Looking to get away from everything for the afternoon? The Palmetto State is home to endless scenic trails, each one more beautiful than the next. There's one secluded beach with a waterfall in South Carolina that should move to the top of your bucket list this year; it's perhaps the most scenic hike in the state. Let's check it out:
Riley Moore Falls is located in the mountains on a Class IV Rapid along the Chauga River. The waterfall itself is only 12 feet high, but it spans the entire width of the river providing an impressive 100 feet of water crashing over the drop.
At the base of the waterfall is a massive pool for cooling off in the hot summer sun. You'll appreciate it after the one mile hike it takes to get to the beach.
The first third of the the trail is on a service road. Then you'll reach a trail marker at the entrance of a fairly new trail that winds through a dense forest as you make your way to your final destination.
The beach is nice and wide and is a mix of sand and small pebbles. It's a perfect place to get some sun, have a picnic, and just relax.
The water in the pool is usually crystal clear. The mineral in the rocks here give it a bit of a gold tone in some places.
You can see more of that rainbow of color in this short video from youtube user James Joiner:
The hike to Riley Moore Falls is a round trip distance of 1.9 miles. The beach, the seclusion, and the waterfall are totally worth it!
You'll find this waterfall beach near Westminster, SC. Find it at this location on Google Maps.
If you decide to drive on the service road, then you'll need a high-clearance vehicle to get over some rough spots. The round trip distance of 1.9 miles includes hiking on the service road.
Have you been to Riley Moore Falls yet? We'd love to know and see your photos of this secluded beach with a waterfall in South Carolina!
For more waterfall fun in South Carolina, check out this waterfalls road trip where you'll visit seven in one day.
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