Found on the southern edge of Sumter National Forest in Oconee County, Brasstown Falls is actually a chain of three separate cascades. This picture is Brasstown Veil, the middle waterfall in the chain.
[ Read more ... ]
A fairly easy quarter-mile hike from the parking lot on FS 751 brings you to the top of the first falls known as Brasstown Cascades, which drops about 50 feet.
From there, the path narrows for a steep and rocky decent to Brasstown Veil. The wide veil of water spills over a ledge and falls another 15-20 feet into a pool that invites a cooling dip on a hot day.
The lower waterfall is called the Brasstown Sluice. It is a narrow, 15' chute of water that ends in another shallow pool.
It is rated a "moderate" hike to see all three of the Brasstown waterfalls. Wear good shoes, go slowly, and be aware of slippery wet rocks. The trail becomes steeper and rockier as you descend but it is a reasonable hike for the young and old – and seeing three separate waterfalls is well worth the effort.
Special thanks to Ed Long of Laurens, who submitted this shot as part of our SC Swimming Holes photo contest in August 2009. Ed says Brasstown is one of his favorite waterfalls in South Carolina and describes his adventure in reaching it as follows:
"The hike to this waterfall started like so many before, meeting up with a friend and driving to the parking area. We each got over 20-pound backpacks of camera gear, hip waders, water, and snacks and headed for the trail. The trail quickly disappeared and became a descent over root and rock down to Brasstown Veil, also known as Middle Brasstown Falls.
"The 20-minute trip can be difficult if you aren't prepared. However the reward is great – once there you are afforded an awesome sight plus a deep, cold, swimming hole for the adventurous. This is one of my favorite waterfalls in SC even if it is a little tough to get to. The reward is worth it."
See more pictures of South Carolina Waterfalls
NEW SC WEBSITES