The falls are fed by Wildcat Branch Creek, one of the tributaries of the South Saluda River. The upper section provides a beautiful 10-foot free fall, while the lower section cascades 20 feet down an exposed slab of granite into a shallow pool. Wildcat Falls is located between two extremely popular state parks, Caesar’s Head and Jones Gap, which have many waterfalls and cascades within their boundaries as well.

Another site not to be missed when visiting Wildcat Falls is the unmarked scenic overlook, known as the Bald Rock Heritage Preserve and sometimes Shining Rock, pictured below.

SCIWAY contributor Barry Gooch says that the easiest way to find the Bald Rock Heritage Preserve is to “head south from Caesar’s Head on US 276 (Greer Highway). Drive about four miles and you will pass a road to the left called Persimmon Ridge Road. Drive another 0.5 miles, and Club Terrace Drive will be on the right. I don’t know if either of these roads are marked. The overlook will be another 0.1 miles on the left. It isn’t marked and the bald is obscured by trees. There is no parking lot, though enough people stop at the overlook that a makeshift parking area exists on the left side of the highway near the path to the bald. It’s an easy 50 yard walk from the highway and is well worth the time and effort. Be careful though, the rocks can be slippery!”

]]> http://www.sciway.net/sc-photos/greenville-county/wildcat-falls.html/feed/ 0 http://www.sciway.net/sc-photos/pickens-county/carrick-creek-falls.html http://www.sciway.net/sc-photos/pickens-county/carrick-creek-falls.html#comments Mon, 23 Jul 2012 16:03:07 +0000 SCIWAY http://www.sciway.net/sc-photos/?p=16424 Table Rock State Park is a place where nature enthusiasts could spend many days hiking, camping, and enjoying the views. The park is mountainous and has numerous small waterfalls along its hiking trails. This 15-foot waterfall on Carrick Creek can be found off of the Carrick Creek Nature Trail inside the park.

Be safe! Make sure to register at the nature center before adventuring out into Table Rock Park so that the park rangers know you’re there, and know where you are going! See more SC waterfalls.

SCIWAY thanks Charles K. Hardin of Greer for this picture he took in April 2012.

Get more information and detailed directions to Kings Creek Falls.

The SC Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism says that in 1780 Edward Musgrove, who once owned these lands, allowed British Loyalists to use his property for their hospital. However, Musgrove’s daughter Mary helped a Patriot soldier hide from the British troops in a small cave near these falls.

Local folklore says that the soldier was called “Horseshoe” because he was a blacksmith, and the information he gathered on the British during his time in the cave helped the Patriots plan an attack. These cascades were eventually named in his honor.

Many thanks to photographer Sarah J Brown of Fountain Inn for providing this lovely photo she took in October 2011. She says that Horseshoe Falls is “a nice surprise after a beautiful short hike. These several small cascades were worth the drive on a Sunday afternoon.”

Directions to the Musgrove Mill Historic park:

From I-26 Westbound, take exit 52 to SC 56 Cross Anchor/Clinton. Turn right onto HWY 56 and drive north for 6 miles. The park entrance will be on the left.

The double-tiered falls are smaller than others in the area, but still provide a picturesque setting to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike. The first section drops eight feet down a tiered cascade, then flows another 25 feet before coming to the second tier, at which point it plunges another 15 feet!

SCIWAY thanks Abigail Van Buren of Lyman for submitting this photo she took in June 2011.

Abigail writes: “The hike to Pleasant Ridge Falls is an easy one, lined with mountain laurel and moss. Upon approaching the falls, cool air flows off the rushing water. There is even a handmade bench constructed from a downed tree that sits atop the first tier. It is truly a unique scene to be enjoyed by all ages.”

It’s important to note that, like most of our South Carolina waterfalls, Mill Creek Falls is most beautiful after a recent rainfall.

Many thanks to Steven Faucette of Williamston for submitting this picture in April 2011.

The waterfall’s secluded location and misty atmosphere creates a perfect habitat for fabulous flora and fauna. Hikers have reported seeing Oconee bells, bulblet ferns, mosses, unusual amphibians, and much more near Lee Falls.

SCIWAY thanks photographer Steven Faucette for submitting this beautiful photo in April 2011.

Get directions to Lee Falls.

If you stay on the road, you might never know the falls are there. But you’ll hear them if you leave Whetstone Road and walk just over a half-mile along the river.

When you reach “the narrows,” the water becomes faster and more turbulent. The path turns rocky and the river drops 25 feet over a 200-foot run. Below the falls, Class VI whitewater rapids churn for a short distance before they smooth out again in a large pool.

SCIWAY thanks Tragena Owen of Mountain Rest for sharing this information and this picture, taken in October 2010.

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 (pictured above), which drops about 50 feet.

From there, the path narrows for a steep and rocky decent to Brasstown Veil, pictured below. 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.

Photographer Ed Long says that 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.”

There is a half-mile hike along Todd Creek that will get you to the waterfall. It is an easy hike, and is a great place for a picnic.

The rapids along Todd Creek between Brookbend Road and Lake Hartwell are classified as a class IV+ section by American Whitewater. The best time to paddle the creek is during March when the rainfall is the highest.

Jesse Richardson of Brevard, NC set out to find Todd Creek Falls after seeing it in a book. He captured this shot in May 2009 and says, “This fall is truly a rare gem. It doesn’t look as though many people know about it, as it isn’t exactly in an obvious location for a waterfall. It’s definitely worth the short hike, and the pool is deep enough for a short dip. This is no doubt one of the best hidden falls in the area.”