Upper Cave Falls

Greenville County, South Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Greenville County, South Carolina
Access status: Partial guide: beyond the end of the official trail; steep bushwhack above Cave Falls
The walk: 2.75 miles one way to the river on the official trail, then unmeasured off-trail sections
Ground & access: Preserve trail with about 700 feet of climbing in the first 1.8 miles, a river crossing, an old road, a rough scramble path and a very steep bushwhack near cliffs.

Bushwhack Jack: Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve

Upper Cave Falls, also called Brenda Falls, is the drop above the main drop of Cave Falls on a tributary of the South Pacolet River in Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve. The official trail climbs over Squirrel Mountain and ends at the river. A visitor account describes rock-hopping across, following a forest road west past Moonshiners Falls to the next major side stream, then a scramble path up that stream to a cave near the base of Cave Falls. There are no paths beyond that point: the group crossed at the base, climbed steeply up the left side of the creek as they went upstream, keeping well away from the ledges and cliffs, and came back to the creek at the base of Upper Cave Falls. Return the same way. This partial guide relies on one visitor account.

Plan your visit

Chestnut Ridge Heritage Preserve trail over Squirrel Mountain to the South Pacolet River, across the river, west on an old road past Moonshiners Falls, a scramble path up the next side stream to Cave Falls, then a steep bushwhack up beside the creek to Upper Cave Falls

A visitor account gives 2.75 miles one way (5.5 miles out and back) on the preserve trail to the South Pacolet River. The old road, scramble path and bushwhack beyond have no stated length.

Preserve trail with about 700 feet of climbing in the first 1.8 miles, a river crossing, an old road, a rough scramble path and a very steep bushwhack near cliffs.

Where to start

Gravel parking area on the left of Oak Grove Road, 1.0 mile from SC 11, per SC Trails.

Timing & water

The preserve is open during daylight hours only. The river crossing may not be safe in high water. Wear bright clothing during hunting season.

Before you go

No fee is mentioned.

Visitor information

Visit sources

More waterfalls nearby

Within 40 straight-line miles. Road and trail distances will differ.

Explore South Carolina

Waterfall location

Greenville County, South Carolina.

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