Waterfalls of Upstate South Carolina

About This Website

Purpose of This Website

Maintained for several purposes, this website is primarily intended to encourage families, novice hikers and weekend walkers to visit the easy-to-reach waterfalls of Upstate South Carolina. Most of these waterfalls are within the ability of the average hiker to reach on a day hike. Families with young children and mature adults are encouraged to visit the waterfalls that our gracious God has placed here for our enjoyment.

One purpose is to compile a list of as many waterfalls in the Upstate as possible. Many of the larger more pictoral waterfalls are presented In many trail guides and other publications. This website contains some waterfalls that are small and of interest only to the most ardent waterfaller. Several waterfalls are on private property and are not accessible by the public. Many waterfalls are located roadside and in county and state parks. This compilation contains small waterfalls, rapids, shoals, etc. that some would not consider to be waterfalls. Therefore, this website is intended to be a listing or catalog of waterfalls and interesting water features simply because they exist and are worthy of mention.

Many of our waterfalls are being reclaimed by forest overgrowth and trails are not maintained. Some have no trail and must be accessed by cross-country bushwhacking through briars, across creeks, and through dense growths of mountain laurel, rhododendron, and other natural growth. Waterfalls that are accessible only by boat are listed. Many waterfalls that were open to the public are now in gated communities. private developments, and other restricted areas.

Another purpose is to present a glimpse of God's creation that He permits us to enjoy. The magnificence of the waterfalls and wildflowers along the trails to waterfalls show us God's handiwork. And through his handiwork, God is glorified as the creator and sustainer of our world and the universe.

This website is intended to be a pictorial guide to our local trails and waterfalls. The photos are not meant to be an artistic expression; they are only a limited view of the spectacular presentation of what one can see on the trails and at our waterfalls if we look with the intent of seeing.

This website will present excursions to various historic sites, heritage preserves and mountain trails and waterfalls.

The specific hikes to local waterfalls by yours truly, Waterfallwalker, will be presented. Photos of many of the beautiful wildflowers found on the trails of our Blue Ridge Mountains will be presented.

Some information presented in this blog is intended to help the more advanced hiker and waterfall enthusiast seeking to find some of the more hard-to-find waterfalls.

Some general information and photos of waterfalls, trails, and wildflowers will be given but specific directions cannot not be given because that information is listed in the book, Waterfall Hikes of Upstate South Carolina, that can be purchased for a very competitive price. Complete driving and trail directions can be found in the book which can be purchased from most State Park visitors' centers, local bookstores, outdoor outfitters, online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble, etc.

You are invited to join our church groups on our many excursions by viewing our church information at the website, www.fbcanderson.com or www.waterfallwalker.blogspot.com or email teking@hughes.net.

Note: The images and information in this website is for the enjoyment and encouragement of those who read it. Please do not copy, forward, or distribute any photos without approval from Waterfallwalker, alias, Thomas E. King, Sr. Some photos have recognizable and named individuals in them. Therefore, I request their privacy be respected and preserved.

The Blue Ridge Escarpement

Residents of the northwestern corner of South Carolina are most fortunate. Within easy driving distance from the gently rolling hills of the Piedmont region, the Blue Ridge Escarpment begins when the mountains suddenly rise from less than 800 feet to over 3,000 feet, reaching its zenith of 3,554 feet atop Sassafras Mountain, the highest mountain in South Carolina.

The Blue Ridge Escarpment, called by the Cherokee Indians "Blue Wall," extends 70 miles across the northern sections of three counties—Oconee, Pickens and Greenville. The Cherokee also knew this 70-mile stretch as The Great Blue Hills of God. Within this 150,000-acre escarpment are four state parks, a federal and a state wilderness area, two wild and scenic rivers, a national forest, and two federally designated scenic areas. Also there are several private and public land areas protected as preserves or through conservation easements.

The Blue Ridge Escarpment extends through northeastern Georgia and western North Carolina.

Waterfalls, flowing water, and quiet mountain trails calm and refresh the inner spirit. The loud crashing sound of water falling over a river or creek evoke different emotions and reflections within each observer. The Cherokee Indians believed that the sounds of the waterfalls and rivers were the voice of "Long Man," the god of the river, and that only the most spiritually aware, whose hearts and minds were attuned to Nature, could understand his language and the message he had for them in the sounds of the waters.

Raging whitewater rivers and gently flowing streams course throughout this special area of Upstate South Carolina. It is estimated that over 200 well-known waterfalls and an unknown and undiscovered number abound in the inaccessible areas of the Blue Wall. An abundant rainfall that exceeds 90 inches per year feeds the rivers, creeks and streams that flow over the many waterfalls. Only in the Pacific Northwest of our country is that rainfall amount exceeded.

Most known waterfalls, about 90, are concentrated in the mountainous area of Oconee County, dubbed "The Golden Corner." The county's name derives from the Cherokee Indian word, "Uk-Oo-Na," that has been translated in various ways, i.e. "watery eyes of the hills," and "place of the springs." This is followed by Greenville County with an estimated 50 waterfalls, and then Pickens County with an estimated 35.

Waterfall Hikes of Upstate South Carolina

The book, Waterfall Hikes of Upstate South Carolina, a guide to hiking trails, is in its second edition with 125 waterfall hikes featured. Hiking the waterfalls of South Carolina competes with hiking the Appalachian trail. Carrying well stocked hiking backpacks and photography equipment is a must.

The current book is available online, at most State Parks in Upstate SC, at local outfitters, booksellers, and directly from the author. An expected third edition with an additional 24 major waterfalls is expected to be published in 2019. Email teking@hughes.net for further information.