Danielle Horn
There are tons of beautiful waterfall trails in Upstate South Carolina, but the hike to Yellow Branch Falls might just take the cake.
The lovely Yellow Branch Falls trail is a South Carolina gem, and the payoff at the end is absolutely worth the walk.
No joke – I’ve hiked to Yellow Branch Falls four times now, and it never gets old.
What makes this waterfall extra special is how close you can get to it. The trail leads you right to the base of the 50-foot falls – you can actually reach out and touch the cascading water. No overgrown branches blocking the view. Just a peaceful, stunning waterfall all year round.
Even in spring and summer, the greenery frames the waterfall beautifully. It’s perfect for photos!
Trail Overview: What to Expect on the Hike to Yellow Branch Falls
The Yellow Branch Falls Trail is a moderate, out-and-back hike totaling a little over 3 miles (about 1.5 miles each way). It’s a great balance between easygoing and adventurous – with stream crossings, wooden bridges, and scenic forest views along the way.
This is a great trail for families with kids, nature lovers, and college students looking for a brain break!
The trail is well-marked, and there’s a large map at the trailhead that you can snap a photo of.
Yellow Branch Falls Trail is about a 1.5 to 2 hour hike, though I would plan for longer if you plan to spend some time enjoying the waterfall and taking in the views.
Hike Difficulty: I would say that this hike is on the easy side of moderate. Most of the hike is very manageable. But, there are some elevation changes, and a few parts of the trail are narrow and steep.
Trailhead Location & Parking Info
The Yellow Branch Falls Trail is located in Walhalla, South Carolina in Sumter National Forest. It’s just off Hwy 28 S onto a road called Yellow Branch Rd (easy to remember, right?). You’ll find the trailhead easily on both Google Maps and Apple Maps.
Parking is FREE at the Yellow Branch Picnic Ground! There is a toilet, a water fountain, and a few picnic tables in the parking area.
The trailhead has a large map and some visitor’s info about the biology and local wildlife in the area. (Personally, I haven’t seen much “wildlife” on this trail, but there have been some beautiful flowers, ferns, and trees!)
HEADS UP about the parking: This trail is popular in the summer and on weekends. If the lot is full, roadside parking is usually an option.
I recommend getting there early to beat the morning crowd, or around lunch-time to beat the afternoon crowd.
However, while the parking lot can get congested, I’ve never found the trail itself to feel too crowded!
Hike Highlights
You’ll start out on a short 0.2-mile connecting trail which leads directly to the Yellow Branch Falls Trail. The trail is well-marked and directions are pretty easy from here, as you continue to follow the trail until you reach the falls. Then, you head back the same way you came!
Along the hike, you’ll find: groves of large trees, some fun bridges, and a few creeks and stream crossings which will require a little rock-hopping!
The trail does narrow at some points and briefly follows a steep slope. It’s not a scary high drop-off or anything like that, but just something to be wary of, especially if hiking with dogs or younger kids.
When you arrive at the falls, you’ll go down a short series of staircase-like rocks to find a gentle but beautiful 50-foot waterfall that cascades down the ledges of the rock face.
There are also flat rocks to sit and enjoy the view – perfect for a snack or picnic! And don’t forget to have fun with a photo op at the base of the falls!
What to Bring on the Hike to Yellow Branch Falls
#1. Sturdy Shoes – You should wear sturdy, comfortable shoes that you do not mind getting wet when you cross those creeks! There can be slippery spots, especially after rain.
#2. Sunscreen – Most of the trail is shaded, but you’ll likely hit some sunny patches depending on the weather.
#3. Snacks or a Packed Lunch – Yellow Branch Falls is a great place to have a picnic lunch or snack break. There are plenty of flat rocks to rest on and enjoy a bite to eat.
#4. Refillable Water Bottle – While not too strenuous or long of a hike, it’s still important to stay hydrated. And the trailhead has a fountain to refill your water bottle!
#5. Your Dog! Leashed pets are welcome on the Yellow Branch Falls Trail. I think it’s a great hike to bring your furry friend along!
#6. Swimsuit? There’s not really a great swimming hole at Yellow Branch Falls, but you can get so close to the waterfall that you could definitely splash around on the rocks and enjoy the cascades! You may want to wear or bring a swimsuit for this reason, especially if you’re hiking during the summer.
Best Time of Year to Hike to Yellow Branch Falls
This trail is beautiful anytime of year! But if I had to pick, I would recommend fall as the best time of year to hike Yellow Branch Falls. The changing leaves create a colorful backdrop for the falls, and the trail is beautiful in autumn.
- SPRING: Lush greenery & cool weather
- SUMMER: Still gorgeous, but busier (arrive early!)
- FALL: Peak scenery & fewer crowds
- WINTER: Cold, but peaceful and little-to-no crowds. Occasionally, you’ll even find the waterfall iced over!
If you’re looking for a short, rewarding, and family-friendly waterfall hike in South Carolina, the hike to Yellow Branch Falls should be high on your list.
Have questions? Drop them in the comments below, and I’ll be happy to help.
