 80-foot waterfall, while the latter is a charming 25-foot cascade with water flowing briskly over its rocks. This hike offers the perfect opportunity to experience two of South Carolina’s most beautiful waterfalls in one enjoyable outing.
Station Cove Falls
Located within Oconee State Park, this stunning 60-foot waterfall is accessible via a simple 30-minute hike starting from the Oconee Station State Historic Site. The path winds through a rich landscape adorned with ancient trees and vibrant greenery, making for a picturesque outdoor experience.
Lee Falls
One of the most impressive waterfalls in Oconee County, Lee Falls is somewhat challenging to access due to the absence of an official trail. The journey starts in a grassy field, so if you plan to visit during the summer months, it’s advisable to wear long pants for protection.
Long Creek Falls
The 3.3-mile round trip hike to Long Creek Falls is quite manageable, but the final stretch can be a bit tricky. As you approach the waterfall, be sure to take the trail to the right instead of the left. This path leads steeply downhill toward the base of the falls. Once you reach the end of your journey, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking sight of the 50-foot cascading waterfall, a stunning natural wonder that is sure to leave you in awe.
Riley Moore Falls
It’s challenging to grasp the true magnitude of this waterfall from a single photograph. However, Riley Moore Falls boasts an impressive height of 15 feet and spans a width of 100 feet! Accessing the falls involves a straightforward one-mile hike round trip, typically taking between 15 to 30 minutes to complete. The trail is well-kept and runs along a forestry road, making it a pleasant outing for visitors.
Blue Hole Falls
In a similar vein regarding perspective and dimensions, this photograph of Blue Hole Falls fails to capture the impressive scale of this slender waterfall located in South Carolina. Blue Hole Falls cascades for 75 feet, plunging into the vast azure waterhole below. It’s a stunning sight! The journey to reach Blue Hole is relatively brief, typically taking around 30 minutes to complete.
Kings Creek Falls
At the conclusion of the Kings Creek Falls trail, you’ll discover a stunning 70-foot waterfall. This scenic path, which spans a total of 1.7 miles in an out-and-back format, is open to hikers throughout the year. Kings Creek Falls holds the top spot on our list of waterfall trails in South Carolina.
Brasstown Falls
As you might anticipate, the most accessible hike with significant rewards isn’t necessarily the one that offers the greatest solitude. Don’t let the crowds deter you from discovering Brasstown Falls and its four distinct sections. This short half-mile trail is user-friendly, featuring a modest elevation gain of just 88 feet. So don’t hesitate—get out there and enjoy the adventure!
Bee Cove Falls
Embarking on the journey to Bee Cove Falls requires a demanding three-hour hike, making it a rewarding challenge even for experienced hikers. The route covers 2.1 miles of rugged terrain, featuring a series of ascents and descents that will test your endurance. However, the stunning 40-foot waterfall awaiting at the end is a spectacular reward for your efforts, as shown in the accompanying photo. This hike is also a memorable part of our scenic road trip, highlighting the beautiful waterfalls and charming wineries of South Carolina!
Nature enthusiasts often feel a rush of excitement when they search for “waterfalls near me.” For those looking to explore the stunning waterfalls of Oconee County, South Carolina, Visit Oconee has a wealth of information to help guide your adventure. Discover the beauty and serenity of the various waterfalls in the area.