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Spoonauger Falls
Photo credit: Paul Finke
Set back into a hillside and surrounded by an explosion of rhododendron, Spoonauger Falls runs down a stepped rock face in a broad sheet. The 50-foot high waterfall is among the more popular in this area of the Chattooga River Watershed, in part due to the easy 20-minute hike. Like its cousin, King Creek Falls, this waterfall is picturesque, especially in the summer when foliage is leafed out and afternoon light highlights the innumerable horizontal slashes of the rock. A shorter waterfall is visible along the way to Spoonauger Falls.
Trail description:
- From Chattooga River Trailhead, it’s an EASY 0.25 miles to Spoonauger Falls Trail, though one creek crossing along the way could be difficult for some people.
- From the Spoonauger Falls Trail sign it’s an EASY 0.1 miles to the first switchback where you can see the lower 10-foot-high falls.
- From the first switch back it’s a MODERATE 0.1-mile climb through 3 more switchbacks and a trail that is narrow with obstacles to the base of Spoonauger Falls.
At a Glance
| Open Season: | All year |
|---|---|
| Restrictions: | Waterfalls can be very dangerous! Do not climb on the rocks surrounding the falls. |
| Restroom: | Vault toilet available at parking area for Burrells Ford campground |
| Information Center: | Primitive camping is permitted. Campsites must be at least 50 feet from river, streams or trails, and must be at least .25 miles from the road. |
General Information
Directions:From Walhalla, drive north 9.5 miles on SC Highway 28 to the junction of SC 28 and SC 107. Bear right (north) onto SC 107. Drive 10.4 miles and turn left onto Burrells Ford Road (FS 708, paved for first 0.3 mile). Drive about three miles to the Chattooga Trail parking on the left (look for bulletin board). Hike the trail north, which roughly parallels the Chattooga River for 0.25 miles and cross Spoonauger Creek. Take a right a trail sign to reach the waterfall.
General Notes:
- Watch your step! Wet leaves, logs, rocks, and steps can be slippery.
- Stay on the trail to protect you and to protect plants and stream banks.
- Cellular service is NOT available at the trailhead or along the trail. Closest service is at the intersections of SC-107 and Burrells Ford road.
- There are a number of standing and fallen dead trees in the area, exercise caution around them.
Parking:
- Parking surface: Dirt/gravel.
- Parking number of vehicles: Approximately 10 along wide spot in road.
- Parking overflow: YES, at Burrells Ford Parking Area, 0.3 miles back up the road.
- RV/Trailer access: NO.
Activities
Day Hiking
20 minutes one way| Difficulty Level: | Easy |
|---|
Backpacking
Viewing Scenery
Related Information
Related Links
Highlights
Location