Waterfall Hike: Brasstown Falls in South Carolina
Brasstown Falls is one of my favorite waterfall hikes in Upstate South Carolina. Located in Sumter National Forest near Westminster, South Carolina, about an hour and a half from Greenville, it's an easy hike with big payoffs featuring four unique and stunning waterfalls. The entire hike is 1.5 mi round trip and perfect for families or a novice hiker. I make it a priority to visit this waterfall every summer and it's at the top of the list of places to take friends visiting from out of town.
It's worth noting that while this trail is rated as "Easy" on AllTrails, it does include stairs, log ladders and rustic log steps along steeper sections of trail. These elements are specific to accessing the Middle and Lower Falls. Little Brasstown Falls, sometimes also called the Upper Falls, is a short, flat walk.
For more waterfalls near Greenville, SC, check out my guide to the most beautiful waterfalls.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind Before You Go
Leave no trace. Pack out everything you bring with you and leave nothing behind. This is crucial to keeping these waterfalls and swimming holes clean and natural for years to come. But, leave no trace is not exclusive to trash and your personal belongings, it also means to avoid things like stacking rocks which can disrupt sensitive habitats.
Practice waterfall safety. Use caution on wet rocks, never play at the top of a waterfall, and keep a close eye on young children near moving water. No lifeguards are on duty, swimming is at your own risk.
Plan ahead for poor cell service. There is spotty or no cell service. I recommend downloading trail maps for offline use on AllTrails and having a paper map backup for navigating back home (or to your next trailhead) when GPS isn't available due to poor cellular signal.
Details are current as of July 2026. For the most up to date information and trail alerts, visit Sumter National Forest.
Key Facts:
Distance: 1.5 mi to visit all 3 waterfalls
AllTrails Rating: Easy
Elevation Gain: 75 ft
Parking: small day-use parking area
Fee: No
Cell Service: Poor
Restrooms: No
Dogs allowed: Yes, on leash. However, the ladders and steep steps to the lower falls may be challenging for dogs to navigate.
Hiking Brasstown Falls
Little Brasstown Falls
Take the left fork to reach this first waterfall a short distance from the trailhead (about 0.3 mi, one way). You'll pass over a small wooden bridge before you reach the falls.
Sometimes also referred to as the upper falls, this waterfall is surrounded by lush foliage and is created by Little Brasstown Creek. It cascades about 40 ft with a small wading pool below. You could certainly hang out in the wading pool, and I have seen other groups doing so, but it's fairly shallow and can get crowded quickly. We like to continue along to the final falls to swim.
Middle Brasstown Falls
Middle Falls
Return to the trail fork and take the right fork this time to see the three Brasstown Creek Falls. It's an easy 0.2 mile walk to the first viewing platform, continue on another 0.15 mi to the second viewing platform. From each platform, you can see water flow over large boulders before falling over a veiled cascade — a picturesque waterfall. This section is best seen from the viewing platforms along the trail, which provide incredible views.
Photo tip: If you want to get a photo of all three falls at once, set your phone to panorama!
There are no official trails to the base of the waterfalls, and I wouldn't recommend trying to find your way there — it has the potential to damage sensitive habitats and stream banks.
Lower Brasstown Falls
Lower Falls
Once you've had your fill of viewing platforms, continue on an additional 0.1 mi to the next section of the falls. As you make your way to the lower falls, you'll encounter a steep descent — including a series of wooden ladders. The final log ladder, with a tall step at the bottom, takes you to a small sandy beach. The payoff is a calm swimming hole at the base of the sluice-style falls. The water surrounding the basin of the falls is shallow, making it easy to wade into deeper sections for a swim. We love loading up our backpack cooler and enjoying a picnic lunch and a swim here before making our way back to the trailhead.
Be mindful of strong currents at the base of the falls here — small children and inexperienced swimmers can get pulled into an eddy. We've personally seen this happen, and it took an adult pulling the young swimmer out to safety. Luckily it was a busy summer day and a bystander was close by to help before the situation became dire. The USFS offers additional guidance on water safety.
Looking for more swimming holes near Greenville, SC? Check out my guide to swimming holes within 2-hours of Greenville.
What to Pack
Accessing Brasstown Falls
Directions
Drive 2.6 miles down Brasstown Road
When the pavement ends, continue 1.3 miles on the dirt road
Go right when the road forks
Go 0.4 miles to the parking area and see the trailhead
The road is narrow, so be prepared to slow down for oncoming vehicles.
Last time we visited, the gravel portion of the road had been resurfaced and many of the ruts filled in, but be aware that those are possible and take it slowly.
Parking
The parking area is located at the end of the road — a vehicular barricade indicates the trailhead location. While the parking area is moderately large, it can fill up on summer weekends and holidays.
FAQs
Can I Camp at Brasstown Falls?
No, there is no camping permitted at Brasstown Falls. Sumter National Forest permits camping in developed campgrounds and in designated primitive sites only. For more on required permits and fees, visit the National Forest website. Some of the closest camping areas would be Chattooga River Lodge & Campground and Chau-Ram County Park.
When Is the Best Time To Visit Brasstown Falls?
We love visiting in peak summer and cooling off in the wading pool at the lower falls. The parking can fill up on summer weekends, so plan to arrive early! Spring and fall would be equally as beautiful a time of year to visit, but I'd skip the swimming with cooler temps.
Are Dogs Allowed at Brasstown Falls?
Dogs are allowed in the area on leash. You can certainly take them to Little Brasstown Falls and the viewing platforms, however the steps and ladders to reach the lower falls would not be considered dog-friendly.
What is the closest town to Brasstown Falls?
Westminster, SC is the nearest town. If you are looking for gas, a spot to grab a bite or other conveniences, I'd recommend stopping here.
How Far Is Brasstown Falls from Greenville, SC?
Brasstown Falls is about 62 miles, or an hour and a half from Greenville, SC. See below for its distance from other southeast cities:
Greenville, SC: 62 mi, approximately 1.5 hours
Atlanta, GA: 126 mi, approximately 2.25 hours
Anderson, SC: 47 mi, approximately 1 hour
Hi, I’m Jess
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