Waterfalls – magical in their visual beauty, their serenity, their sound… these five waterfalls in South Carolina are easy to get to – from mere 10 minute walks to one-hour hikes. All are rated family-friendly.

Licklog & Pigpen Falls

“You have to hike part of the 77-mile Foothills Trail, followed by a section of the 15.5-mile Chattooga Trail to view the two beautiful waterfalls along Oconee County’s Licklog Creek. But it’s not quite as taxing as it sounds. In total, it’s less than a mile to Licklog and Pigpen falls, two picturesque cascades tucked away in the pristine wilderness of the Upstate’s Chattooga River Gorge. And it’s an easy hike at that. While the terrain in the backcountry is typically rugged, this one-mile route features little elevation change, earning it family-friendly status.” (discoversouthcarolina.com)

Twin Falls

“If you haven’t been to the 75′ high Twin Falls, put it near the top of your must see falls – it’s a beauty. It’s also one of the easiest waterfalls to access in South Carolina. The trail to the viewing platform is about 1/4 mile along a relatively flat path. …Reedy Cove Creek splits at the top of the falls sending part of it’s waters over a tall granite wall and the rest cascading over rock and boulders before joining again below. In times of higher water, a 3rd section of waterfall also spills over the cliff.” (ncwaterfalls.com)

Issaqueena Falls

“Issaqueena Falls or Cateechee Falls on Cane Creek: Oconee County; located just off Highway 28; four miles north of Walhalla at Stumphouse Tunnel Park; about 200-feet high, named in legend for a famous Cherokee Princess who escaped a band of Indian warriors by jumping with her baby in her arms over the falls to a ledge below; 15-minute walk to bottom.”(fs.usda.gov) – this helpful PDF lists all waterfalls in Sumter National Forest with directions

Lower Whitewater Falls

“The entire Whitewater Falls chain – six different waterfalls along the North and South Carolina border – is the highest series of falls in eastern North America. And though more travelers journey to Upper Whitewater Falls in North Carolina, the Lower Falls in Oconee County comprise a 200-foot drop as dramatic as any in this guide. From the parking area, a moderate hike of 45 minutes to an hour will get you to an overlook where you’ll find an unparalleled view of Lower Whitewater Falls.” (sctrails.net)

Reedy River Falls

“These gorgeous cascades grace the heart of Greenville—the best views of this virtual oasis rambling down a tumble of boulders and platter-like rocks strewn across the Reedy River come mid-span on the Liberty Bridge in Falls Park on the Reedy.”(visitgreenvillesc.com) The Liberty Bridge is an easy walk from downtown Greenville parking garages and street parking.