We drove three hours to Tamassee, South Carolina, on Saturday, March 19, 2022, for an adventure to Lee Falls, one of the Upstate’s beautiful hidden waterfalls. The long drive was definitely worth it—the hike turned out to be as much about the journey as the spectacular waterfall at the end.

We pulled into the unpaved parking area and began the hike through a gorgeous, wide green meadow. From there, the trail gradually meandered into the woods, where the real adventure began.

Hiking to Lee Falls

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The hike is approximately 2.9 miles round trip and is incredibly scenic. Along the way, we crossed six or seven creeks, including one section where we actually had to walk through the creek.I managed to keep my feet dry by carefully stepping across rocks and tree trunks. My friend took a different approach—she simply changed into water shoes and walked right through the water!

The trail itself added another layer of adventure. At times, it seemed to disappear completely, leaving us wondering which direction to take. Fortunately, someone had thoughtfully tied pink ribbons to trees along the route, helping us stay on course.

Reaching the Waterfall

As we got closer to Lee Falls, the trail became more rugged. We eventually had to scramble across boulders to reach the bottom of the falls.

And then we saw it.

Lee Falls was spectacular!

The waterfall cascaded down the rock face into the area below, surrounded by the lush forest. After navigating the creek crossings and occasionally disappearing trail, reaching the falls felt like a real accomplishment.The remote setting made the waterfall even more special. There were no crowds or developed facilities—just the sound of rushing water and the surrounding forest.

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A Trail Angel’s Helping Hand

There’s a special story behind those pink ribbons that helped us find our way.

After I published my original blog post, Bob Kings, a talented photographer I follow in the Upstate, reached out to let me know that he was the person who had placed the pink ribbons along the trail.My friend Laura called him a true “trail angel,” and I couldn’t agree more. Without those ribbons, we probably would have had a much harder time navigating the sections where the trail seemed to disappear.

So, Bob, if you’re reading this: THANK YOU! Your thoughtful gesture made our adventure much easier and helped us safely find our way to Lee Falls.

Tips for Hiking Lee Falls

This isn’t a typical well-marked trail, so come prepared for an adventure. The creek crossings and rocky sections require some care, particularly after rain when rocks can become slippery.I strongly recommend bringing a hiking stick or trekking poles. I found mine extremely helpful when crossing the creeks and navigating the uneven terrain.

Depending on recent weather conditions, waterproof hiking shoes or water shoes can also make the creek crossings easier.

If You Go

• Location: Tamassee, South Carolina
• Distance: Approximately 2.9 miles round trip
• Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous in places because of creek crossings, uneven terrain, and boulder scrambling.
• Parking: The trailhead has an unpaved parking area.
• Trail conditions: The route can be difficult to follow in places and may not be clearly marked.
• Creek crossings: Expect several creek crossings, including at least one section requiring you to walk through the water.
• What to bring: Water, snacks, sturdy hiking shoes, and a hiking stick or trekking poles.
• Footwear: Consider water shoes or waterproof footwear depending on water levels and recent weather.
• After rain: Use extra caution because rocks, roots, and creek crossings can become slippery.
• Navigation: Don’t rely solely on ribbons or unofficial markers. Bring a reliable map or GPS trail map and make sure you know the route before setting out.
• Photography: Bring your camera—the waterfall and surrounding forest offer excellent photo opportunities.
• Leave no trace: Pack out everything you bring and avoid disturbing the natural surroundings.

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Reference Lee Falls on AllTrails

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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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