Found on the southern edge of Sumter National Forest in Oconee County, Brasstown Falls is actually a chain of three separate cascades.
A fairly easy quarter-mile hike from the parking lot on FS 751 brings you to the top of the first falls known as Brasstown Cascades (pictured above), which drops about 50 feet. From there, the path narrows for a steep and rocky decent to Brasstown Veil, pictured below. The wide veil of water spills over a ledge and falls another 15-20 feet into a pool that invites a cooling dip on a hot day.
The lower waterfall is called the Brasstown Sluice. It is a narrow, 15-foot chute of water that ends in another shallow pool. It is rated a “moderate” hike to see all three of the Brasstown waterfalls. Wear good shoes, go slowly, and be aware of slippery wet rocks. The trail becomes steeper and rockier as you descend but it is a reasonable hike for the young and old – and seeing three separate waterfalls is well worth the effort.
Reflections on Brasstown Falls
Photographer Ed Long says that Brasstown is one of his favorite waterfalls in South Carolina and describes his adventure in reaching it as follows:
“The hike to this waterfall started like so many before, meeting up with a friend and driving to the parking area. We each got over 20-pound backpacks of camera gear, hip waders, water, and snacks and headed for the trail. The trail quickly disappeared and became a descent over root and rock down to Brasstown Veil, also known as Middle Brasstown Falls. The 20-minute trip can be difficult if you aren’t prepared. However the reward is great – once there you are afforded an awesome sight plus a deep, cold, swimming hole for the adventurous. This is one of my favorite waterfalls in SC even if it is a little tough to get to. The reward is worth it.”
Dillon Senn says of the falls: “Enjoying the dreamy flow of Brasstown Falls as the thunder of the water created a nice melody at my feet. There’s so much beauty in the world to discover!”
More Pictures of Brasstown Falls
Landmarks near Brasstown Falls
One of my favorite places on earth! Have camped there multiple times. 🙂
Beautiful place. I spent a couple days there shooting video.
Kinda reminds me of GOONIES. “This one right here is my wish my dream and it didn’t come true. I’m takin ’em back i’m takin’ ’em all back.”
OK we tried but the trail directions got us mixed up from another site. We went to a part in trail that was not over a creek and split into three paths. It got us to a small waterfall but not one pictured. Where did we go wrong?
Marcia, be prepared to do some stream crossing to get to the upper falls, and be very careful hiking to the middle and lower sections. The trail is a tough one
What an awesome photo!! I just might have to make that hike to Brasstown Falls this summer!