National Geographic says that our area is home to the 9th of, “50 of the World's Last Great Places”.
~ The Waterfalls, Trails & Vistas are Romancing Us! ~
National Geographic best described on the cover of their special edition why we have CONSTANT beautiful clean, clear water in our waterfalls and our lakes. Bottom Line: our waters flow through, “Pristine Locations & Unspoiled Environments.” The natural beauty of the Western Carolinas is unique and abundant in its variety. Within 50 miles you will find a large number of waterfalls of all sizes. Some are small, but others are among the tallest you will find east of the Rockies. Here are a few of our favorites. Click the small image to see a larger one. You can see other waterfalls at SC Waterfalls, NC Waterfalls, and SC Trails. For more information on parks and outdoor recreation see our Links page.
Station Cove FallsThis is at the Oconee Station Historic Site. One of our favorites! Great for wild flowers and an easy, tranquil hike to this 60' waterfall. The trail is well-maintained. One creek crossing. The trail-head is only 15 minutes from Keowee Key. This is a link to images of the historic trading post and the waterfall. Don't miss the beautiful walk around the lake there. Turn off Hwy 11 onto Oconee Station Road at the Picket Post fruit stand (best peaches in the state). We love this park. It is awesome!! You can park on the roadside area or in the park and walk to the trailhead. We park at the roadside area. Let us know how you enjoyed it. Here's a Google Map from Seneca.
Twin FallsPickens, SC. Also known as Eastatoee Falls. Seventy-five feet tall. A pleasant 15 minute walk along a scenic, rushing river. These falls are within the Jocassee Gorges Management Area. These pure mountain waters flow into 18,500 acre, emerald green Lake Keowee. To learn more about our 82,000 acres of recreational water, go to our Lake Photo Gallery. This waterfall is on the video playlist above. Here's an interactive map from Seneca to Twin Falls.
IssaquenaOur favorite! Walhalla, SC. The walk from the parking area only takes 5 minutes or less. There is a relatively new overlook platform, but you can also climb down to the bottom. Also included in this city park is the Stumphouse Tunnel — a railroad project abandoned at the start of the Civil War. Clemson University used to age bleu cheese in the tunnel! Here's a Google Map from Seneca.
Fall Creek Waterfall on Lake KeoweeLocated north of Keowee Key on the west shore, this is accessible by boat. It is a popular swimming spot. National Geographic best described on the cover of their special edition why we have CONSTANT beautiful clean, emerald, clear water in Lake Jocassee & Lake Keowee. Bottom Line: our waters flow through, “Pristine Locations & Unspoiled Environments.” For more information, visit our Lake Photo Gallery page.
Whitewater
FallsAt a total vertical drop of 411 feet, this is the tallest falls east of the Rockies! This is in a national park. The falls is a short walk along a paved path. This waterfall is featured in the “50 of the World's Last Great Places” special edition of National Geographic. Lower Whitewater Falls, located just across the border in South Carolina, drops another 400 feet. The rugged terrain around these two waterfalls remains wild and undeveloped. These pristine waters flow into Lake Jocassee which has 27 waterfalls you can see from your boat. These waters then flow into Lake Kowee and Lake Hartwell. This waterfall is on the video playlist above. For more information, visit our Lake Photo Gallery page. Just 15 minutes from SC-11 and SC-130 near Lake Keowee (Google Map from SC-130 and SC-11).
The NarrowsWyndham Fairfield Sapphire Valley, NC near Cashiers. The beautiful Narrows waterfall is located on the Horsepasture River which Congress has declared a protected Wild and Scenic river. These pristine waters also flow into Lake Jocassee and then into Lake Kowee and Lake Hartwell. This is a private amenity for owners at Wyndham's Fairfield Sapphire Valley. Check with us if you want to see it. As REALTORS, we have access to this waterfall. This waterfall is on the video playlist above.
Dry FallsThis is a stunning waterfall just a short drive from Highlands. The paved walkway makes for an easy walk under the 75 foot tall falls and allows you to stay (mostly) dry. On US 64 between Franklin and Highlands, NC. This waterfall is on the video playlist above.
Bridal VeilThis is 2.7 miles west of Highlands, NC. It is 125 feet tall and you can drive under it. This Google Map will take you from SC-130 and SC-11 to Highlands, NC.
Cullasaja FallsPast Dry Falls on US 64. This is along the side of a narrow, twisty section of US 64. Very impressive for its size. You can see this much better coming from Franklin toward Highlands. There is a very narrow pull-over.
Silver Run FallsSilver Run Falls in the Nantahala National Forest is just four miles south of Cashiers on NC-107. This 25-foot waterfall cascades into a tranquil pool with a small beach area. So it's a popular swimming spot. It is the head-waters for the Whitewater River with flows in to Lake Jocassee and adjoining Lake Keowee. We own in Keowee Key so we enjoy these cool mountain water flowing past our docks. This waterfall is on the video playlist above.
East Fork TrailThe East Fork Trail has two trailheads: one at the Chattooga Picnic Area adjacent to the Walhalla Fish Hatchery and one at Burrells Ford. Starting at the picnic area, East Fork Trail is an easy 2.5-mile hike along the north bank of the scenic, fast-moving east fork of the Chattooga River.
Hiking and Traveling the Blue Ridge Parkway
This book is our “bible” for everything along the Blue Ridge Parkway. It gives all the details about every trail & scenic overlook. Our favorite places include:
- Pisgah Inn (Mile 408.8). The Inn is above the clouds! See amazing sunrises from your balcony. The food is wonderful at their famous restaurant as well. Breakfast is included. We have a standing reservation for the fall foliage event in October.
- Graveyard Fields Trail & Waterfall (418.8). We enjoy picking wild blueberries there!
- John Rock Trail (419.4). Beautiful rock face views and not many people. Walk through fern valleys.
- Devil's Courthouse (422.4). Park at the base of the mountain and walk up the moderately strenuous trail for some amazing views.
- Blue Ridge Parkway Visitor Center (384.0) on the Parkway with Gift Shops and Exhibits. Asheville, NC.
- Folk Art Center (382.0).
- Looking Glass Rock (417.0). Photo above. One of our favorite stops on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
- Real-time Road Closures on the Blue Ridge Parkway per the National Park Service. We find it to be accurate and very important.