Station Cove Falls and Oconee Station State Historic Site

If you’re road-tripping through Oconee County chasing waterfalls (because, same), don’t skip Oconee Station State Historic Site. There’s a frontier trading post where settlers bartered with Cherokee hunters, and a stone blockhouse that stood guard against who-knows-what back in the day, AND an easy waterfall hike with loads of wildflowers (in season) to the beautiful 60-foot Station Cove Falls. I came for the waterfall, stayed for the history—and you might too.

Hiking to Station Cove Falls

I parked at the Station Cove Falls trailhead, just down the road from the main entrance to Oconee Station Historic Site. There are only a few spots there, but I managed to snag one. Starting from this trailhead makes the hike a quick and easy 1.5 miles round-trip (instead of 3), perfect for solo travelers, families, or anyone who wants to get to the good stuff faster.

The trail is an easy, peaceful walk through shaded forest, with a few little bridges along the way. A couple of downed trees were blocking the path, but I could duck under them and keep going without any trouble.

A garden club happened to be visiting the same day, and their trained eyes pointed out wildflowers I probably would’ve missed on my own. I loved spotting the trilliums (Little Sweet Betsy). I even caught one just as it began to bloom.

Just before reaching the falls, I hopped across a few rocks to the other side of the creek, where the trail continues to a great view of the waterfall. From there, I did some easy rock scrambling to get right up to the base.

Station Cove Falls is tucked away in a peaceful, shaded cove, where the water tumbles down the rocky cliff in a series of steps, creating a soft, soothing sound as it crashes into the creek below. I’m sure the water flow varies throughout the year, but when I visited, it was gentle and serene.

If you want to chase more waterfalls in the area, don’t miss Issaqueena Falls, a stunning 100-foot cascade just a short drive away, and while there, explore quirky Stumphouse Tunnel!

The Story Behind the Stone Buildings

After my waterfall hike, I headed over to Oconee Station, a historic outpost once used by the South Carolina State Militia between 1792 and 1799. On weekends (1–5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday), you can catch a guided tour, but if you’re visiting mid-week like I did, there’s a self-guided info station at the park office. From the parking lot, I spotted the buildings up on the hill and followed a short trail uphill to check them out up close.

Back in the late 1700s, a line of military outposts was built along what was then the western frontier to help defend against raids and provide early warnings. This particular blockhouse, built in 1792, could house up to 30 soldiers at a time—and it’s the only structure from the original fort that still stands today.

The site became a trading post, and in 1805, William Richards who operated the trading post, built a two-story brick house next door and used the blockhouse as his kitchen.

Oconee Station also has a fishing pond and a nature trail leading into Sumter National Forest. That trail is the longer, 3-mile hiking route to Station Cove Falls I mentioned earlier—great if you’re up for a bit more of an adventure.

Why It’s Worth the Stop

Between the Station Cove waterfall, the quiet trail, and the unexpected bit of South Carolina history, Oconee Station makes for a surprisingly rewarding stop. If you’re in the area, it’s an easy way to stretch your legs, learn a little something, and maybe catch a wildflower or two along the way.

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