Laurel Fork Falls — Sunset, South Carolina

There are two ways to reach the Laurel Fork Falls. The most popular (and easiest) way is to travel by boat on beautiful Lake Jocasee. However, if you are feeling adventurous, there is an 8-mile hike – one way! – that will take you to the waterfall, which has three sections.

Laurel Fork, like many of our state’s waterfalls, is best seen after it has rained for a few days. The falls drop 80 feet and spill into Lake Jocassee, providing visitors a spectacular view.

Lake Jocassee (pronounced “Joe-kass-ee”) is managed by Duke Energy and provides electricity to many residents in the Upstate. The lake is located in Oconee County and Pickens County, and there are some primitive camping areas around the falls available for public use.

Reflections on Laurel Fork Falls

Contributor Gary DuBose says of his photo above: “This is Laurel Fork Falls, a waterfall on Lake Jocassee that is difficult to reach except by boat. Even then, it is hard to find unless someone knows exactly where to look. Fortunately, I was on a trip with a guide as part of a course for high school teachers that Duke Energy and Clemson University were teaming up to offer. The boat driver/guide was a former marine who had been seriously wounded in Iraq. He did an excellent job. I would highly recommend those in the area to take a guided boat tour of Jocassee. It is one of the most beautiful areas in the entire state.”

Add your own reflections here.

Laurel Fork Falls Map

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