My family and I enjoyed a wonderful afternoon at Sassafras Mountain-the highest point in the Blue…read moreRidge Mountains in South Carolina. One feature I loved of the mountain is the observation deck (Handicap Accessible) that offers a 360 view of the Blue Ridge mountains. In addition to having plaques that talk about the mountains that you see and a line showing which state you are in (South and North Carolina). If you have little ones I would definitely recommend bringing them because Sassafras Mountains offers them an educational lesson. My family and I parked in the parking lot adjacent to the observation desk. There is also a well maintained bathroom that is free for the public. If you are adventurous like my family, we hiked down the mountain, which was fun but tiring. Although I am an avid hiker, the hike is slightly challenging. During our descent we encountered some heavily wooded parks of the trail, rocky surfaces, small wooden steps, off the edge parts of the path, and a vertical incline while climbing back up the mountain. It was definitely a leg workout, but I enjoyed every moment at Sassafras Mountain. If you are in Pickens County South Carolina I would recommend taking a short trip to Sassafras Mountain and see the gorgeous Blue Ridge mountains. The next time I am in the area I will visit Sassafras Mountain,hopefully in the fall or spring to observe the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains.

This is purportedly the highest point in South Carolina, though as the painted line makes clear, it…read moreis right on the border with North Carolina. A somewhat windy drive gets one almost to the top, and a short walk leads to a platform with ample views. Interesting foliage surrounds the platform. There are connections to several lengthy trails, which I did not have time for. Nonetheless, I was glad I managed to (sort of) miss the Asheville area traffic by driving this way.

As we are making our way into the Foothills this morning, Mrs. K. declared, "It's nap time." and I…read morewas obligated to find a good spot for us to park the campervan for a rest. Lo and behold, the signage for this park appeared and I figured we could give it a shot. The entrance was easy, the road in was smooth, and before long, we were winding our way down toward the lake. There were no rangers about for our "day use" parking and found a fabulous area that was literally right next to the lake where we parked for an hour or two this morning. So very quiet, the lake was still smooth as the Saturday boaters hadn't started yet. Later in the morning, we headed back out. No, we didn't hike and we didn't check out the waterfall this morning. That was fine because this visit wasn't about checking boxes or chasing views. Our visit was peaceful, restful and wonderful. [Review 497 of 2026 - 1422 in South Carolina - 25679 overall]

This park is nearby the better known lake area, but does not have quite the same majestic sights…read more It is, however, free to enter, and offers some quality hiking, a visitor center with interesting exhibits, and some handy facilities. The waterfalls and the natural bridge that I went by didn't overly excite me, but the sight of fall leaves was worth a stop. The trail situation was a bit confusing as this park connects with other jurisdictions. The trails changed elevation, were narrow-ish, and were covered with slippery leaves, so it was definitely going to demand some physical exertion. Stopping here makes sense if you have time as part of a trip to the area, but it certainly isn't the best attraction in the region.

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

Hello, I hope that this will be taken seriously, in hopes that this never happens to anyone else…read more Since Helene destroyed our local Canton park we wanted to give the Waynesville Recreation pool. I called the day prior to get all the information I could gather, checked the website since we have not been in over a decade. The receptionist gave me all the information, dates, times, pricing, and and temperature of the pool. I asked if there was still a kiddy pool working with buckets, slides, splash area etc. and I was told yes. The next day we were very excited and happily payed our fee to enter.As we walked passed the 1st life guard posted at the shallow end of the deep pool we smiled and found a spot near the slide as we knew that was what our son was going to be the most excited about. We got our son in his swim vest for safety and goggles and off he went down the slide. All of a sudden I see a young blonde lifeguard running around the Side of the slide saying "NO NO NO!". My husband and I smiled and said "Its ok we are right here and he's safe (Thinking she was worried he was alone since we didn't even see her from where she was sitting)". My son was already coming down the slide when she was yelling at him, (He's autistic and doesn't always understand things or respond to others well). He made it down no problem and was swimming to get out when she said "we do not allow swim vest or life jackets on the slide!" I asked "why?" And she responded with "because of the bolts on the slide they can get hung up and get hurt." I Replied " so there are bolts sticking out on a toddlers waterslide? I think you should be more concerned with that cutting and hurting someone if thats the case, not be concerned with a protective swimming vest." She replied "Well he's to small to ride" I was confused since I called asked and check the website and the slide is on the kiddie pool. I said "ok" as my husband is trying to regulate our son and explain things to him but he just wants to slide. By this point there are only 2 life guards for both pools and my son won't stop trying to slide. I carry him over to her hoping if he hears it from someone else that he's not allowed it will help. It did not! I then am very upset that was the whole reason for coming and anyone with autistic children or any kids understand if you tell them something fun your going to do but then have to tell them they can not its never fun. I ask the girl if I can sign a waiver or anything to allow him to slide, she says"no" I ask can he take of his vest and slide and ill be at the bottom to help catch him if he needs it ( He's a very good swimmer for his age) to which she responded "parents are not allowed to stand at the bottom and help there child". I was blown away buy this since we have been going to canton pool, and Dollywood splash country where kids can wear the life jackets, swim vest, or floats on any slide and parents were always at the bottom to help catch them as well since its all about safety when around water! Well, expect here at Waynesville rec. center. I was upset by this point and asked her what and where are these rules since I was not informed.?" She says "its on the back of the slide". Again I was upset and said " well that a horrible place for rules against a back wall on a slide that not every sees until your back here, also I was not told this and just so you know for the future maybe you all could post your rules on the website and tell them when they call so this doesn't happen to other special needs family and regular families to! I could tell she was uncomfortable so I simply asked what would happen if he did go down the slide (as he can be a runner)? She said " I would ask you to leave" I said "ok" and walked away. So for reference and refresh you can call and check the website where these rules are NOT posted or come in pay inside change enter at the opposite side of the pool area walk always to the back wall behind the side, and on the back said you see this weird outdated slide rules. By this time I was wondering why no one was on the slide and its because you have to be 48 inch tall but not over a certain weight, no parents are allowed on the slide, parents cannot catch kids at the bottom, and no life jackets or vest are allowed. These rules do the opposite of keeping kids in the kiddie pool safe. And again you can go to canton pool, Dollywood splash country or many other water parks or pools and they encourage you to put vests on your child and stay close to your child in water. By this point there are a good amount of ;little kids in the kiddie pool I would say about 10 to 15 and more kids in the bigger pool about 10 as well and only 2 life guards. I'm sorry but I'm not going to rely on a lifeguard to see everything in a pool. But none the less we kept trying to explain it to our son and play in the kiddie pool and enjoy the best we can. Our son was having a melt down and other parents in the pool understood what was happe

We just moved to the area and took a tour of the recreation center here. We will be joining the gym…read moreafter Covid issues get better. They have the main staples of indoor pool, workout equipment, racket ball courts. It clean and people are very friendly. We use the outdoor grounds a lot. Our main use is the dog park. There is a small dog park and a large dog park. We are in the small dog area. The disc golf court runs past the dog areas which is cool. There is a great skateboard park that lots of young people use, even on bikes. Lots of paved pathways. I love that the pathways attract older and young people. And, the path runs alongside The bold creek. It is more like a small river. It is filled with trout should you want to fish. Definitely a major asset to our town!

Loved camping here! We booked a last minute overnight camping trip at this park. We were gonna get…read morethere after the office hours since we were coming from out of state. They were so accommodating and helped us over the phone to book sites. It was dark by the time we got there and we woke up to a surprisingly beautiful view! The water looked sooo clear. We weren't too far from the bathroom (they have showers + hot water)! We had water/electric connections as well and it was really affordable. There are many waterfalls that you can drive to nearby and hiking trails too. We ended up staying another night because we really enjoyed it!

Mountain lakes are almost always lovely. But even among mountain lakes, Lake Jocassee is next…read morelevel. This is one of the busiest SC state parks during summer months, and the premium villas, which come with boat storage, are in the prettiest of settings. Off on a ledge overlooking the lake and mountain across, the park has waterfalls that can only be accessed by boat. In summer you can barely get into the park, and the line to get in starts super early. I love coming in the winter. It's quiet, peaceful, and still packs a scenic punch. In an unexpected polar vortex, I still had great service, and the villa had everything needed to get in and get stuck for a few snowy days.

Campground Pros and cons:…read more Pros: -Lake was clean and perfect to swim in -Everyone respected quiet hours -Staff at check in was fabulous -Bathroom close by -clean Cons: -No playgrounds in the campgrounds -Neighbors fire pit smoked for two days straight. Heavy billowing smoke and nothing the camp host would/could do about it. Not sure why rangers don't address the issue. Our throats were raw and we could not sit outside. We ended up leaving a day earlier than scheduled. -pricey for state campground. 60 bucks a night for a campsite.

We spent Labor Day 23 at table rock State Park in Pickens South Carolina. Overall not a good…read moreexperience. The park had quiet hours at 10 and for the most part people respected The quiet time and the staff was super friendly. The main reason we disliked this park was the smoke. Many of the campers either did not know how to light and maintain a fire or the campground is selling wet wood but either way the smoke was overwhelming and made it miserable. The Rangers should absolutely have addressed the smoke issue by going to each of the campsites and finding out what was going on.. One of our campsite neighbors had smoke going for two days straight and it was unbearable. In addition the sites were way too close together for such a beautiful park it could've been laid out to keep everybody happy and maintain some privacy. Lastly, the park is very expensive compared to other state parks.

Great place for a family hike, or a peaceful stroll! This…read morecounty park is on the site of a 19th century mill and you can enjoy the ruins, the remnants of the dam and the waterfalls. Great picnic or family spot too! My small kids had no problem making it through. There are multiple spots to access the trails and two playgrounds, bench swings, picnic tables, park benches all along the trail and restrooms. You can take the nature trail and enjoy the shaded hike. The only issue I had is that you can lose the trail near the edge of the park. If you hit the power lines, you've gone too far! Great place!

Highly recommend visiting!! It's so much more beautiful in person. The trails are accurate and well…read moremaintained.

My family and I decided to spend a weekend in North Carolina. Since we enjoy the outdoors we…read moredecided to spend a part of our time hiking. We went to Little Bradley Falls, located in Saluda, North Carolina. Due to a wildfire that happened a couple of years back some of the trials are restricted for hikers. However, you are still able to see Little Bradley Falls and explore the surrounding area. The trail is pet and kid friendly, with designated paths, so you do not have to worry about getting lost. The parking lot is more of "pull of the side of the road" style parking. It was tight, but I was able to park my SUV. Although the majority of Little Bradley Falls trail was closed, the rest of the trail was well kept, and you could visibly see the park staff was working on reopening the damaged trail. The waterfall was beautiful, there is an observation area where you can see the majestic waterfall, perfect for photos. Although the trail was well cleared, one dangerous part is you have to climb over rocks in the river to get to the other side of the trail. It wasn't that difficult, but should be considered when planning your hike to Little Bradley Falls. If you are in the Saldua North Carolina area, or want to take an easy hike with the family, I would definitely recommend taking a look into Little Bradley Falls. I hope to return in the future to complete the other trailhead that is adjacent from Little Bradley Falls.

Short trail with a beautiful waterfall at the end…read more Drive: 1.5hour drive from Charlotte Parking: the location on the google map doesn't take you to a parking lot. We arrived at the entrance of a side trail. Parking is available on the side street. Trail: about a 30 -45 mins trail but it is very tricky Overall, I enjoyed the short hike. The waterfall at the end was definitely worth the trip. Highly recommend a visit. 5/5

Fantastic experience! Karyn is kind and accommodating. She caters to different experience levels…read moreand gives very clear, explicit instructions. Her horses are clearly very loved. My husband and I had a fantastic time getting to know the horses, seeing absolutely stunning scenery, and chatting with Karyn. I highly recommend!

My family and our sons' friends thoroughly enjoyed our ride with Karyn and Allie. Friendly folks,…read morebeautiful scenery and wonderful ride. We all had such a fantastic time, it was the topic of conversation hours later, and a "friendly" argument arose over whose horse was the best. Some bonds were definitely made on the trail. Karyn was super nice and very accommodating. We would definitely recommend to our friends and will plan to ride again when we're in the area.

I gave this 5 stars because if it wasn't raining it would have been. Unfortunately it was rainy and…read moresome muddy areas, but beautiful water ways, well marked trails and got to peep some fall foliage. This is a free stop on the Blue Ridge Parkway. They also have restrooms and are pet friendly, which is always a plus in my book. The trails are a little rough with roots and some rocks, also some stairs, which in the higher elevation were kicking my butt, but if you're a regular hiker you'll be all set.

Of numerous stops available along the parkway, the Graveyard Fields are one of the more…read moreinteresting. An ecologically distinctive valley with trails leading to an impressive waterfall, this offers plenty of places to experience nature. The altitude is sufficient that even on a summer day it is likely to be quite comfortable. There are a lot of stairs to get down into the valley and I do not recommend it for people with mobility limitations. There is a parking area which I have never seen overflow that has restrooms.