This is a Gorgeous trail to adventure to with family or friends! This is a moderate hike located in Oconee County, SC that is 3 miles total and out and back with a most gorgeous and large waterfall!
1.) Getting There: So, my sister who had never been here before was meeting me there and she made the mistake of typing "Yellow Branch Falls" in her GPS. The GPS tried to literally take her up to the falls on another road about ten minutes away. I'm not actually sure where she landed, but it was wrong! Haha! She finally got there though. The correct thing to type into your GPS is "Yellow Branch Falls Trail." Aka: 2911-3023 Highlands Highway, Walhalla, SC 29691. Type this into your Google Maps GPS and you will go right to it. The road and parking are paved. There are also plenty of road signs regarding these falls. When you do turn into the falls parking lot, there are two other roads that bisect off the road you are on, ignore them. Just stay straight a few more feet and you will be in the parking lot. There is a bathroom house, but with COVID-19 it is currently locked up. Use a bush. There are also lots of pic-nic tables! We always enjoy having a snack at these before heading home.
2.) The Trail: There is a trailhead kiosk with a very nice map of Yellow Branch Falls. The trail begins left of the kiosk and has orange blazes. There is also a post marked, "YB FALL" as you begin. 1.5 mile to the falls, and 1.5 back. The trail is dirt, rocky, rooty, a few bridge crossings, some steep stairs, a steep edge drop, and a few creek crossings over natural stones in the water. The trail is very well marked and it is easy to follow! There are a couple spots where you could possibly be confused but don't fear because if you just pause and look you will clearly see that there are posts and signs directing you because the people who maintain the trails know those spots are confusing and therefore, they have been very well marked. Just use your common sense, slow down, and look around! You will be great, I promise. I'm so thankful for well marked trails! The trail doesn't get very steep until near the end and this is where you will encounter built in steps with wooden beams into the side of the mountain. My sweet little mama fell - she was fine - just be aware that it can be easy to slip here so take your time, use a pole if necessary, and hold little ones' hands and keep them away from the edge. And remember you will have to climb it back up on the way out. It's not hard, but definitely the most difficult part of the trail. It doesn't last long though.
3.) The Falls: Y'all. The Falls are breathtaking. There are plenty of spots to sit and pic-nic. There are ample boulders for climbing. The rocks in the bottom of the creek bed of the falls are some of the more slippery ones I have encountered so if you are exploring, go slow, and note that bare feet are actually better than chacos or similar shoes for gripping and feeling what you need to keep your balance. Just a tip. We enjoyed climbing, playing in sand, climbing branches, and bathing in the mist and sunshine.
**As of 7/8/20 - there are a couple of very large trees down in front of the falls. This does not hinder your experience, but it does cut off a bit of the potential climbing. You can still climb around on the left side and get close up to the falls if you so desire. The photo at the top of this blog is a current photo displaying the fallen tree. **
**We also saw a total of 5 banded water snakes on our most recent visit. Harmless snakes, but respect nature and give them space, but no need to fear them. Savvy yourself with knowledge of snakes so you are prepared if you encounter any and know what you are seeing. But a general rule, don't mess with a snake. **
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