Trail Talk
Your Next Adventure: A
Scenic Waterfall Hike As the temperature is
rising and the days are getting longer, its time to get outside and
enjoy all that South Carolina has to offer. There is no better
time than now to go check out a dazzling waterfall that will be
roaring and raging from the rainy spring weather.
One hike that provides the
perfect opportunity to trek across scenic mountain vistas, enjoy the
smell of native flowers, and relax at the base of a massive 200 foot
waterfall is the
Blue Ridge Electric Co-op Passage
along the Palmetto Trail at Jocassee Gorges.
This passage, beginning at
Pinnacle Pavilion in Table Rock State Park, travels west 12.3 miles
on a moderately difficult trail. Your path will be well marked
with a variety of yellow blazes and decaled posts.
 To
specifically get to the waterfall, it will take about a 45 minute
hike along a 2 mile trail to reach the beauty known as the Lower
Whitewater Falls. Here, you will be able to sit back and
marvel at one of the highest falls in North America.
Interestingly, the Lower Whitewater is only one of a series of six
falls that span across the North and South Carolina border.
Directions to Lower Whitewater Falls:
1. Enter Duke Power's Bad Creek Hydroelectric
Station on SC 130 in Oconee County.
(through automatic gate)
2. Drive 2 miles to Foothills Trail/Whitewater
River parking area.
3. From trailhead, follow blue blazes to Lower
Whitewater Falls overlook. You will cross a bridge over the
Whitewater River, continue, turning right after the bridge along the
Jocassee Gorges Segment of the trail.
4. Continue following the blue blazes.
5. Enjoy the overlook and take lots of pictures!
For more waterfall adventures, check out
The Waterfalls of South Carolina,
by Benjamin Brooks and Tim Cook- one of the premier books from the
Palmetto Conservation Foundation Press. The book explores 31
different waterfall hikes throughout the state of South Carolina,
offering detailed descriptions of each fall, directions, maps,
photographs, and hiking tips- all for less than $13!
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