Key Takeaways
- There are beautiful waterfalls near Clemson SC within minutes of campus, and dozens more in the Blue Ridge Mountains within about an hour.
- Waldrop Stone Falls in the Clemson University Forest is the closest easy hike.
- Issaqueena, Yellow Branch, and Station Cove Falls in Oconee County are classic half-day trips.
- For big views, head to Raven Cliff Falls or Whitewater Falls.
One of the best things about staying near Clemson is how quickly you can trade campus for the Blue Ridge Mountains. Head northwest and the roads start to climb, the creeks get louder, and waterfalls appear around nearly every bend.
Whether you want an easy hike with kids or a full day on the trail, here are our favorite waterfalls near Clemson SC, from closest to farthest.
Waterfalls in the Clemson Area
1. Waldrop Stone Falls
Tucked into the north side of the Clemson University Forest (formerly the Clemson Experimental Forest), this 30-foot cascade is an easy hike of under a mile round trip. The trailhead is off Waldrop Stone Road near Madden Bridge Road.
2. Todd Creek Falls
Another short, easy hike on Clemson University land in Pickens County, ending at a small 20-foot fall and a popular picnic spot.
Waterfalls in Oconee County
3. Issaqueena Falls
At Stumphouse Park in Walhalla, this roughly 100-foot waterfall is a quarter-mile walk from the parking area to an observation deck. The park is also home to Stumphouse Tunnel, an unfinished 1850s railroad tunnel that had a temporary closure in spring 2026.
4. Chau Ram County Park
Near Westminster, Chau Ram has a 40-foot fall close to the parking area and a long suspension bridge. Great for families.
5. Yellow Branch Falls
In Sumter National Forest near Walhalla, water spills over dozens of rocky ledges into a 50-foot curtain. The trail is moderate, about 1.5 miles each way.
6. Station Cove Falls
A 60-foot tiered waterfall in Sumter National Forest at the end of a flat, half-mile trail near Oconee Station State Historic Site. The trail is known for spring wildflowers.
Waterfalls About an Hour Away
7. Twin Falls
In Pickens County near Sunset, two falls pour side by side over granite, the larger about 75 feet. The walk is short and easy.
8. Upper and Lower Whitewater Falls
Just over the North Carolina line, Upper Whitewater Falls drops 411 feet, which the U.S. Forest Service calls the highest waterfall east of the Rockies. A paved path leads to the overlook. Lower Whitewater Falls, reached through Oconee County, is about 200 feet and a moderate 2-mile hike each way.
9. Raven Cliff Falls
At Caesars Head State Park, this 420-foot fall is viewed from an overlook across the gorge on a 4-mile round trip. The park rates its trails as advanced.
10. Rainbow Falls
At Jones Gap State Park, Rainbow Falls drops about 120 feet at the end of a steep, advanced hike of roughly 2 miles each way. Weekend parking at Jones Gap can require a reservation.
Tips for Hiking to Waterfalls
- Stay off the top of the falls. Wet, rocky ledges are slick, and people are hurt at Upstate waterfalls every year.
- Go a day after rain. Falls look best then, but creeks rise fast during storms.
- Check closures. Hurricane Helene damaged roads and trails in 2024. Most areas have reopened, but conditions change.
- Start early. Small trailhead lots fill on weekends, and cell service is spotty in the mountains.
Plan a Waterfall Day Trip From Our Park
Clemson RV Park at The Grove makes a great base for chasing waterfalls in South Carolina. Spend the day hiking, then come back to a full-hookup site, a hot shower, and the pool. On days you want to stay close, Lake Hartwell is just down the road.
Waterfalls Near Clemson FAQs
What is the closest waterfall to Clemson?
Waldrop Stone Falls in the Clemson University Forest is just minutes from campus.
What is the tallest waterfall near Clemson?
Raven Cliff Falls at 420 feet and Upper Whitewater Falls at 411 feet.