Beech Bottom Falls, SC

My friend Laura and I drove to these gorgeous falls near Rocky Bottom, SC on Sunday 11/14/2021. The falls were basking in the glory of a stunning South Carolina fall foliage season. We hiked the old unmaintained trail to the bottom as well as the new trail to the overlook. Both are absolutely beautiful but included a few tricky sections. The leaves on the ground only added to the beauty of it all. I’d like to mention Shannon and Bob a nice couple we met on the new trail. I managed to inadvertently drop my hiking pole below the new overlook. I was very grateful to Bob who did not hesitate to fetch it for me. He was a life saver as both trails require the use of hiking poles. Make sure to bring yours when hiking to this waterfall.

The beautiful wooden bridge in the photos below is one of two we saw along the way. I loved their design. The new trail is 1.7 miles out and back with an elevation gain of 307ft. It leads to a new overlook offering a scenic long view of the falls.

The old trail is more difficult with some sections washed out by erosion but it is not impassable. It is 2.2 miles out and back with 488ft elevation gain. If you want to hike it, continue onto the service road and turn left as soon as you hop on the rocks to the other side of the first water crossing. The left turn is not marked so may be missed if not looking for it. It was not hard to stay on the trail after that. It ends at the bottom of the falls providing a spectacular close up view of another stunning South Carolina waterfall.

References The old trail, The new trail and overlook

The Old Trail