We get it: you aren’t always in the mood for an all-day hike that leaves your heart pounding and muscles aching with exhaustion. If a short-and-sweet outdoor adventure is what you desire, look no further than Waldrop Stone Falls Trail in Central. It features some truly incredible views in a mere one-mile distance, offering a quick and easy hike you can embark on whenever the mood strikes. We think it’s one of the best hikes in South Carolina.
A one-mile loop, Waldrop Stone Falls Trail is the perfect South Carolina hike for those days when all you want is some fresh air and a quick, leisurely stroll. Feel free to bring the kids and pets along, as an elevation gain of just 177 feet appeals to all skill levels.
AllTrails/Jefferson Giles
The terrain is heavily wooded and changes with the seasons; no two look quite the same. We highly recommend visiting in autumn, when the entire forest floor is blanketed in a thick layer of eye-popping foliage.
AllTrails/Mckenzie Holbrooks
Lush greenery abounds, the vibrant landscape something straight from a fairytale. Your anticipation of what lies ahead will only grow stronger with each step – speaking of, can you hear the faint trickle of running water in the distance?
AllTrails/Brittany Cutler
You’ll encounter a few staircases, but the climbs are certainly nothing unmanageable. The change-of-pace is actually kind of fun and offers just enough difficulty to make the reward even sweeter.
AllTrails/Jefferson Giles Upon reaching the falls, you’ll be absolutely mesmerized. Peacefully cascading down a series of moss-covered rocks, the rhythmic flow will lull you into a state of deep relaxation.
On the back side of the loop, another waterfall comes as a pleasant surprise to many hikers – it appears this trail is a two-for-one deal! Since the hike is so short, you’ll have plenty of time to stop and listen to the sounds of nature.
AllTrails/Cliff Craig
If you embark on the trail before dawn or in the late afternoon, prepare to see some truly breathtaking skies. As the sun either makes its grand appearance or dips below the horizon, an ethereal glow is cast across the entire landscape.
AllTrails/Jamie Pace
Visit the AllTrails page to learn more.
AllTrails/Jefferson Giles
AllTrails/Mckenzie Holbrooks
AllTrails/Brittany Cutler
Upon reaching the falls, you’ll be absolutely mesmerized. Peacefully cascading down a series of moss-covered rocks, the rhythmic flow will lull you into a state of deep relaxation.
AllTrails/Cliff Craig
AllTrails/Jamie Pace
Have you ever hiked Waldrop Stone Falls Trail? Do you agree that it’s one of the best hikes in South Carolina? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience! Let us know, and check out our previous article for another easy hike to add to your bucket list: Walk Over A Gorgeous Bridge On Campbell’s Covered Bridge Loop, An Easy Half-Mile Hike In South Carolina.
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Address: Central, SC 29630, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in South Carolina March 23, 2022 Beth C. What are some of South Carolina’s most incredible natural wonders? Boasting coastline and beautiful mountain scenery, South Carolina’s natural landscape is as beautiful as it is diverse. If you’re looking to learn more about the best natural wonders in the state, you’ve come to the right place! At the top of the list is Angel Oak, which is located on St. John’s Island. This breathtaking and magnificent tree is thought to be one of the oldest living things east of the Mississippi River. To see it is to truly be awe-struck. This live oak stands 66 feet tall and has a circumference of 28 feet. Moreover, the canopy shades an astounding 17,200 square feet. Next up on the list is the ACE Basin. It’s the largest undeveloped estuary along the Atlantic Coast of America, covering nearly 350,000 acres. It’s here you can discover some incredible wildlife. Some other natural wonders in South Carolina include the Carolina Bays, Congaree National Park, Edisto River, Raven Cliff Falls, 40-Acre Rock, Centennial Tree, Capers Island, Healing Springs, the Sandhills, and Peachtree Rock. Curious to learn more about these places? Check out our previous article: Here Are The 13 Most Incredible Natural Wonders In South Carolina. What’s the longest trail in South Carolina? If you’re looking for a difficult and multi-day hiking adventure, you can’t go wrong with the Palmetto Trail. In fact, measuring 350 miles, it’s the longest trail in South Carolina. The route will take explorers from the coast all the way to the mountains, offering breathtaking scenery along the way. It’s a true bucket list experience!
The OIYS Visitor Center
best hikes in South Carolina
March 23, 2022
Beth C.
What are some of South Carolina’s most incredible natural wonders? Boasting coastline and beautiful mountain scenery, South Carolina’s natural landscape is as beautiful as it is diverse. If you’re looking to learn more about the best natural wonders in the state, you’ve come to the right place! At the top of the list is Angel Oak, which is located on St. John’s Island. This breathtaking and magnificent tree is thought to be one of the oldest living things east of the Mississippi River. To see it is to truly be awe-struck. This live oak stands 66 feet tall and has a circumference of 28 feet. Moreover, the canopy shades an astounding 17,200 square feet. Next up on the list is the ACE Basin. It’s the largest undeveloped estuary along the Atlantic Coast of America, covering nearly 350,000 acres. It’s here you can discover some incredible wildlife. Some other natural wonders in South Carolina include the Carolina Bays, Congaree National Park, Edisto River, Raven Cliff Falls, 40-Acre Rock, Centennial Tree, Capers Island, Healing Springs, the Sandhills, and Peachtree Rock. Curious to learn more about these places? Check out our previous article: Here Are The 13 Most Incredible Natural Wonders In South Carolina. What’s the longest trail in South Carolina? If you’re looking for a difficult and multi-day hiking adventure, you can’t go wrong with the Palmetto Trail. In fact, measuring 350 miles, it’s the longest trail in South Carolina. The route will take explorers from the coast all the way to the mountains, offering breathtaking scenery along the way. It’s a true bucket list experience!
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
Boasting coastline and beautiful mountain scenery, South Carolina’s natural landscape is as beautiful as it is diverse. If you’re looking to learn more about the best natural wonders in the state, you’ve come to the right place! At the top of the list is Angel Oak, which is located on St. John’s Island. This breathtaking and magnificent tree is thought to be one of the oldest living things east of the Mississippi River. To see it is to truly be awe-struck. This live oak stands 66 feet tall and has a circumference of 28 feet. Moreover, the canopy shades an astounding 17,200 square feet. Next up on the list is the ACE Basin. It’s the largest undeveloped estuary along the Atlantic Coast of America, covering nearly 350,000 acres. It’s here you can discover some incredible wildlife. Some other natural wonders in South Carolina include the Carolina Bays, Congaree National Park, Edisto River, Raven Cliff Falls, 40-Acre Rock, Centennial Tree, Capers Island, Healing Springs, the Sandhills, and Peachtree Rock. Curious to learn more about these places? Check out our previous article: Here Are The 13 Most Incredible Natural Wonders In South Carolina.
What’s the longest trail in South Carolina?
If you’re looking for a difficult and multi-day hiking adventure, you can’t go wrong with the Palmetto Trail. In fact, measuring 350 miles, it’s the longest trail in South Carolina. The route will take explorers from the coast all the way to the mountains, offering breathtaking scenery along the way. It’s a true bucket list experience!
