We went during the winter after a snow day, it was ethereal, beautiful, and worth it. To get to…read morethis point, it was a bit strenuous. You go down for a while, but the climb back up is tiresome. Be aware if you do not stay super active, it's harder than it seems, especially with colder temps + joint issues. In total we took roughly over 2 hours to walk down the trail, enjoy the waterfall, and walk back up. We took our time and didn't miss a thing in those 2 hours, but like I said, worth it!

We had so much fun! beautiful place!! It was a great and very active trail. Wonderful place to come…read moreto in the summer

Great little path- I believe it's under on mile there. Also dogs on leashes seem to be allowed as…read morewell and has its own parking spaces. Great photo ops here. Beautiful place and the walk isn't too far from the parking lot either just very steep so wear good shoes

Soco Falls has been updated with a huge parking lot, observation deck at the top (beginning) and…read moresecond observation deck at the falls with new concrete steps and wood railing. Some trashy, low class dregs of humanity have already vandalised parts of the decks and railing-which were installed and graciously gifted by the Cherokee Reservation Indians, how gross do you have to be to do something so awful? Regardless, it's a beautiful half mile hike each way and the serenity of the falls is so worth it. Hopefully garbage humans dont ruin it for the rest of us to enjoy this magical.place.

This is the best waterfall we got to visit in SC this far. After we left Reedy Branch Falls we…read moredrove here. Well, as close as we could get. I didn't realize that we couldn't drive all the way to the trailhead so we had a long hike in store due to me having to carry my toddler most of the time. I should have re-read the previous reviews before coming. My friend did help me carry her as well and for that I was very thankful. So definitely don't recommend this hike with a little one unless strapped in a carrier. Also, I don't recommend it for the elderly either. It's definitely a wilderness hike deal with roots and elevation change. In fact, it's mostly downhill on the way to the falls, but on the way back it's pretty much all uphill, which was not fun with aforementioned young child. It's about a half mile to the actual trailhead and then another 0.7 mile to the falls. That's about 2.4 miles round trip. The reason of course that my boys absolutely became enamored with this place is the large swimming hole. It is wonderful and has plenty of space. The waterfall itself is beautiful and although it's not as tall as others, its width is quite impressive. I was trying to get as close as I could and even noticed a hidden part of the falls inside of the rock structure. That was so cool!! The sand at the base and shore give it a beachy vibe. We definitely packed it in and out making sure not to leave anything behind as to preserve the area as best as possible. Needless to say we were wiped by the time we made it back to our vehicles, but we're still glad we decided to venture here. Coming back with my hubby and boys in the very near future. Happy yelping!

I just wanted to update my 3/15/20 review below to add I've now done this hike several times, but…read moreTHIS time I had the chance to hike it with a friend who is directly related to the namesake of the waterfall... Riley Moore. Sandie is a church friend of mine and Riley Moore was her Great Great Uncle (I believe that's right). He once upon a time operated a grist mill here at the top of the falls. She's been trying to get here to see the waterfall, but couldn't find it and wanted to join us (along with her family) since I knew the way. Upon further research I discovered there are actually still remnants of the mill including visible drill holes, spikes and bolts. Thought that was pretty cool info to share! [ [ [ PREVIOUS REVIEW ] ] ] Riley Moore Falls is small in height but HUGE in personality. It's located off State Road S37-748, which is a nicely maintained gravel road where cars and trucks alike can comfortably traverse. ~~~ DIRECTIONS From Westminster, SC - DO NOT turn onto Cobb Bridge Road from Long Creek Hwy (Hwy 76) where you will see the brown & white sign pointing you in the direction of Riley Moore Falls. Our GPS had us go this way, then left onto State Road S37-748, but the road was CLOSED during our visit! INSTEAD, turn onto PU-32 also known as Rocky Fork Road. Turn left onto a gravel road near Rocky Fork Baptist Church and follow that until it dead ends @ State Road S37-748 (also known as Spy Rock Road). Turn right and drive approx. 1.4 miles (4 minutes) to 748c (aka Riley Moore Shoals Road). Park at the intersection of State Road S37-748 and 748c. DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DRIVE 748c in a car or minivan. Low clearance vehicles will find the terrain on this road to be VERY difficult to navigate without bottoming out or getting stuck. I'd also recommend 4x4 capability on wet days! There can be several deep-pocketed muddy areas after heavy rains. ~~~ THE TRAIL Once you reach the intersection of Spy Rock Rd (S37-748) and 748c, park roadside on Spy Rock, secure your vehicle and begin your hike approx. 1/2 mile down the "primitive road." IF you have a high ground clearance SUV or truck, you can drive the primitive road another half mile or so to a second parking area near the trailhead. The primitive road is VERY BUMPY  and can be muddy in spots after heavy rains, so a 4x4 is best. After reaching the second parking area, follow the marked trail on the left!!! The trail is a little over a 1/2 mile to the falls from here. The trail is fairly straightforward and easy to follow. ~~~ THE FALLS Once you reach the Chauga River, you will notice a large sandy area with plenty of room for an entire horde of hikers!!! Riley Moore Falls is not very tall (only about 12 feet), but it is very wide and has a deep base pool. PRO TIP - Bring swimwear, towels and a picnic, but be sure to pack it in and pack it out. ~~~ THINGS TO KNOW Hiking Distance: 2 miles (round trip to falls from S37-748) Difficulty of hiking 748c: All downhill to trailhead (moderate return) Difficulty of hiking trail to falls: EASY Creek Crossings: NO Elevation Gain: 357 feet Waterfall Height: Approx 12 feet Access to top of falls: NO - not without getting wet Access to base of falls: YES Pool of water @ base of Falls: YES Sitting areas @ base: YES + sandy beach RESTROOMS: NO PARKING: YES (along road) + secondary parking area closer to trailhead for trucks and high ground clearance vehicles with room for about 6 cars. ~~~ [ FINAL THOUGHTS ] A lovely waterfall in any season, but also a great spot for a summer swim. While we had the waterfall practically to ourselves during our Mid-March expedition, be advised other trail website reviews say it gets trashy & crowded in summer months. What a shame if that is true because it truly is a treasure. ENJOY! 2022 / 74 #UPDATE 178

Very very tough trail. If not athletic it is possible to do it but need at least 3 hours so you…read moredon't overexert yourself. Steep and rocky but beautiful. We did not make it to the bottom of the trail, but got pretty close.

It all started when my mom said, "Hey, we should take this easy hike from the beach down to the…read morewaterfall." So we went over by the dam and started hiking. With 2 kids under 8. Oh my, never do that here. It's quite the moderate to difficult trail. Sure the place was a nice place to walk through, but this was a rough one, definitely not for pets or small children. Lots of stairs down at the start and (dear poor knees) UP at the end.

This area is still recovering from the hurricane last year…read more This is Sunburst Falls. There is a drought going on so I think this one may be more majestic at different times of the year. Parking is very limited, but the falls can be seen from the road.

Amazing waterfall just off the roadside. There are only a couple of parking spots just down from…read morethe falls that are located on a curve of the road.

This waterfall is a minute walk to the lookout and if you have enough energy, you can walk down and…read moreget closer to the falls park on the street on the side. It was beautiful. Limited parking on street.

Gorgeous place, easy parking on the side of the roads with multiple stopping areas. Dog friendly…read moreand people friendly. Able to swim and to walk around (very cautiously) on rocks. Relaxing to just lay on a massive rock and listen to the waterfall.

Nice place to hike just outside of Sylva. There are places for about 20 or so vehicles to park in…read morethe marked area at the end of the road. The first part is quite steep and rocky. There's a massive split boulder about a half-mile in. There are multiple 3+ mile hikes to tops of local mountains.

At 6643 feet, Clingmans Dome, now known by its Cherokee name, Kuwohi, is the highest point in the…read moreGreat Smoky Mountains National Park. My visit to Kuwohi was a highlight of my visit to Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The drive up to the summit is breathtaking. There are several overlooks along the way to stop and enjoy the views. When we arrived, it was about 20 degrees colder than in Gatlinburg and it was very windy. Fortunately, we had dressed warm for the hike. The half mile trail is paved and accessible, however, the climb is straight up and was very difficult for some people. At the top of the trail we passed the Appalachian Trail. Then we found a fantastic Mid Century concrete spiral structure to climb. At the top, is an observation deck with placards describing the magnificent views of Tennessee and North Carolina. The modern observation deck was completed in 1960, replacing a wooden structure. Thomas Lanier Clingman was one of the early explorers that mapped the region in the 1850's. Kuwohi was (and still is) a sacred mountain of the Cherokee people. The mountain held Magic Lake that is believed to have healing powers for those who value the earth and its people. Parking permits are required to park in the large lot. Permits can be purchased on site for $5/day. Restroom facilities are available, but no running water. A nearby Visitors Center sells maps, shirts and other hiking gear. Kuwohi is a must visit on a trip to SMNP. Bring warm clothes (gloves, hat, etc). Cell tower reception is poor, so maps are helpful.

It's a great spot and it is part of national park so essentially free other than parking fee. The…read morewalk is good 20 minutes after parking. The views are great. Nice pictures to take at the Clingman dome. If you want to get some steep hill walking, this is the place to do it.

THE FIRST THING YOU NEED TO KNOW is this is one of the most uniquely beautiful waterfalls I've ever…read morehad the pleasure of visiting in the South, but it is not for the casual hiker. You absolutely need a basic understanding of how to follow blazes and navigate faint areas of the trail that might be overgrown. You also need to be in fairly good physical shape, because this trail is a WORKOUT... but the payoff is so worth it!!! ***** We completed our hike on Saturday 11/12/2022. While most other website reviews say they didn't encounter any other hikers, we actually came across several. At the falls we met a famous hiker and his crew repelling down the vertical drop section of Flat Creek Falls. I was kinda fanboying in the moment because I've used a number of his hiking notes over the years to guide me to many of the more difficult and less populated trails. On our return hike we also encounter THREE other couples separately headed to the falls. Must have been something in the air that day!!! It rained most of the week prior to our hike, so the falls were flowing nicely. But unfortunately the rain knocked all the remaining fall leaves off the trees, so my photos weren't as fall-tacular as I was hoping. The trail itself is rather boring with no scenic views other than the steep downhill section within the last mile where you can get a glimpse of Bear Lake. It can be a rather tricky trail to follow, but there are enough blazes to keep you on track. This is the first trail of hundreds that I've hiked where strips of a terrycloth towel were used as blaze markers... LOL! But hey, they were REALLY helpful! [ NOTES ] * Flat Creek Falls is broken into sections. The main visible fall is a sheer freefall of about 100 feet. Next it cascades heavily down the mountain, lengthening its overall look. Above the waterfall and out of view is another 30+ feet of sliding cascades, adding to its overall height. A drone would allow the best pic of the full glory of this waterfall. Check out this drone video by Seth Hogan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nT9TiFQtNgE * Lots of blown down trees to climb over/around. * THIS IS A WET HIKE!!! There is almost no way of avoiding getting your shoes or boots wet, so bring extra socks and shoes for the ride home. * Trail can get a little tricky in parts for inexperienced hikers even with the blazes, so be sure to download the offline map. * ALLTRAILS map ends at the lowest decent viewing point. You will still need to boulder jump several more yards to get the best vantage point. * VERY surprised by the "WARNING: BEAR SANCTUARY" markers along the steep downhill section of the trail. * Don't miss NELLIE FALLS which can be accessed along a spur trail near the parking area. DO NOT FOLLOW the wide Flat Creek Road trail. It does not lead to Nellie Falls. Instead, find an unmarked opening in the trees about 100 feet from the parking area AFTER crossing the creek . It looks rather sketchy but follow this trail. It will split in about 1/3rd of a mile and you will continue on the left trail that goes downhill. Once you reach Nellie Falls, you must cross through the river and continue the trail up the left side of a very large boulder to get the best view of Nellie. The hike to Nellie will add about 2 miles to your overall Flat Creek Falls hiking distance. [ NAVIGATION NOTES ] DO NOT... I REPEAT... DO NOT USE GPS NAVIGATION through Panthertown along Forrest Service Road 4670. You WILL NOT get through! Instead, use Hwy 281 to Rock Bridge Rd. The parking area will be at the end of Rock Bridge Road. Also, it is important to download this trail map prior to arriving. Mobile coverage is very weak past Lake Toxaway: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/north-carolina/flat-creek-road-flat-creek-falls/print?grid_format=decimal&map_center_lat=35.2159563039431&map_center_lon=-83.03239512200847&map_type=alltrailsOutdoorsV2&map_zoom=14.007959882271786&paper_orientation=portrait&paper_size=letter [ FINAL THOUGHTS ] Maybe it is because I haven't hiked much this year and I'm no longer in hiking shape, but this trail really burned out my legs. I don't remember being this exhausted after a hike since I did Mounte LeConte in Gatlinburg via Alum Cave Trail. ALLTRAILS lists the hiking distance @ 5.8 miles round trip, but I don't believe that is accurate. My iPhone walking tracker logged me at 11.1 miles for the day (which also included the 2 miles round trip to Nellie Falls). Other than walking to my truck in my driveway, inside a restaurant after the hike, and to my shower when I got home... I did no other walking that day. TOTAL HIKE TIME - 5 hours 15 minutes It was a blessing to witness these two spectacular natural piece of art with my own eyes. They've been on my list for the past year and did not disappoint! Thank you Jess L for always being willing to tackle ANY trail with me! 2022 / 116

CHARLIE FALLS and JULIE FALLS are located along the same trail inside Chinquapin, a mountain…read morecommunity with a wide array of available lots to build your dream home... or even a second home if you've got disposable income like that!!! ~ THE SCENE There is not a lot of information available about either waterfall other than their names, but I hope to discover a source of knowledge that would help me with a few curiosities. One curiosity would be each of the crossings leading to the waterfalls have named bridges, such as Grandma's Bridge, Caroline's Bridge and Abby Bridge. Who are they named after and why? Another curiosity would be an answer as to why there is an outhouse and storm shelter in the middle of the woods? No less pressing is the question of an old nearby shack with a sign over the door proclaiming it to be the Ritz Carlton! LOL Clearly those whom have occupied this space prior have a sense of humor, so it would have been lovely to present the full backstory. But alas my good yelp family, all I can offer are photos and approximate geographic coordinates. We accessed the trail from inside the gated community after making an appointment to see one of the available lots. The easiest access point was a trail between lots 96 & 97. However, as we walked the trail, there did seem to be other adjoining public trails to navigate to the falls, but I couldn't tell you exactly how. ~ TWO WATERFALLS (on two separate creeks) The first waterfall you will reach is JULIE FALLS. A gorgeous cascading fall that plunges into a small pool at its base and tightly surrounded by trees. We could not see the full height, but my guess would be around 30 to 35 feet tall. It was impressive even with average water flow, but I bet it would be spectacular after heavy rainfall. Further along the same trail, as you cross another bridge or two you will reach CHARLIE FALLS, which is a waterfall you might picture in a bedtime story. The trail opens up to a wider, more open area where the sunlight dancing on the green leaves of the trees seem to have a magical effect. Charlie falls is visibly approximately 25 to 30 feet tall, but I suspect there is more to this waterfall than we could see from the base. The surrounding boulders are blanketed in moss, making it an ideal setting for Hansel & Gretel's cabin. One of the boulders will immediately catch your eye, as it literally has the shape of a dinosaur fossil head. I promise, you will know it when you see it. CHARLIE FALLS is, imho, the more attractive of the two and very enchanting. It's the type of waterfall you don't want to leave straightaway. It makes you want to linger, although there is not much more to see as the trail ends here. NOTE: There are SIX waterfalls total within the subdivision boundaries! ~ FINAL THOUGHTS If you find yourself interested in coming here, the geographic coordinates to JULIE FALLS are 35.183073, -83.065735. Julie Falls is located on Mill Creek, just before it connects with Robinson Creek. CHARLIE FALLS is located on Robinson Creek and the coordinates are 35.181791, -83.066106. I suspect there might be a trail leading from Great Falls Drive where it crosses Robinson Creek, but I am not for certain: 35.188666, -83.061975. From this coordinate it would be about a half mile creek walk upstream to Julie Falls OR you could always call the Chinquapin Outpost for better directions. I also suspect there are several more waterfalls downstream on Robinson Creek as Google Earth images seem to show large whitewater sections of the river at the following coordinates: 35.189796, -83.058901 (appears to be on private property) 35.196138, -83.055175 (near the crossing of Trimble Ridge Rd) 35.200339, -83.053114 (also near Trimble Ridge Rd) All appear to be on private property, but the second seems to be close enough to the bridge to view. ENJOY!!! 2020 / 43