My first (and only) trip so far to Yellow Branch Falls in South Carolina was earlier this year. Before that, I’d only spent time in Charleston and Columbia, South Carolina. But this year, Teddy and I planned a trip down the coast from Pennsylvania to Georgia and back for his graduation from Clemson University for his master’s degree. He had showed me pictures of Yellow Branch Falls as he’s hiked there before so when it came to planning our road trip, this was one was top of the list.
Trail Info:
- Location: Near Walhalla, SC in Sumter National Forest
- Length: 3 miles roundtrip
- Type: Out and back
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Waterfall Height: 50 foot cascade
Getting There:
If coming from Walhalla, drive on South Carolina 28 for just under 7 miles. On your left will be the parking area for Yellow Brach Picnic Ground. Turn into here for parking. Follow the connector trail a short way from the parking lot to meet up with the Yellow Branch Falls Trail.
Hiking Tips:
- You’ll start out on the Nature Trail for about 2/10 of a mile when you leave the parking lot. It will then join the trail for Yellow Branch Falls in the woods.
- Follow the orange blazes to ensure you stay on the trail
- There are a few creek crossings either with bridges or stones to cross it
- It is a dog friendly trail so bring your pup along
- Wear sturdy hiking shoes as there are roots as well as sometimes trees down along the trail and stream crossings
- Plan for about a 2-3 hour hike and get to the parking lot early so you get a spot
In the Area:
If you have some extra time, and $5 for the entrance fee, there’s Issaqueena Falls and Stumphouse Tunnel only a few minutes away. Isaquenna Falls is a 200 foot cascade with a .4 mile round trip trail down to a platform overlook of the falls. After viewing the falls, you can checkout Stumphouse Tunnel which in the1850s was an attempt to link Charleston’s port to cities in the midwest by railroad. The tunnel was only completed 1/4 of a mile before it closed due to lack of funding, and the Civil War began.
Other South Carolina Adventures:
For other things to to in South Carolina, check out these other blog posts below:
