Along the shores of South Carolina’s stunning Lake Jocassee lies the state’s deadliest waterfall, a spot where people have sailed over the edge of the top of the falls and plunged 80 feet bouncing off the ledges that protrude all the way to the bottom of the falls. South Carolina is brimming with gorgeous waterfalls to chase, many of which should be approached with caution, however, Laurel Fork Falls is the deadliest waterfall in recent years.

It’s found in the Jocassee Gorges, a spot National Geographic Explorer recently named among the last greatest places on earth.

Flickr/Sabrina Setaro Scores of people visit Lake Jocassee each summer for fun and sun in the lake’s crystal clear waters.

Including waters that ultimately fill the lake from waterfalls spilling down the Blue Ridge Escarpment into the lake.

Flickr/amytrippmyers Laurel Fork Falls is one of them. It’s accessible only via a boat or a moderate, 9.6-mile hike from Laurel Fork Road

The trail isn’t an easy trek and includes an elevation change of 1,112 feet.

alltrails/David Macindoe You can learn more about the Laurel Fork Falls via Laurel Fork Creek Road Trail here.

Most people backpack in the essentials for an overnight stay and end of spending the night at or near the top of the waterfall.

alltrails/Julien Hinshaw

But in 2020, two people fell to their death at Laurel Fork Falls; one in March and a second in October.

alltrails/James Beaumier The first person to die was a woman who was camping with friends at the top of the falls. She reportedly fell over the top of the falls at around 2 a.m.

Then, in October 2020, a 14-year-old boy from Florida who was on a youth trip fell to his death at Laurel Fork Falls.

Google Maps/Peter G Two deaths from this waterfall in the same year skyrocketed Laurel Fork Falls to the top of the list of deadliest waterfalls in the Palmetto State.

South Carolina’s deadliest waterfall doesn’t necessarily need to be avoided altogether. But at the very least, avoid standing at the very top to have a look over the edge.

alltrails/James Cogburn Even when the water flow is low, the rock underneath the water’s surface is still prone to being slippery. Slippery footing is a leading cause of waterfall falls.

And perhaps if you end up camping at or near the top, bring lights to place as markers after dark so no one ventures too near the edge.

alltrails/Mickey Snowman

Have you ever visited Laurel Fork Falls above Lake Jocassee in South Carolina? What other very dangerous waterfalls do you know of in South Carolina? Join the discussion in the comments!

Flickr/Sabrina Setaro

Scores of people visit Lake Jocassee each summer for fun and sun in the lake’s crystal clear waters.

Flickr/amytrippmyers

Laurel Fork Falls is one of them. It’s accessible only via a boat or a moderate, 9.6-mile hike from Laurel Fork Road

alltrails/David Macindoe

You can learn more about the Laurel Fork Falls via Laurel Fork Creek Road Trail here.

alltrails/Julien Hinshaw

alltrails/James Beaumier

The first person to die was a woman who was camping with friends at the top of the falls. She reportedly fell over the top of the falls at around 2 a.m.

Google Maps/Peter G

Two deaths from this waterfall in the same year skyrocketed Laurel Fork Falls to the top of the list of deadliest waterfalls in the Palmetto State.

alltrails/James Cogburn

Even when the water flow is low, the rock underneath the water’s surface is still prone to being slippery. Slippery footing is a leading cause of waterfall falls.

alltrails/Mickey Snowman

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