YELLOW BRANCH FALLS
|
 |
| LOCATION:
Northwest South Carolina |
| HIKE
STARTS: Yellow Branch Falls Picnic Area |
| HIKE ENDS:
Yellow Branch Falls Picnic Area |
| TOTAL
DISTANCE: 3.0 Miles |
| HIKE TYPE:
In and Out, Backtrack Hike |
| HIKE
DIFFICULTY: Moderate |
| TRAILS
USED: Connector, Yellow Branch Falls Trails |
| TRAIL
TRAFFIC: Moderate |
| TRIP TYPE:
Day Hike |
| MANAGEMENT:
Sumter National Forest |
HIGHLIGHTS: The hike to Yellow
Branch Falls is a backtrack hike over moderate terrain that ends at a beautiful
50-foot vertical waterfall with many individual cascades. The hike begins at the
picnic area off of SC 28 and follows a connector trail for 0.2 miles and then
joins the Yellow Branch Falls Trail for 1.3 miles to the waterfall. On the route
you pass through groves of dignified hardwood and meander across a number of
streams. In the winter you can see the Town of Walhalla in the distance when the
trees are bare. The National Forest Service recommends that you wear sturdy
shoes and use extra caution during wet conditions on this hike as the trail
skirts the edges of deep ravines.
The best option for camping near Yellow
Branch Falls is at the Oconee State Park which is approximately 10 miles away
and has 19 cabins, (that sleep four to eight people), 140 campsites, and 10 tent
sites. Pets are not allowed in the cabins or in the cabin areas but are
permitted in most of the outdoor areas. Check www.southcarolinaparks.com for
current rates and restrictions. Pets must also be on a leash no longer than six
feet in length. Additional recreational activities at the park include fishing,
swimming, and boating in two small lakes.