Are you looking to find the best waterfalls near Greenville, SC? Ones that you can reach in 2 hours or less? Then you’re in luck! I’ve put together this list of my favorite local waterfalls. And I’ve got all the details like location, if there’s hiking required (and how much), and, depending on the waterfall, a link to a full guide.
Now I am a bit of a waterfall hunter. I love waterfalls. If I’m on a trip somewhere and and there’s a waterfall nearby, you can bet I’m going to see it. But the truth is I don’t need to go far to get my waterfall fix. There are dozens of waterfalls near Greenville.
But why are there so many waterfalls? Well you can thank the Blue Ridge Escarpment (basically where the Blue Ridge Mountains stop and drop 2,000ft to the rolling foothills below – think like the landscape at Caesar’s Head State Park). And this escarpment has the highest concentration of waterfalls in the Eastern United States.
Chasing waterfalls is one of the best outdoor activities in the area. However outdoor activities (and Greenville in general) has grown significantly in popularity recently. More and more people are hitting the trails these days.
If you are headed to a popular waterfall, expect crowded trails and parking lots to fill up by 9am on weekends year round.
Due to the sheer number of waterfalls here, I’ve linked the waterfall’s name to a longer guide if I have one. Sometimes this will link to a trail guide for the hike to the waterfall or a guide for the park it’s located in. And as I visit more waterfalls near Greenville, I’ll be adding them to this list!
Also many waterfalls have the same name, so if you see “duplicated” waterfalls here just know they are actually different waterfalls. (Looking at you Rainbow Falls.)
Read Next: The Best Places to Go Hiking Near Greenville, SC
Less Than 30 Minutes From Greenville
Reedy River Falls
Description: Located in downtown, the Reedy River Falls is the heart of Greenville. Stroll the Liberty Bridge, sit beside the rocks at its base, or have a picnic in the park. There is no bad way to view Greenville’s waterfall.
Fee: There is no fee to enter Falls Park.
Rock Quarry Falls
Description: This small waterfall is located in a small park next to the Swamp Rabbit Trail downtown. The garden is a gorgeous, quiet spot and is often used by photographers for portraits, weddings, etc.
Fee: There is no fee.
30 Minutes to 1 Hour From Greenville
Cedar Shoals
Location: Cedar Falls Park
Hiking Required: Second lot = none. Main lot = 0.6 miles with less than 100ft of elevation gain.
Height: 12ft
Description: There used to be several dams in operation at what is now Cedar Falls Park. Now you can view the waterfalls left behind in their wake. Be sure to walk the path next to the water for a closer look. (Though be aware that wading is not recommended due to bacteria levels).
Fee: There is no fee.
Parking: There are two lots at Cedar Falls Park. The first one near the playground, pavilion, and bathrooms is the main lot for the park. But if you continue south along the road, there is a small lot right near the Cedar Shoals.
Wildcat Wayside Waterfalls
Location: Along Highway 11
Hiking Required: 1 mile with 150ft of elevation gain
Height: 3 waterfalls ranging from 10-100ft
Description: This easy roadside pull-out along Highway 11 has 3 waterfalls along an easy 1 mile loop trail. The lower waterfall can be seen right from the road and is perfect for swimming on calm summer days. Continue up the trail to see the rest of the lower falls and the Wildcat Branch Upper Falls.
Fee: There is no fee.
Parking: The parking here can get very crowded on the weekends in the summer.
Falls Creek Waterfall
Hiking Required: 2.4 miles with 900ft of elevation gain
Height: 125ft
Description: This multiple tiered waterfall in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area is one of the prettiest waterfalls in the area. It’s about 1.2 miles down the Falls Creek Trail but with a fair amount of elevation gain. It’s definitely going to get your heart pumping!
Fee: There is no fee.
Parking: The parking here is very limited (only a handful of cars can fit). Plan to hike this during the week or very early morning on the weekends.
Rainbow Falls
Location: Jones Gap State Park
Hiking Required: 4.4 miles with 1,300ft of elevation gain
Height: 125ft
Description: Rainbow Falls is one of the tallest waterfalls in the region and is definitely a must-see if you’re up for the steep hike. Make sure you’re prepared for the serious climb to the waterfall.
Fee: There is no fee.
Parking: Parking is very limited at Jones Gap State Park. An additional parking reservation may be required. See the park’s website for more details.
Jones Gap Falls
Location: Jones Gap State Park
Hiking Required: 3.5 miles with ~500ft of elevation gain
Height: 50ft
Description: This staircase waterfall is the smaller of the two waterfalls in Jones Gap State Park, but it’s also the one with the easier hike. The elevation gain is very gradual here, but it is very rocky so be sure to watch your footing.
Fee: There is a fee to enter Jones Gap State Park.
Parking: Parking is very limited at Jones Gap State Park. An additional parking reservation may be required. See the park’s website for more details.
Raven Cliff Falls
Hiking Required: 4 miles with ~700ft of elevation gain
Height: 420ft
Description: Raven Cliff Falls is the tallest waterfall in South Carolina. This moderately difficult hike will take you to a viewing platform where you can see the waterfall from a distance. If you want to get closer, consider the Dismal Trail. However this is a very strenuous trail and should only be attempted by experienced hikers.
Fee: There is a fee to enter Caesar’s Head State Park.
Parking: The Trailhead for the Raven Cliff Falls Trail is located about a 1.2 miles past the visitor center. The parking lot for the trail is on the small side so avoid peak times during the weekends.
1 Hour to 1.5 Hours From Greenville
Lake Jocassee Waterfalls
Description: So you’ll need some kind of water vessel (boat, canoe, kayak, paddle board, etc.). But Lake Jocassee has numerous waterfalls that pour into its waters. Some are close-ish to the landing, but others are farther away (as in you’ll want a boat more than a kayak).
Fee: There is a fee to enter Devils Fork State Park (where you’ll launch your water vessel).
Parking: Devils Fork State Park is super popular in the summer. You’ll need to get there very early on the weekends.
Hooker Falls
Hiking Required: 1 mile with 175ft of elevation gain.
Height: 11ft
Description: This easy gravel trail will lead you down to this beautiful waterfall. And if the weather’s warm, you may even be able to swim in the waters below the falls.
Fee: There is no fee.
Parking: Hooker Falls is very popular during the summer. Be sure to get there early to snag a spot as parking along the road may not be allowed.
Triple Falls
Hiking Required: 1 mile with 250ft of elevation gain.
Height: 3 waterfalls dropping combined 120ft
Description: You can easily combine this waterfall with Hooker Falls above (and High Falls below). There is a steep climb up from the Hooker Falls parking lot, but it doesn’t last long. And you can take the stairs down to the waterfall after you pass the overlook.
Fee: There is no fee.
Parking: The Hooker Falls Parking Lot is very popular during the summer. Be sure to get there early to snag a spot as parking along the road may not be allowed.
High Falls
Hiking Required: 1 mile roundtrip with ~250ft of elevation gain
Height: 150ft
Description: This is a short 1/2 mile hike down to the base of High Falls from the Visitor Center. Or if you’re coming from the other direction, it’s less than a mile past Triple Falls to the base of High Falls. The overlook is on the trail leading uphill to the Visitor Center.
Fee: There is no fee.
Parking: You can park at the Hooker Falls Parking Lot (if combining this with Hooker and Triple Falls). Or you can park at the High Falls Access Parking Lot (at the main Visitor Center) which is a lot closer to this waterfall. Regardless, both lots are very popular during the summer. Be sure to get there early to snag a spot as parking along the road may not be allowed.
Grassy Creek Falls
(Picture Coming Soon!)
Hiking Required: 2.8 miles with 350ft of elevation gain
Height: unknown
Description: This less visited waterfall consists of a cascade tumbling down a shallow slab of rock. It would be easy to combine this with High Falls. Plus you’ll go over the covered bridge at the top of High Falls.
Fee: There is no fee.
Parking: The High Falls Access Parking Lot is very popular during the summer. Be sure to get there early to snag a spot as parking along the road may not be allowed.
Bridal Veil Falls
Location: Dupont State Forest (High Falls / Visitor Center Access OR Fawn Lake Access Area)
Hiking Required: ~4.75 miles with 375-600ft of elevation gain
Height: unknown
Description: This smaller waterfall was actually featured in the movie The Last of the Mohicans. The waterfall is broken into two sections with the upper featuring a 4ft tall overhanging ledge and the lower a long shallow incline.
Fee: There is no fee.
Parking: The High Falls Access Parking Lot is very popular during the summer. Be sure to get there early to snag a spot as parking along the road may not be allowed. The Fawn Lake Access is smaller and may still be crowded during peak times as well.
Upper Whitewater Falls
Hiking Required: 0.6 miles with ~128ft of elevation gain
Height: 411ft
Description: Whitewater Falls is the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies. The observation deck for the upper half of the waterfall is easily accessible via a short walk on a paved walkway and wooden staircase.
Fee: There is $3 fee. You’ll need exact change.
Lower Whitewater Falls
Location: Near NC Border on Bad Creek Rd.
Hiking Required: 4.6 miles with ~900ft of elevation gain
Height: 400ft
Description: Whitewater Falls is the tallest waterfall east of the Rockies. To see the lower half of the waterfall, you’ll need to do a bit of a hike to an observation deck. (You will not be close to the waterfall.)
Fee: There is no fee.
Hickory Nut Falls
Location: Chimney Rock State Park
Hiking Required: 1.5miles with ~300ft of elevation gain
Height: 404ft
Description: This waterfall doesn’t get as much love as the rest of the park, but it’s a nice addition to your day at Chimney Rock. The hike is fairly level and a beautiful waterfall awaits you at the end. (It was also featured in the movie the Last of the Mohicans!)
Fee: There is a fee to enter Chimney State Park.
Parking: You’ll want to park at the top of the park (near Chimney Rock) and just walk down the road a little to the Hickory Nut Falls Trailhead.
Station Cove Falls
Hiking Required: ~1.75 miles with 110ft of elevation gain
Height: 60ft
Description: The hike to this tiered waterfall is very flat and easy. Signs are well marked and the trail is in good shape. Plus you’ll hike part of the Palmetto Trail on your way to the waterfall.
Fee: There is no fee.
Parking: The parking lot at the trailhead is very small (maybe just a handful of cars). If it’s full, park by the picnic area in the Oconee Station State Historic Site (just .3 miles down the road) and take the nature trail to the trailhead (it’ll pop you out across the road from it).
Yellow Branch Falls
Hiking Required: ~3 miles with 450ft of elevation gain
Height: 50ft
Description: The hike to beautiful cascade is easy and relatively flat. It can also be quite popular on weekends.
Fee: There is no fee.
Parking: The parking lot at the trailhead is limited with spots for just about a dozen or so cars.
Looking Glass Falls
Description: This popular waterfall located right along US 276 is easily accessible from the road and doesn’t require any hiking. Though there are stairs that will take you down closer to the waterfall.
Fee: There is no fee.
Parking: Leading up to the waterfall there is a long stretch of parking alongside the road. However there isn’t much parking after the waterfall. On weekends if you see a spot as you get close, be sure to grab it. There is not a great place to turn around once you drive past the waterfall.
Moore Cove Falls
Location: Pisgah National Forest
Hiking Required: 1.2 miles with 150ft of elevation gain.
Height: 50ft
Description: The hike to this waterfall is very easy and many wear their swimming suits so they can stand near the waterfall. But the best part of the waterfall is the ability to walk behind it and go under the overhang. If there hasn’t been much rain though, this waterfall may be very small.
Fee: There is no fee.
Parking: There is limited parking alongside the road near the trailhead so it can fill up fast on the weekends.
Sliding Rock
(Picture Coming Soon!)
Description: This popular waterfall’s main attraction is that you can slide down it! Yep that’s right. This natural incline allows you to slide down the waterfall’s face ending in an 8ft deep pool. Though that water is very cold!
Fee: There is a $4 fee per person (in 2021).
Parking: This is a very popular attraction in the summer and the small parking lot fills up very fast. Avoid the weekends if you can in the summer.
Rainbow Falls & Turtleback Falls
Location: Gorges State Park
Hiking Required: 4 miles with ~800ft of elevation gain
Height: 150ft & 25ft
Description: The hike to these two waterfalls may seem easy at first, as its mostly downhill. And you do have a great reward of an incredibly impressive Rainbow Falls. Once you’ve gotten your fill, continue down the trail to Turtleback Falls. When the weather’s warm, people often swim at Turtleback.
Fee: There is no fee.
1.5 to 2 Hours From Greenville
Bridal Veil Falls
Description: This small waterfall is super accessible as it’s right off the road. In the past you were able to actually drive behind the waterfall, but you can still walk around it. Plus the path behind it is completely paved.
Fee: There is no fee.
Dry Falls
Location: Off of Highway US-64 near Highlands, NC
Hiking Required: None. Just a short walk down some stairs
Height: 75ft
Description: This massive waterfall is not just easily accessible, but you can walk behind the waterfall. It is very popular, so avoid the weekends if you want to have it more to yourself.
Fee: There is no fee.
Parking: There is a parking lot, but it is quite small. On a Monday morning I expected it to be empty. But the lot was easily over half full. Plan accordingly.
Glenn Falls
Hiking Required: 2 miles with 500ft of elevation gain
Height: 3 cascades ranging from 15-70ft
Description: You’ll need to hike about a mile downhill, but you’ll have 4 viewpoints along the way to see the various cascades of Glenn Falls. Though you’ll need to be prepared to hike back uphill. And it is quite steep.
Fee: There is no fee.
5 thoughts on “Discover the Best Waterfalls Near Greenville, SC”