Upper Falls Creek Falls

Greenville County, South Carolina

Your visit at a glance

Waterfall height: Not recorded
Location: Greenville County, South Carolina
Access status: Partial guide: upper-section identity and final side path not confirmed
The walk: Hospital Rock Trail is 4.4 miles long and ends at Falls Creek Falls (SC Trails figure); the side path has no stated distance
Ground & access: One of the most rugged and difficult trails in the state: steep climbs, switchbacks, boulders and stream crossings. Rocks at the falls are very slippery from spray.

Falls Creek Falls is a tall multi-tier cascade on Falls Creek in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness, with an upper and a lower section. From the Jones Gap State Park trailhead, the Hospital Rock Trail passes Hospital Rock, climbs 17 switchbacks to the base of Cleveland Cliffs, crosses Headforemost Creek and ends at Falls Creek Falls. HD Carolina says part of the upper falls can be seen from the lower area, and a separate path climbs to the base of the upper section. The shorter eastern approach, the Falls Creek Trail from Falls Creek Road, is reported closed by visitors, and it is not confirmed whether the side path to the upper section is open. This listing is taken to be the upper section; that match is probable, not confirmed.

Plan your visit

Jones Gap State Park, Hospital Rock Trail to Falls Creek Falls, then a short side path to the upper section

SC Trails gives the Hospital Rock Trail as a strenuous 4.4-mile trail from Jones Gap State Park that ends at Falls Creek Falls. No distance is given for the short path from the lower viewing area to the base of the upper section. The return is the same way.

One of the most rugged and difficult trails in the state: steep climbs, switchbacks, boulders and stream crossings. Rocks at the falls are very slippery from spray.

Where to start

Jones Gap State Park, 303 Jones Gap Road, Marietta, SC 29661. Roadside parking is not allowed. Parking reservations are required for guaranteed entry on Saturdays, Sundays and holidays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. From the lot, cross the Middle Saluda River footbridge to the old fish hatchery pond and the trailhead registration box. Hikers must fill out a registration card.

Timing & water

Trails close one hour before sunset, year-round. There is no phone service at the park.

Before you go

Park admission: $6 adults; $3.75 SC seniors (65 and older); $3.50 children 6 to 15; ages 5 and under free.

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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