11 Beautiful Outdoor Places To See In South Carolina

Featured Image Credit: James Richardson & Allen Easler

1. Fred W. Symmes Chapel a.k.a. Pretty Place Chapel

The outdoor chapel at the YMCA Camp in Greenville, Pretty Place Chapel offers a breathtaking view from the top of Standing Stone Mountain. Due to this location operating year round as a Summer Camp. Environmental Education Center, Group & Conference Center, and wedding venue, be sure to call and ask if the chapel is open to the public that day.

2. Issaqueena Falls & Stumphouse Tunnel

Issaqueena Falls Trail is an easy, 0.3 mile, lightly trafficked out and back trail near Walhalla, SC. This trail is good for all skill levels and is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips. Dogs are allowed on this trail, but must be kept on their leash. As well as being the home to Issaqueena Falls, this trail also is home to Stumphouse Tunnel, an incomplete railroad tunnel.

3. King Creek Falls

King Creek Falls Trail is an easy, 1.7 mile out and back trail located near Mountain Rest, SC. This trail is good for all skill levels, is primarily used for hiking, and is accessible year-round.

4. Twin Falls

Twin Falls Trail is a 2.3 mile, easy, heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Sunset, SC. This trail is for all skill levels and is best used from April until November. Dog are allowed on this trail.

5. Yellow Branch Falls

Yellow Branch Falls is a moderate, 3.5 mile trail. On the trail you will cross over numerous streams and pass through groves of dignified hardwood. This trail is suitable for all skill levels and is pet friendly.

6. Chauga Narrows

Chauga Narrows is an moderate, 0.6 miles trail near Mountain Rest, SC. Both fishermen and hikers will enjoy this trail because of its location right along the Chauga River. Although, it appears to be a waterfall, it is actually considered to be a Class VI rapid. This trail is considered moderate due to the trail not being maintained causing trees to be fallen in the path.

7. Brasstown Falls

Brasstown Waterfall Series Trail is a moderate, 0.9 mile out and back trail located near Westminster, SC. Brasstown is a hidden gem in this county. This trail is steep, rocky and contains lots of root. Although it is rather short in distance, it will take much time to hike this trail.

8. Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls Trail can be anywhere from 0.9 mile to 5 miles depending on where you begin your hike. This trail is a hard and is located near Jones Gap State Park. This trail is great for packing a lunch and making it a full day trip. This trail is recommended for experienced hikers.

9. Falls Creek Falls

Falls Creek Falls Trail is a hard, 1.9 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail near River Falls, SC. This trail feature three waterfalls and is accessible year-round. This trail, because of its difficulty is better suited for hikers who are slightly experienced. It starts as an uphill climb and continues to be that way for a while.

10. Table Rock Trail

Table Rock Trail is a hard, 6.4 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Pickens, SC. This trail features beautiful views and a waterfall. This trail is best used from March to October and dogs are allowed on this trail.

11. Laurel Fork Falls

Laurel Fork Falls Trail is a hard, 8.4 miles out and back trail located near Lake Jocassee. This waterfall can also be reached by boat, launched at Devils Fork State Park main boat ramp.