The Beauty of Nature

When I first started this blog it was merely for my Business Writing class, but it has become something much deeper to me.  The Upstate of South Carolina has some of the most beautiful places to go and see.  Including the beautiful hiking trails and the waterfalls which adorn the end of the trails.  I have never been so interested in finding all of the hidden waterfalls in the forests of this area. One would be surprised as to how many different waterfalls there are.

Not only have my eyes been open through this project but it also makes me want to continue learning about this area.  There is so much history and interesting things to learn from the nature.  I am not going to let the end of this project be the end of this blog. I want to continue to explore the different waterfalls of this area and report back on them.  Hopefully this blog will be able to help others get a sense of the Upstate of South Carolina.

Big Bend Falls

Big Bend Falls is like Laurel Fork Falls and is located on the Foothills trail, although it is located on part of the trail that runs through Walhalla. This waterfall is a very rough looking waterfall, one that I would not want to face in a kayak.  However, it is a kayaker's dream to be able to accomplish one of these falls. The fall is one of the best examples of a rushing waterfall with the water crashing down onto the rocks below. While making your way to the falls, you can take in the natural sounds of the waterfall crashing down. The hardest part of the hike was getting to the end because the trail becomes very slick and it is hard to get a good footing on the ground. Just make sure you have good hiking boots on that will help you with the grip on the soil of the hills.  Other than that part of the hike it is a fairly moderate trail. Even though it is harder than other trails, just make sure that you take in the beautiful scenes of nature and the steep climbs will be well worth it.

Long Shoals

Long Shoals is located close to the Keowee-Toxaway State Park.  Although this is not a large or remarkable waterfall, there is nothing more beautiful than looking at water flowing through large rocks. The shoals is mostly popular during the summer season because this is a great place to go for a quick swim and slide into the water. However, it is also a very popular place for fishing and for gathering with friends. Since the shoals are not located far from the parking lot, anyone can join in on the fun, young and old.  This is like the Eastatoe Falls and it is not a very hard hike. Anyone can complete the hike.  Which allows everyone to share a beautiful trip in the nature of Northern Pickens, South Carolina.

Eastatoe Falls

Eastatoe Falls is also known as the Twin Falls.  These falls are located in Pickens Country on the Eastatoe Creek. This is one of the easier hikes of the area. Since the hike is only about a mile, it only takes about fifteen minutes to get to the falls.  The hike is very easy and runs along the creek.  With the view of the creek the entire way, you can connect with nature even more. The falls dump into the Creek.  For the more adventurous ones it is always fun to explore the falls and go where you are probably not suppose to, climbing the rocks.  All in all this hike is fun for all ages and since it is very easy the hike is perfect for young kids to accompany you.

Laurel Fork Falls

Laurel Fork Falls is located on the Lake Jocassee in Pickens, SC. This waterfall is just off the famous Foothills Trail, that is hiked by many people throughout the Spring, Summer, and Fall. The waterfall is one of the biggest waterfalls that can be seen on the Lake.  It is hidden in a deep cove of the lake where small boats can drive in to the bottom of the falls.  However, the falls can also be reached by hiking.  If you are to arrive at the falls by boat, the easier way to view them is by staying on the boat, but if you are more adventurous, the falls can also be reached by foot. After docking the boat on a stump off the coast of the Foothills trail, you can connect to the trail by climbing up some steep hills. However getting up the hills is much easier than getting back down the hill, so make sure you watch your footing and hold on to sturdy branches. Most importantly do not stray off the trail because since the trail is so high up there is a steep cliff.  With one wrong placement of your foot it could end badly.

Although there are some dangerous risks with climbing up to the falls from the lake, the view of the falls is well worth the risk.  If you catch the falls when there is a lot of water flowing down the rocks it is absolutely beautiful.  Before you even see the falls, you can hear the water flowing down. Not only is the view beautiful of the waterfall, the view looking out over the foothills of the Upstate is breathtaking. This is probably my favorite waterfall to visit in the upstate.

Brasstown Falls

Brasstown Falls is located in the middle of the back country.  Just outside of Westminster, SC, this beautiful set of waterfalls is an easy walk from the parking lot. The trail that leads to the waterfalls is not too strenuous, but be sure to look out for the glories of nature (roots and stumps) that are hard to see.  For advance hikers the trail should only take about thirty minutes one way.  However, for the non-advance hikers plan for the hike to take about an hour to get to the falls and an hour to get back to the car.

The falls at Brasstown are separated from each other. There are about four different falls that are visible to the public.  Each waterfall is different in their own way and they are all absolutely beautiful.

Lower White Waterfalls

The Lower White Waterfalls is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountain.  When visiting this beautiful waterfall one can follow the beautiful mountain roads to the town of Highlands and Cashiers.  This waterfall overlooks a beautiful view of Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee. The amount of water that flows through the falls depends on the amount of rainfall accumulated at the top of the mountain.

There is a look out point that is very easy to access in order to view the falls. However one may also make it into a longer hike and hike down the mountainside for a spectacular view.

Issaqueena Falls at Stumphouse Tunnel

The Issaqueena Falls is a tall waterfall located at the park where the Stumphouse Tunnel is.  This waterfall is one of my favorite places to visit because there is so much history within this small park. Located just up the hill from the waterfall is the famous Stumphouse Tunnel.  The Stumphouse Tunnel was apart of the Railroad that was suppose to extend from Charleston to the North.  However the construction stopped abruptly during the Civil War because there were no longer enough funds to complete the project.

This waterfall does not require a hike in order to see the beautiful falls.  This may be a positive or a negative thing for the attraction of the waterfall.  However while looking at the falls, there is also a beautiful view of the Walhalla/ Seneca area.

Chau Ram

Chau Ram is a beautiful park located in Oconee County, just outside of the city Westminster.   The park is a great location to go camping, swimming and fishing in the Chau Ram River, and hiking.  The waterfalls are located directly next to the parking lot.  This is a great place to take young children if you do not want to take them on a long hike, but would like to see a beautiful waterfall. There is a trail which leads you to the top of the waterfall, however if you travel on it you have to make sure you are careful and not alone.  There are some steep drop offs and if you place your footing wrong, you could end up getting hurt.

If you decide to accomplish some hiking, there is a trail which takes you deep into the woods.  The trail leads you to a beautiful and relaxing spot.  There is a small waterfall located at this point.  During the summertime, many visitors enjoy sliding down the rocks into the water. 

This park is a great location to go to if you are looking for a place to get away from the expectations of life.  While at the park, you can emerge yourself in the beautiful and relaxing nature and enjoy the scenery.

Oppossum Creek Falls

Oppossum Creek Falls is a relaxing hike through the hills of the Upper State close to the state lines of Georgia and North Carolina.  The hike took about an hour and a half to get to the falls.  Since the view was so beautiful, my friend Kyle and I ended up hiking up the waterfall.  Although it was a little scary getting up to the top and I would not recommend going up if you are afraid of heights.  However, as soon as you get up to the top it is well worth being scared and the hard work up. 

After taking pictures and relaxing for a while at the foot of the falls, we packed up our stuff and started to head back to the car.  The hike back was more uphill and a little more strenuous.  All in all the hike was not hard and it did not take a long time. 

The falls are located off of Highway 76 in Long Creek.  This is a great day trip for a beautiful weekend.  The hike provides you with many beautiful views of nature and it is a great way to enjoy the good company of good friends.