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.