The Long Creek Falls, located in Oconee County within the Andrew Pickens Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest. The 50-foot cascading waterfall has a refreshing plunge pool which makes it a popular spot for hikers to cool off.
Long Creek is located off the Chattooga River, which runs along the Georgia-South Carolina border. The river has challenging whitewater rapids available to rafters and kayakers alike. If navigating the rapids isn’t your specialty, there is a moderate, hour-long hiking trail to the falls. However, since it is not an official Forest Service trail, it is not well marked; be sure to print out directions to the Long Creek Falls hiking trail before you go.
Besides providing a beautiful view, Long Creek Falls is famous for its appearance in the movie Deliverance. If you follow the Chattooga River from Long Creek Falls, you will come across a large boulder known as “Deliverance rock” because several scenes from the movie were shot there.
Photographer David Vanover says that the falls are a popular resting spot for rafters on the Chattooga River, and that there are often campers on the sandy beach where the creek empties into the river.
Learn more about South Carolina rafting.
I’d really like to know the history behind this place. As soon as I started to walk my dog down the trail, I got the most eerie feeling I can’t even describe. I’m sad that I missed the opportunity of seeing the sights, but I always listen to that gut instinct. If anyone could tell me some of the history and what has happened recently there, I would much appreciate it.
Great place, so pretty.
I hate to post something negative, but feel this post is warranted. The hiking directions to this location should include a warning. I hiked this trail this past July and when I started to descend to the falls I slipped on the very slippery rocks and roots on the way down. I slid about 50 feet and broke two fingers trying to grab and hang onto mountain laurel branches. Beware, this is a dangerous hike. If you make it down to the falls without getting hurt, the trek back up could be more dangerous. I was lucky that I wasn’t hurt anymore than I was. Again, BEWARE! This is a very dangerous hike. It is a very steep and slippery descent. I recommend using ropes or other safety devices.
Thank you for warning readers of the potential dangers! We are so sorry for your experience and are also glad you did not suffer worse injuries. Readers, take note of the risks of hiking this and other trails and falls.
The Sierra Club in Seneca SC sometimes hike to this waterfall. Bring swimsuit as there is a place to take a dip.
I am 68 years of age and I thought I had explored everything in this area. But I have never seen this falls. I would love to see it in reality. Could I please use these photos and some of the information on my Facebook page? Thank you very much.
So happy to see my daughter’s photo of Long Creek Falls on this website. I really enjoy the photography you place on here each month.