Happiness Has a Ripple Effect - The Waterfalls and Lakes of the Upstate

TOP PLACES TO LIVE IN SOUTH CAROLINA

Have you ever driven along a secluded roadway and all of a sudden, a majestic wonder of the universe appears?  While there are 7 natural Wonders of the World, there are many more captivating life experiences to surprise you when visiting the waterfalls in Upstate South Carolina and Lake Keowee real estate.  These hidden treasures, scattered throughout the region, offer amazing views especially this time of year when the snow melts from the Blue Ridge Mountains contributing to the magical experience. The spring time revival of life can send chills up your spine while enjoying the splendor and beauty hidden in this mountain region.  Here’s where to capture a photo of a rainbow that sparkles as the sun radiates on these powerful cascading waterfalls.

Referred to as the Mountain Lakes Region, this area is filled with not only the spectacular Blue Ridge Mountain range, but there are also pristine lakes scattered throughout the region.  Lake Jocassee, Keowee and Hartwell are 3 of the renowned lakes that embellish the landscape found here.  The national Wild and Scenic Chattooga River was given special designation by the US Congress in 1974 because of its special characteristics and geologic and cultural values. More than 150 waterfalls can be found in the forests and mountains.

Oconee County is in the northwestern –most corner of South Carolina and provides the perfect place for a family outing and can be quite affordable as well.  In addition to capturing the radiance of the waterfalls, active folks can also partake in boating, hiking, rafting, paddling, camping, biking, zip lines and antique shopping.  It’s no surprise, this has become of the top places to live in South Carolina attracting Baby Boomers from all over the country for retirement.  When choosing property, home shoppers would be smart to check out the Lake Keowee real estate choices found in this captivating region surrounded by crystal clean mountain water.

Here’s some of the most popular waterfalls in Upstate South Carolina according to the area in which they can be found:

SALEM/WALHALLA (18 waterfalls)

• Bee Cove Falls - Salem is a remote multi-tiered falls and is a difficult 2 to 3 hour hike but worth the effort.  Go North from Walhalla on Highway 28, Bear Right onto Highway 107 for 12.5 miles. Park on left and walk 150 yards to FS 702.  Bear right on the 3-way intersection and follow the sounds of the cascading waterfalls.
• Chauga Narrows - Walhalla is a 25 foot high falls and is narrow in dimension.  Go North 7 miles from Walhalla on Highway 28.  Left on Whetstone Rod (S193).  Go 3 miles to Blackwell Bridge over Chauga.  Park and follow the trail for easy ¼ mile hike.  
• Cheohee or Miuka Falls - Walhalla – This 75-foot waterfall on Townes Creek can be easily viewed with a 45-minute hike.  North from Walhalla on SC 28, Bear right on Highway 107 for 8.7 miles.   Parking is on the right.  Follow the Winding Stairs Trail signs with yellow posts on right hand side.  Trail turns right 0.2 miles.  Make a sharp left and continue 1.3 miles to clearing and hear the falls.  Hike through the foliage to the creek where this amazing waterfall can be found.
• Hidden Falls - Walhalla  can be found near the head of the Foothills Trail, this 50-foot waterfall  rushing over granite ledges can be reached with a moderate, one-hour hike.  North from Walhalla on Hwy 28m bear right on SC 107 for 2.5 miles to Oconee State Park (free admission) go right .8 miles to Foothills Trailhead. Park and follow the trail to its junction with Station Mountain Road and the Tamassee Knob Trail.  Crossing Station Mountain Rd. go left 10 yards on Foothills Trail then follow the signs to waterfall.
• Issaqueena Falls - Walhalla is an easy 5- minute walk to view this beautiful waterfall named for a Creek maiden who hid on a ledge to avoid capture during an Indian attach.  North from Walhalla on Hwy 28 for 5.5 miles, turn right at the entrance of Stumphouse Tunnel Part.  Follow Signs to the waterfall. 
• Kind Creek Falls - Walhalla – this magnificent 70-foot fall flows through a gorge on King Creek.  This is a moderate 30-minute hike.  Head north from Walhalla on Hwy 28 then bear right on Hwy 107 for 10 minutes.  Turn left onto Burrells Ford Rd for 2.3 miles.  Park on the left. Hike Chattoogo Trail for .3 miles then left by bank of creek.  Cross the bridge then head left onto the trail to the falls.
• Big Bend Falls - Walhalla has the largest vertical drop of the Chattooga River is a sight to see, but it is a difficult 3-hour walk.  North from Walhalla on Hwy 28, bear right onto Hwy 107 for 10 miles, then left onto Burrells Ford Rd for 3 miles to park.  Follow Foothills Trail 2.5 miles to Big Bend Trail, go 0.5 miles and you can hear the falls.  Follow the rugged paths to the falls. Great workout too!
• Blue Hole Falls - Mountain Rest water rushes 75 feet down a narrow gap into a blue hole, thus the name.  After a moderate 30-minute hike, go north from Walhalla on Hwy 28 for 7 miles then left on Whetstone Rd, go 1 mile then left on Cassidy Bridge Rd for 1 mile.  Turn left onto Rich Mountain Rd, then 3.3 miles turn right on Cedar Creek Rd, go 2.5 miles then park.  Hike .3 miles down 2658 to intersection, turn right down short part to creek.  Cross and follow downstream.
• Mill Creek Falls - Salem is located on Lake Jocassee this fall is only accessible by boat.  Launch from Devils Fork State Park (parking fee required).  Boat rentals and lake tours are available.  For exact locations of the falls, please stop by the Devils Fork Ranger Station for a map and detailed directions.
• Pigpen/Licklog Falls - Walhalla is two sets of falls ¼ mile apart.  From Hwy 28/US  107 intersection, head north on 107, go 3 miles to a left on Village Creek Rd for 1 mile  Turn right on Nicholson Ford Rd (FS 775) 2 miles to part.  Access Foothills Trail toward Chattooga River and Falls.  It is an easy one-hour hike.
• Laurel Fork Falls - Salem is one waterfall you should consider visiting by a means other than hiking.  Folks claim witnessing this 80-foot high Laurel Fork Falls from a boat in the waters of Lake Jocassee is a “once-in-a-lifetime experience”.  Drive north from Pickens on US 178 for approximately 16.5 miles and turn left onto Lauren Valley Rd, take the gravel road to the right and drive .5 mile to the Foothills Trails/Laurel Valley Access parking lot is on the left.
• Lee Falls - Walhalla – Oconee’s most scenic falls on Tamassee Creek, but no official trail makes this a challenging and athletic hike.  From intersection of Hwy 11 and Hwy 183, go North on Hwy 11 for 4 miles.  Turn left on Cheohee Valley Rd for 1.4 miles.  Turn left onto Road 375 for 1 mile.  Turn left onto Tamassee Knob Rd and right on Jumping Branch Rd.  Turn left onto the second gravel road.
• Secret Falls - Walhalla – Winding Stairs Trail leads to this spectacular waterfall found in a reclusive area North of Walhalla on Hwy 28.  Bear right onto Hwy 107 for 8.7 miles, park on right.  Follow Winding Stairs Trail beginning at yellow posts on right. Trail then turns right 0.2 miles.  Continue past clearing where you exit to view Cheohee Falls.  At 3rd left turn, leave trail and head through foliage, looking for ravine on left. The waterfall is 300 yards from the trail.
• Spoonauger Falls - Walhalla – This Fall is nestled in a hillside and surrounded by shrubbery and is a 50-foot waterfall and is an easy 20-minute hike.  Head Norh from Walhall on Hwy 28 then bear right on Hwy 107 for 10 miles then left on Burrells Ford Rd.  Go 2.3 miles to bridge over Chattooga.  Park and hike upstream along Chattooga River until crossing the stream.  Immediately on right is trail to falls.
• Station Cove Falls - Walhalla – This stepped 60-foot waterfall forms from headwaters atop Station Mountain.  This easy 30-minute hike through a magnificent Appalachian cove.  To get here, starting at the intersection of Hwy 11 and 183 drive 1.5 miles north on Hwy 11.  Turn left on Oconee Station Rd. 2.4 miles to parking area at historic site.  Follow trail signs to falls.
• Whitewater Falls - Lower, Salem – The waterfall begins in North Carolina and ends in South Carolina, these falls are the highest in eastern America.  From Hwy 11 at Salem go North on Hwy 130, travel 10 miles and turn right at Duke Energy’s Bad Creek Hydro Station.  Park in the lot for Foothills Trail and head 1.7 miles to the overlook.
• Wright’s Creek Falls - Salem is located on Lake Jocassee and is only accessible by boat and the launch is from Devils Fork State Park (parking fee required).  Boat rentals and lake tours are available and exact location of the falls can be found at the Devils Fork Ranger Station.
• Yellow Branch Falls - Mountain Rest is an impressive 60-foot cascading waterfall that rumbles over rock ledges making this one of the favorite of tourists.  Head North from Walhalla on Hwy 28 for 5.4 miles.  Go left to Yellow Branch Recreation Area and it is only a short hike to Yellow Branch Falls Trail head 1.3 miles to the falls.

LONG CREEK (8 waterfalls)

• Brasstown Falls - Long Creek – This quadrant of falls range from 20 to 40 feet and  hikers will find a picturesque and easy hike.  Head west from Westminster on Hwy 76 for 11 miles then left on Brasstown Rd for 4 miles to FS 751.  Park and follow trail.
• Bull Sluice Falls -  Long Creek if looking for white water action this 14-foot drop on Chattooga River is a must see.  Located 17 miles Northwest on Hwy 76 from Westminster the parking area is before the bridge at the SC/GA line. A short ¼ mile walk upstream to capture this vibrant waterfall.
• Chau Ram Falls - Westminster is an amazing 40-foot cascading fall found where Ramsey Creek and Chauga River meet.  Go 2 miles west of Westminster on Hwy 76 at Chau Ram County Park.
• Fall Creek Falls - Long Creek features a collection of falls that range from 30 to 40 feet within a  mile stretch.  Avid hikers will enjoy this challenging 2-mile hike. Travel west from Westminster 16 miles on Hwy 76, turn right on Chattooga Ridge Rd (S196) and to 2 miles and take a left at Fall Creek Rd (FS 722).  Take the left fork across Fall Creek and park.  Follow the path on the left that leads to the base of the first falls and strenuous downstream hike.
• Opposum Creek Falls - Long Creek - For a challenging workout, to reach this 50-foot fall adventurers must take a 2 hour hike to enjoy the splendor of these waterfalls.  Travel 13 miles west from Westminster on US 76 then head left onto Damascus Church Rd for 1 mile head right onto Battle Creek Rd for 1.8 miles and turn right onto Turkey Ridge Rd for 2.2 miles.  Park on the left and follow trail for 2 miles to the river then hike upstream. 
• Reedy Branch Falls - Long Creek if looking for an easy 300-yard walk down a gravel road, this 30-foot waterfall is located 15 miles from Westminster on US 76.  The stone column gated entrance is on the left after passing Chattooga Ridge Rd on the right.  Once set aside for a home site development, the property was acquired by the Forest Service and is public land and remnants of the home site remain.  Obviously, Boomers looking for a perfect place to retire, this is one of the top places to live in South Carolina.
• Long Creek Falls - Long Creek is a multi-tiered 50-foot cascade into Chattooga River.  Head 13 miles west from Westminster on US 76 to Damascus Church Rd for I mile turn right on Turkey Ridge Rd for 3 miles.  Park in the clearing near FS 755I. Go right to the fork.  This moderate hour long hike is also a great calorie burner.
• Riley Moore Falls - Long Creek – Formerly the site of a gristmill, this fall measures 12 feet high and 100 feet wide.  This moderate 15 minute hike can be found west from Westminster 7.5 miles on US 76.  Go right on Cobb Bridge Rd. for 1.4 miles then left onto Spy Rock Rd which is gravel for 2 miles.  Turn right on FS 748C and follow the short trail to the falls at the end of the road.

Other waterfalls we find noteworthy are:

• Turtleback Falls, Mountain Rest – Turtleback Falls is one of the many falls on the Horsepasture River.  The locals use this one for a water slide, great for the kids! (For directions see Rainbow Falls  below)
• Rainbow Falls, NC – This austere 150-foot waterfall provides an adventurous hike that is not too challenging and well worth the visit.  The Horsepasture River is a great spot to build a tour and can be accessed from Gorges State Park.  The park is located on NC 281 between US 64 and the South Carolina border.

For more information about the falls, visit www. SCMountainLakes.com where you’ll find GPS locations and there is also a Mountain Lakes waterfall mobile app that can be downloaded to help with this incredible adventure!

Not only is viewing the falls an exhilarating experience but it is also a great way to exercise as you hike to get to them. Not only do hikers see wildlife and magnificent views, but hiking burns calories. The calories burned on 2-mile hikes vary according to intensity, speed, terrain, and bodyweight.  Hiking enthusiasts will burn more calories with a loaded backpack. While hiking at 2mph the average calorie burn for 160 lb. person is about 183 per hour, but increasing the speed to 3.5 mph results in burning 277 calories per hour.  Choosing a more rugged terrain for a 2-mile hike, on average a male weighing 190 lbs. burns about 646 calories per hour and climbing hills increases the burn to 776 calories.  

For active Boomers seeking the ultimate in retirement, Lake Keowee real estate is a must see. Here’s a few of the top private communities in the area:

The Cliffs offers luxury real estate throughout seven private Carolina communities, with one membership access to seven clubs.  There are 3 property locations located on Lake Keowee:

The Cliffs offers luxury real estate throughout seven private Carolina communities, where one membership gives you access to all seven clubs. Three of The Cliffs’ seven communities are located on Lake Keowee. The Cliffs at Keowee Springs - If boating and golf are some of your favorite pastimes, then this is the place to be. This lakefront neighborhood is located in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Lake Keowee which provides breathtaking views throughout the community. This refined, resort-style community has first class amenities that include a Tom Fazio Championship Golf Course, a 6.5 acre driving range, Lee’s Carolina Smokehouse, The Porch, a Lakefront Beach Club with 2 resort-style swimming pools, slides and Sandy Beach, a poolside snack bar, more than 25 community boat slips available and 6 Hiking Trails.  The Cliffs at Keowee Springs spreads across 1,600 acres and to date approximately 59 of the 473 homesites platted.. Homes begin in the mid $800K’s and home sites can be found in the mid $100K. The Cliffs recently released Dockside at Keowee Springs, a new neighborhood with lakefront property

The Cliffs at Keowee Vineyards – The Cliffs’ first community built on Lake Keowee. Like all The Cliffs properties, the ultimate lifestyle is provided not only by the scenic location, but also by the elegant amenities offered here.  Ranked by Golf Digest as the 7th Best Private Golf Course in the nation, golf enthusiasts will enjoy the Tom Fazio designed 18 Hole Championship Golf Course, a 20,000 square foot Golf Clubhouse with dining, a 10,000 square foot wellness center, a resort-style swimming pool, 175 wet boat slips and Marina and Ship’s Store, 2 lighted Har-Tru Tennis Courts, 16 Hiking and Equestrian Trails, a full Equestrian Center with horse camps, trail rides and boarding services. Approximately 247 homes have been built and single-family homes start in the high $400k. Lots can be found starting in the mid $100K’s.

The Cliffs at Keowee Falls – Living here, residents enjoy scenic lake views and the sounds of the Falls Creek Waterfall which is the largest waterfall on the pristine Lake Keowee.  The Cliffs at Keowee Falls features 2,500 acres of beautiful forestry and also has 20 miles of shoreline on the immaculate Lake Keowee.  With mesmerizing sunset views from the elegant clubhouse after a day of golf on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, other amenities include: a 28,000 square foot Golf Clubhouse, a 9,000 square foot Wellness Center complete a heated, resort-style pool with cabana wing, spa services personal training, nutrition and lifestyle consultations, lawn yoga and group exercise, a croquet court, an activity field and track, 4 lighted Har-Tru tennis courts, 7 miles of hiking trails, and a waterfall park.  The Cliffs properties are all highly social offering more than 4,000 events and activities year round. Having the option to use all amenities of The Cliffs’ seven properties is truly a bonus for active Baby Boomers seeking Lake Keowee real estate.  

Members of The Cliffs have access to The Cliffs Exploration Series, which includes guided hikes, bike rides, nature classes and outdoor adventures in a non-intimidating group environment. Activities are designed to focus on making friends, enjoying relationships, strengthening the inner you and most importantly, about having fun. The Cliffs Exploration Series includes:

• Whitewater Rafting
• Canopy Tours
• Challenge Courses
• Nature Classes
• Fly Fishing
• Jeep Tours
• Hikes
• Bike Rides
• Kayak Tours
• Ski Trips

For the ultimate adventure this spring, “head to the hills” and explore the incredible waterfalls in Upstate South Carolina that could become your backyard should you decide to relocate to the Carolinas. Before buying property, be sure to check out one of the top places to live in South Carolina.

Contact The Cliffs at 866-411-5771 to schedule a visit to experience their award-winning private communities. For more information, visit CliffsLiving.com.