I took the day off and headed upstate to hike Yellow Branch Falls in Walhalla, South Carolina. This gorgeous and popular waterfall had been on my list, and I was excited to finally explore it.

I was lucky enough to meet up with six ladies from Girls Who Hike, SC around midday on Friday, July 2, 2021. Hiking with a fun group made the experience even better!

The Yellow Branch Falls Trail is approximately 3 miles round trip and felt slightly moderate to me, mainly because the trail isn’t completely flat. Overall, though, I found it quite easy and enjoyable.

There was one recently fallen tree across the trail, but it wasn’t a problem. We simply went around—or more accurately, underneath—it and continued on our way.

The forest was incredibly lush and green. We had experienced several days of rain leading up to our visit, followed by perfect waterfall weather that morning. All that rain also meant the forest floor was bursting with life.

We encountered a couple of easy water crossings, where we simply hopped across the rocks. I wore my rain boots, but none of us ended up getting wet.

I had been warned that Yellow Branch Falls is extremely popular and that hikers should arrive before 9:30 a.m. to have a better chance of finding a parking space. Surprisingly, when we arrived around midday, the parking lot was nearly empty. I’m guessing the rainy weather had discouraged visitors, which worked out perfectly for us!

The humid conditions brought out an incredible number of mushrooms, and I couldn’t resist stopping repeatedly to photograph them. There were so many different shapes, sizes, and colors that I could have spent the entire hike looking at fungi.

The wildflowers were beautiful too, and the rhododendrons were particularly striking. The combination of lush greenery, wildflowers, mushrooms, and the sound of water made the forest feel incredibly alive.

Of course, the highlight was Yellow Branch Falls itself. After the recent rainfall, the waterfall was flowing beautifully, making our timing especially fortunate.

The hike was a wonderful way to spend a summer day, and I was grateful to have such great company along the trail. Thank you to the ladies for joining me and making the hike even more enjoyable!

If you’re looking for a relatively short waterfall hike in South Carolina, Yellow Branch Falls is definitely worth adding to your list. Just be prepared for crowds during popular times—and remember that a little rain might actually make the waterfall even more spectacular.

If You Go

• Location: Walhalla, South Carolina
• Visited: July 2, 2021
• Trail: Yellow Branch Falls Trail
• Distance: Approximately 3 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Easy to slightly moderate
• Water crossings: A couple of easy crossings require stepping across rocks.
• Best after rain: Recent rainfall can make the waterfall particularly impressive.
• Parking: The trail is popular, and parking can fill quickly on busy days. Arriving early is recommended.
• What to bring: Water, sturdy hiking shoes, insect repellent, snacks, and a camera.
• Rain gear: Waterproof footwear can be useful after periods of rain, although we stayed dry during our crossings.
• Wildlife & plants: Expect wildflowers, rhododendrons, mushrooms, and abundant greenery, particularly during humid conditions.
• Photography: Bring your camera or macro lens if you enjoy photographing mushrooms and wildflowers.
• Tip: Weekdays or rainy days may be less crowded than sunny weekends.
• Before you go: Check current trail conditions, weather, and parking information before your visit.

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References AllTrails

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Yellow Branch Falls

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The Trail

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Mushrooms

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South Carolina Hiking and Attraction Map

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You might enjoy these posts nearby:

• Yellow Branch Falls
• Tamassee Knob
• Lee Falls
• Pearsons Falls
• Little Bradley Falls
• Green River Cove Trail
• Fall Creek Falls Trail

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