Didn't know there were waterfalls in South Carolina? Not only do we have rolling ocean waves but we have spectacular, cascading upcountry waterfalls!
Some of the most popular hiking trails in the Upstate include particularly scenic waterfalls, including several that are included within the boundaries of or are reachable through South Carolina’s state parks.
Check here often for a spotlight on a new waterfall you can explore!
Dargan’s Falls is 25 feet high and located along the scenic Middle Saluda River. The falls are located on the Jones Gap Trail in what is named the “winds” section. This area of the trail consists of several very sharp curves with the falls located at one end of a curve. The best view is from the bottom of the falls pool looking back up at the falls. This is a great place to take a break and enjoy the falls and the surrounding habitat. Hiking into the falls in the winter allows for greater views of the mountainous terrain and the scrub layer is still green, primarily composed of both long leaf and short leaf Rhododendrons. This is a 2.6 mile roundtrip hike from Raven Cliff Falls parking lot on Highway 276 a mile north of the Caesars Head State Park office. From the parking lot take the Tom Miller Trail until it intersects with the Jones Gap Trail. Turn right at the intersection and follow until you reach the falls. When you have enjoyed the falls, retrace your steps back up the trail to the parking lot. One way from the parking lot is 1.3 miles. Coming back up the trail to the parking lot from the falls is a fairly strenuous hike.
Any time of year is great, but avoid when the area is icy.