Issaqueena Falls, one of Oconee County, South Carolina’s most stunning waterfalls, is practically roadside—the overlook is only a 5-minute walk from the parking lot. However, if you want to get closer to the falls and don’t mind a bit of a challenge, there’s a rugged trail that leads you to the base. Plus, the falls are tied to a local legend!
📝 Hike at a Glance
📍 Location: Just outside Walhalla, SC – about 20 minutes from Clemson
🥾 Difficulty: Easy (with an option for a more rugged trail to the base)
📏 Distance: 0.3 miles to the observation deck
💧 Height: 100-foot high cascade waterfall
💵 Fee: $5 per vehicle (cash or online via QR code)
⏱ Time to Allow: 15–45 minutes depending on trail choice
Getting There
Finding the Issaqueena Falls parking area can be a bit tricky. First, I stopped at the self-pay station to take care of the $5 fee (which you can pay in cash or scan a QR code to pay online). Then, I continued down the winding road, following the signs to the right for the waterfall parking area. Spaces are limited, but don’t worry—there’s an additional lot within walking distance.
Local Tip: The same entrance also leads to Stumphouse Tunnel—a historic, man-made abandoned railroad tunnel tucked into the mountain. You can easily visit both on the same trip!
Trail & Legend of Issaqueena
After parking, I crossed a small bridge to the trailhead, where I found a sign sharing the Legend of Issaqueena. According to the story, she was a Creek maiden who, during a raid, faked a leap over the waterfall but actually hid beneath a ledge at the top until it was safe.
Nearby, there’s also a cute photo frame selfie station, one of several scattered across Oconee County for capturing the scenic spots in the area.
From the trailhead, it’s a short and mostly flat 0.3-mile walk to the wooden boardwalk overlook. The view from the top offers a peaceful look at the cascading falls—though mostly from the side. Still, it’s a great spot for photos and quick visits.
Trail to the Base (Optional – More Challenging)
If you don’t mind some rock scrambling, I highly recommend taking the trail down to the base of Issaqueena Falls. It’s rugged, steep and rocky, but the view is totally worth it.
When I say the trail is steep and rocky, I mean it. And if you’re on the shorter side like me, some sections require quite the stretch! Thankfully, there were plenty of tree roots and branches to grab onto along the way.
Pro tip: Wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots with good tread—I keep mine in my car at all times for hikes like this. Trust me, this is not a trail for sandals or open-toe shoes!
When I reached the boulders at the base of the thundering cascades and felt the refreshing splashes, I knew the scramble had been totally worth it! There’s nothing quite like being right next to a waterfall.
Bonus Tips
- Best Time to Visit: Spring offers peak water flow after seasonal rain. In October, the fall foliage surrounding the falls adds gorgeous color.
- Pair It With: Stumphouse Tunnel is right next door—don’t skip it! If you’re hungry after exploring, head into downtown Walhalla—there are a few local cafés to grab a bite and some small shops worth checking out.
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