Looking to get away from everything for the afternoon? The Palmetto State is home to endless scenic trails, each one more beautiful than the next. There’s one secluded beach with a waterfall in South Carolina that should move to the top of your bucket list this year; it’s perhaps the most scenic hike in the state. Let’s check it out:
Riley Moore Falls is located in the mountains on a Class IV Rapid along the Chauga River. The waterfall itself is only 12 feet high, but it spans the entire width of the river providing an impressive 100 feet of water crashing over the drop.
Google Maps/Layla Warren
At the base of the waterfall is a massive pool for cooling off in the hot summer sun. You’ll appreciate it after the one mile hike it takes to get to the beach.
alltrails/Billy Brewer
The first third of the the trail is on a service road. Then you’ll reach a trail marker at the entrance of a fairly new trail that winds through a dense forest as you make your way to your final destination.
alltrails/Crystal Wilford
The beach is nice and wide and is a mix of sand and small pebbles. It’s a perfect place to get some sun, have a picnic, and just relax.
Google Maps/Sam Uttech
The water in the pool is usually crystal clear. The mineral in the rocks here give it a bit of a gold tone in some places.
Google Maps/scjack You can see more of that rainbow of color in this short video from youtube user James Joiner:
The hike to Riley Moore Falls is a round trip distance of 1.9 miles. The beach, the seclusion, and the waterfall are totally worth it!
alltrails/Sallie Darby
You’ll find this waterfall beach near Westminster, SC. Find it at this location on Google Maps.
Google Maps
If you decide to drive on the service road, then you’ll need a high-clearance vehicle to get over some rough spots. The round trip distance of 1.9 miles includes hiking on the service road.
Google Maps/Layla Warren
alltrails/Billy Brewer
alltrails/Crystal Wilford
Google Maps/Sam Uttech
Google Maps/scjack
You can see more of that rainbow of color in this short video from youtube user James Joiner:
alltrails/Sallie Darby
Google Maps
Have you been to Riley Moore Falls yet? We’d love to know and see your photos of this secluded beach with a waterfall in South Carolina!
For more waterfall fun in South Carolina, check out this waterfalls road trip where you’ll visit seven in one day.
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Address: Riley Moore Falls Trail, South Carolina 29693, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
secluded beach with a waterfall in South Carolina April 05, 2021 Jackie Ann What are the best waterfall hikes in South Carolina? Boasting over 400 wilderness trails, The Palmetto State offers outdoor lovers an exciting variety of hiking destinations. Among these, waterfall trails are easy to find and hikers can discover these stunning cascading waters all across our state. Located near Caesars Head State Park, the five-mile round-trip hike at Rainbow Falls offers spectacular views of towering granite cliffs and large boulders surrounded by lush native flowering plants. Outside of Walhalla, the popular Yellow Branch Falls is viewable via a moderate 3-mile hike and is an ideal trail for bird watching along the way. Raven Cliff Falls gets its name from the 150 species of ravens identified in the area and is one of the most remarkable waterfalls in South Carolina plunging roughly 420 feet. What are the most beautiful beaches in South Carolina? South Carolina’s 2,876 miles of subtropical coastlines and many barrier and tidal islands make it an idyllic destination for beachgoers on the East Coast. Not surprisingly, the beaches found within our Sea Islands chain are among the best in the country. The sandy shores of Kiawah Island are ranked as some of the most beautiful beaches in the state, packed with rolling sand dunes, lush forests, and marshes teeming with native wildlife. Outside of Charleston, Sullivan’s Island is an easily accessible spot to spend a relaxing sunny day lounging on pristine white sand and taking in the views of the calm, clear waters. If you’re looking for exciting water sports activities, Sullivan’s Island also offers plenty of paddle boarding and kayaking opportunities. Where can I find the bluest water in South Carolina? South Carolina’s diverse terrain ranges from the Atlantic Coastal Plain to the hilly Piedmont region, and the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains offering an abundance of scenic shores and waterways. The upstate region is home to Lake Keowee, a glistening hidden gem with 300 miles of shoreline and is widely regarded as having the bluest water in the Palmetto State. Spanning 26 miles, Keowee is an ideal destination for photographers, bird-watchers, and outdoor lovers wanting to get back to nature. Dotted along the lakeshore, visitors will discover an abundance of recreational public parks, water sport activities, campgrounds, and crystalline swimming and fishing areas.
The OIYS Visitor Center
secluded beach with a waterfall in South Carolina
April 05, 2021
Jackie Ann
What are the best waterfall hikes in South Carolina? Boasting over 400 wilderness trails, The Palmetto State offers outdoor lovers an exciting variety of hiking destinations. Among these, waterfall trails are easy to find and hikers can discover these stunning cascading waters all across our state. Located near Caesars Head State Park, the five-mile round-trip hike at Rainbow Falls offers spectacular views of towering granite cliffs and large boulders surrounded by lush native flowering plants. Outside of Walhalla, the popular Yellow Branch Falls is viewable via a moderate 3-mile hike and is an ideal trail for bird watching along the way. Raven Cliff Falls gets its name from the 150 species of ravens identified in the area and is one of the most remarkable waterfalls in South Carolina plunging roughly 420 feet. What are the most beautiful beaches in South Carolina? South Carolina’s 2,876 miles of subtropical coastlines and many barrier and tidal islands make it an idyllic destination for beachgoers on the East Coast. Not surprisingly, the beaches found within our Sea Islands chain are among the best in the country. The sandy shores of Kiawah Island are ranked as some of the most beautiful beaches in the state, packed with rolling sand dunes, lush forests, and marshes teeming with native wildlife. Outside of Charleston, Sullivan’s Island is an easily accessible spot to spend a relaxing sunny day lounging on pristine white sand and taking in the views of the calm, clear waters. If you’re looking for exciting water sports activities, Sullivan’s Island also offers plenty of paddle boarding and kayaking opportunities. Where can I find the bluest water in South Carolina? South Carolina’s diverse terrain ranges from the Atlantic Coastal Plain to the hilly Piedmont region, and the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains offering an abundance of scenic shores and waterways. The upstate region is home to Lake Keowee, a glistening hidden gem with 300 miles of shoreline and is widely regarded as having the bluest water in the Palmetto State. Spanning 26 miles, Keowee is an ideal destination for photographers, bird-watchers, and outdoor lovers wanting to get back to nature. Dotted along the lakeshore, visitors will discover an abundance of recreational public parks, water sport activities, campgrounds, and crystalline swimming and fishing areas.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Boasting over 400 wilderness trails, The Palmetto State offers outdoor lovers an exciting variety of hiking destinations. Among these, waterfall trails are easy to find and hikers can discover these stunning cascading waters all across our state. Located near Caesars Head State Park, the five-mile round-trip hike at Rainbow Falls offers spectacular views of towering granite cliffs and large boulders surrounded by lush native flowering plants. Outside of Walhalla, the popular Yellow Branch Falls is viewable via a moderate 3-mile hike and is an ideal trail for bird watching along the way. Raven Cliff Falls gets its name from the 150 species of ravens identified in the area and is one of the most remarkable waterfalls in South Carolina plunging roughly 420 feet.
What are the most beautiful beaches in South Carolina?
South Carolina’s 2,876 miles of subtropical coastlines and many barrier and tidal islands make it an idyllic destination for beachgoers on the East Coast. Not surprisingly, the beaches found within our Sea Islands chain are among the best in the country. The sandy shores of Kiawah Island are ranked as some of the most beautiful beaches in the state, packed with rolling sand dunes, lush forests, and marshes teeming with native wildlife. Outside of Charleston, Sullivan’s Island is an easily accessible spot to spend a relaxing sunny day lounging on pristine white sand and taking in the views of the calm, clear waters. If you’re looking for exciting water sports activities, Sullivan’s Island also offers plenty of paddle boarding and kayaking opportunities.
Where can I find the bluest water in South Carolina?
South Carolina’s diverse terrain ranges from the Atlantic Coastal Plain to the hilly Piedmont region, and the majestic Blue Ridge Mountains offering an abundance of scenic shores and waterways. The upstate region is home to Lake Keowee, a glistening hidden gem with 300 miles of shoreline and is widely regarded as having the bluest water in the Palmetto State. Spanning 26 miles, Keowee is an ideal destination for photographers, bird-watchers, and outdoor lovers wanting to get back to nature. Dotted along the lakeshore, visitors will discover an abundance of recreational public parks, water sport activities, campgrounds, and crystalline swimming and fishing areas.
