Description: Fall Creek is aptly named, for it is home to three waterfalls, each roughly 30 to 50 feet high, in a mile-long stretch. The less intrepid among us can enjoy a fine view of the first level just below the west side of FS 722. But if you’re planning to explore the entire Fall Creek chain – including the third level, where the photograph was taken – you’ll need to budget about two hours for the difficult, two-mile downstream hike. There is no marked trail and dense rhododendron thickets blanket each side of the creek.

Height:    First level, 35 feet

Second level, 20 feet

Third level, 40 feet

Length of hike: 2.0 miles

Time to hike: Minimum of two hours to see all levels

Difficulty: Strenuous

Creek or river: Fall Creek

USGS Quadrangle: Rainey Mountain

Directions to the falls:

1. From Westminster drive west on US 76 for 16.2 miles and turn right (east) onto Chattooga Ridge Road (Oconee County S-37-196).

2. Drive approximately 2 miles and turn left (north) onto Fall Creek Road (FS 722).

3. Follow FS 722 until it forks, and take the left (west) fork.

4. At approximately 0.7 mile FS 722 crosses over Fall Creek. Park beyond the creek. The first level of Fall Creek Falls is visible from the roadside.

5. Walk up the road about 150 feet to a faint path and follow it to an old logging road. Within approximately 25 yards, the falls can be seen on your left. It is easy to make your way through the woods to the falls.

6. Following the stream downstream will bring you to the other levels of the falls, but it is an extremely arduous undertaking, because of mountain laurel and rhododendron thickets.

Information: Sumter National Forest, Andrew Pickens Ranger District, 112 Andrew Pickens Circle, Mountain Rest, SC, 29664. Telephone: 864-638-9568