Pets allowed
Allowed
Elevation Gain
400.00 ft (121.92 m)
Trail type
There-and-back
Distance
1.75 mi (2.82 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

Beech Bottom Falls is a short hike that begins at a trailhead along the F. Van Clayton Memorial Highway. The 77-mile long Foothills Trail can also be accessed via this trailhead.

The trail to Beech Bottom Falls begins by following a short path down from the trailhead to a gravel road. You’ll continue along the gravel road as it heads slightly downhill and eventually crosses Abner Creek. Here you’ll see an area signed for camping, although it looks like no one has camped here recently.

After crossing the creek the trail will veer to the left and you’ll leave the road behind. This singletrack path will begin descending a little more steeply as it makes its way through the dense rhododendron forest. In a half-mile you’ll come to the end of the trail and an observation platform. From here you’ll have a great view of Beech Bottom Falls. Please don’t try and walk any closer to the falls as there is no path and the terrain is quite steep and dangerous.

When finished viewing the falls, return the way you came (keep in mind that it’ll be all uphill on the way back). While in the area be sure to check out nearby Sassafras Mountain - the highest point in South Carolina.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Winter
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

None

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Short hike. Nice waterfall.

Cons

Can’t get close to waterfall.

Trailhead Elevation

2,369.00 ft (722.07 m)

Highest point

2,369.00 ft (722.07 m)

Features

Near lake or river
Backcountry camping
Waterfalls
Bird watching

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

Nearby Adventures

Nearby Lodging + Camping

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