Waterfalls are some of the most beautiful natural wonders. They are some of my favorite experiences in nature, and thankfully in South Carolina, we have plenty of them to enjoy. Imagine having a waterfall named for you! Virginia Hawkins Falls, in fact, was named for a special South Carolinian, and the trail to reach it is a great waterfall hike in South Carolina.
Located in Pickens County in the Laurel Fork Heritage Preserve, the Virginia Hawkins Falls trail is about 2.5 miles long and is considered an easy waterfall hike. It's a popular trail for birding, camping, and fishing. But depending on when you go, you may not see anyone else along this South Carolina waterfall hike!
The trail begins at the Laurel Valley Trailhead. It's mostly shaded and a gravel-covered trail with some gradual ascents and descents. During this waterfall hike, you'll cross over Laurel Fork on this bridge.
The waterfall was renamed in 2004 from Double Falls to Virginia Hawkins Falls. Virginia Hawkins was the Executive Secretary for the Foothills Trail Conference for many years.
Virginia Hawkins Falls is 25 feet tall and is the most segmented waterfall in South Carolina, with many cascades over rocks.
Its appearance will be affected by the amount of rainfall the area has been having at the time of your visit, with more water flow if there's been more rain.
Either way, this waterfall is beautiful and worth a trip and a hike to see it.
There are even some primitive campsites if you'd like to camp out overnight to have more time to enjoy the falls...
... and the wildlife.
Just be sure to watch your step!
After you finish this scenic waterfall hike in South Carolina, head into the charming small town of Pickens to explore for a while:
https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/south-carolina/unique-town-sc/
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