Are dogs allowed on Lower Whitewater Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Lower Whitewater Falls but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Lower Whitewater Falls?

No, Lower Whitewater Falls does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Lower Whitewater Falls?

Lower Whitewater Falls is rated moderate. It is 4.2 miles long with 1,089 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See South Carolina trail conditions

ModerateOut and Back

Sumter National Forest/South Carolina

Lower Whitewater Falls

Salem, South Carolina

4.2 mi

Distance

1,089 ft

Elev. Gain

1h 50m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Moderate

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

Lower Whitewater Falls trail is located off of Bad Creek Rd. The parking lot, and part of the trails in this area, are maintained by Duke Energy Co. From this trailhead, you can hike to both Upper and Lower Whitewater Falls overlooks. However, this would be more challenging than hiking each separately from separate parking lots. Upper Whitewater Falls overlook can be accessed via a walkway/trail, rated as easy, and located at a different parking lot off of SR 281. This area is managed by the Forest Service. Please see trail here: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/upper-whitewater-falls-overlook-trail Both falls are beautiful and vast in size. Hence, in order to take in a full view of the falls, it requires being some distance away. Both are viewed via overlooks. The overlook for Lower Whitewater Falls is further away from the falls than the overlook for Upper Whitewater Falls. Both are worth seeing! The trails are in this area are well marked. Additionally, the trails in the Duke Energy section have good signage, at trail intersections, that includes mileage.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:553 ft

Max:659 ft

332 ft

Trail Details

Dogs on leash

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by United States Forest Service

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Managing agency

United States Forest Service
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Address:SC

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.