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Hike to Lee Falls

Tamassee, South Carolina

4.0/5
based on 4 reviews

Details

Distance

1.6 miles

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Seth Berry

One of the most scenic waterfalls in the Upstate of South Carolina is also one of the most hidden and challenging to find. If you're up for the challenge and okay with getting a little wet, then this adventure is well worth the effort.

The Hike:
Head out through the middle of the first of three fields, crossing creeks two times as you come to them. At the end of the last field, the trail enters the woods. Hike through the woods for 0.3 mile and take the left fork, crossing a creek , and head toward the larger branch of Tamassee Creek. Hike another 0.2 mile and follow Tamassee creek upstream to a point where the trail gets very rocky and obstructed. You are less than 0.2 mile from the falls. You may have to cross the creek several times depending on conditions. Once you can see the falls, you should be on the south side, which is the best place to be to view the falls.

Waterfall Coordinates: 34.8948027,-83.1017767

The Drive:
  • From the intersection of SC 11 (Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway) and SC 28 at Walhalla, drive north on SC 11 for 8.3 miles and turn left (west) onto Cheohee Valley Road (just before Becca's Kitchen).
  • Drive 2.3 miles and turn left onto Tamassee Knob Road (S-37-95).
  • Drive 0.5 mile and turn right (northwest) onto Jumping Branch Road.
  • Drive 1.5 miles and turn left (northwest) onto FS 715A, which is gravel (pass FS 715 on the left and continue 0.2 miles to FS 715A).
  • Drive 0.5 mile to parking area on the right, just before small bridge over Tamassee Creek.
  • Park at the north end of the parking area where the barricade is.
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Features

Photography
Hiking
Dog Friendly
Forest
River
Scenic
Waterfall
Wildflowers
Wildlife

Hike to Lee Falls Reviews

Hiked this trail for the first time today! Easy hike until you reach the falls... I climbed up to the very base of the falls... I can't imagine the trip in the summer though with all the vegetation! Beautiful waterfall.

I visited this falls site earlier this summer and it was very over grown. Some of the grass in the fields was up over my head and the forestry around the creek where you have to climb some boulders was also very over grown. However, I went back recently and it was much more comfortable and a beautiful hike. One of the best in the Upstate South Carolina area by far.

Attempted to hike to these falls yesterday but was unable to make it. The first field had tire tracks that you could follow but by the second field it was very overgrown. Easily up to my waist and over head at some points. There is also a large cage trap set up in second field. If anyone goes out and the fields are cut please update would love to go back and try again!

It's a dang nice waterfall! Just hiked there yesterday for the first time, and now it's one of my new favorite waterfalls to hike to!

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

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Hike to Kings Creek Falls

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Hike to Yellow Branch Falls