Maxie Lee Wright Duke was an avid waterfall hunter and good friend to Sidney Holmes Ballenger, Jr.,…read morea man who loved waterfalls so much that he literally wrote the pioneering book on finding them in Oconee County, South Carolina. When he died @ age 73, Maxie wanted to honor him by petitioning the U. S. Department of the Interior in hopes of naming an UNNAMED local waterfall in his honor. While her 1993 petition was denied, the effort didn't end. In late 2014, Renee Hattenstein reapplied to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to have the falls officially named Sid's Falls and in April of 2016, the name Sid's Falls was accepted by the board. Sadly I found an online obituary stating Maxie Lee Wright Duke passed away in December of 2020. But Oconee County residence wanted to honor her by unofficially naming a waterfall after her in close proximity to Sid's Falls. As a matter of fact, Maxie Duke Falls shares most of the same trail and parking that you would use to visit Sid's Falls. [ THE EXPERIENCE ] I WANT TO GIVE FAIR WARNING right up front that while 95% of this trail is super easy, the final leg of the trail to the base of the falls is NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART or anyone not capable of using BOTH HANDS during the descent. You will absolutely need to posses basic skills in climbing and some upper body and leg strength. The trail to the bottom at minimum fits the CLASS 3 hike rating and the breakoff trail to Maxie Duke is practically CLASS 4 as ropes are available to assist climbers on the steep, steep terrain. PARK at the small area off Damascus Church Road between Damascus Baptist Church and Cool Springs Road (State Route S-37-797). Walk around the gate and enjoy approx. 1.4 miles of easy hiking on a wide old road that passes two open grassy fields along the way. The grade varies, but typically stays within a 5% differential. However, once the trail enters into the woods and narrows, it becomes steeper. You will reach a point where the trail forks right or left. RIGHT is to Sid's Falls and LEFT is to Maxie Duke Falls. Here is where either trail gets noticeable difficult as the grade to Sid's can exceed -34% (according to AllTrails). Maxie Duke's trail is even steeper and may require the assistance of a preinstalled rope for most of the descent. Once you reach the creek you will need to wet cross over to the right side in order to achieve the best view of the falls. I ducked under a large fallen tree and discovered a dry trail leading to the base of the falls. I walked right out onto the stone ledge of the falls through the water and did not find the stones to be particularly slippery. In fact, I had good grip but I still remained very cautious. [ FINAL THOUGHTS ] When returning, you could also continue your adventure and follow the trail right of the split to Sid's Falls. But again, BE FOREWARNED the trail to Sid's is only slightly less steep, and you will absolutely need both hands and a lower center of gravity to remain balanced! Plan on getting your feet wet @ both falls to attain the best vantage for photos. Proceed with caution, respect the power of nature and know your own ability. It took us about 2 hours 20 minutes to hike from parking to both falls and back, which included rests and about 25 minutes of picture taking. ~ Round trip length to both: 3.3 miles ~ Elevation Gain: UNKNOWN (but probably 600+ feet) OVERALL this is a wonderful hike that will fool you into thinking it's easy for its majority... But do not choose to visit this trail casually! You're gonna get dirty, you're gonna be very tired, but the payoff is well worth the effort to see these two 50 foot beauties! NOT RECOMMENDED for young children, dogs, anyone with balance issues or solo hikers because it is not a popular trail (yet) and injuring yourself would make the return ascent very difficult. 2022 / 73

We drove to Fall Creek Falls today and hiked from the nature center through the trailhead all the…read moreway to the actual falls. We saw about 3 scenic spots to take pictures and along the trail they had signs for other trails(which weren't that much of a detour). At the end of the trail to get to the twin falls it was breathing, well worth the hike but it was very strenuous.

You will totally miss this hidden gem if you are not paying close attention…read more The trailhead is located along Fall Creek Falls dirt road, but there are no signs indicating the trailhead nor is there an adequate pull-off for cars. Since we saw no indication for a trail, I just parked in the best spot possible as I listened for the falls with my car windows down. Turns out when I got out of the car and walked over to the edge of the road, there was a STEEP trail barely visible through the vegetation. The trail leads straight down to the creek, where you will encounter the upper part of the falls. Look to your right and continue downhill to the base of the upper falls, which is about 25-30 feet tall. This was as far as I explored and I was bummed to find out after getting home that there were TWO more waterfalls just a short distance below what I thought was the main falls. The second one is 35 feet tall, multilayered and quite spectacular based on the online pictures I found. The third is shorter, but still attractive. So if you come here, please note the distance to the falls is VERY short, but it is also VERY STEEP and semi-difficult, especially on the return. Enjoy! 2019/77

This was well-worth the drive from Columbia, SC. The hike wasn't that long. There were some stairs…read morethat were pretty steep but hand rails were available. Absolutely Stunning views.

Beautiful waterfalls for just a short hike** from the parking lot. Has 3 sections,…read moreCascades/Veil/Sluice, the Cascades is the first one to get to and the easiest. The Veil section is probably my favorite part, it's a picture I see when someone mentions "waterfalls". I didn't hike down to the Sluice section as it didn't seem worth the effort after seeing the Cascades and Veil sections. ** excerpt from Richard R's amazingly detailed review and great tips "The hike is short to the first section of the falls known as "The Cascades." This is a highly appropriate name since this section really is more of a series of cascades than a waterfall. On the day of my visit, there had been several days of rain making the trail extremely muddy, but also making the falls extremely full! The flow was so strong that it was hard to see where the Cascades separated from the second section known as The Veil. You reach 'The Cascades' by following the trail on the right after the information board. You will go uphill slightly before making your descent down to the cascades. You will hear the falls long before you reach them. The downhill trail to the cascades is relatively easy, but it gets far more difficult when you continue downhill to see the two lower sections. NOTES: This is a class three hike, meaning you will need both hands to navigate the steepness of the trail. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND good hiking boots and a backpack for any camera, phone or other items you might carry in your hand. You will definitely need both hands to hold on to branches, tree roots or whatever you can find. * SCOUTING TIP - It is better to take the higher routes as you navigate your way to the lower falls. * SCOUTING TIP 2 - This trail IS NOT suitable for young children or anyone who doesn't have sure balance. Your legs, knees and upper body will be heavily used! * SCOUTING TIP 3 - DO NOT bring a walking stick. Again, you will need both hands to navigate this trail safely. I personally did not see the advantage to hiking down to the base of the second section known as 'The Veil'. However, if you are feeling adventurous, you can actually walk behind this section of the falls on low flow days. The trickiest part of the trail is finding your way to the base of 'The Sluice' section. At first I considered forgoing the hike since it was rather steep, but another hiker on his way up showed me pics on his camera that convinced me to continue. There is also a downed log you can use as a bridge to balance across to the other side for an even closer view of this third section of the falls, which looks a lot like a powerful water slide." https://www.yelp.com/biz/brasstown-falls-long-creek?hrid=Weq_6ZUYbqLd0Ao6QafbDg&utm_campaign=www_review_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct)

The hike to Lee Falls is similar to some relationships, beautiful and easygoing in the beginning,…read moreyet difficult and tumultuous in the end. Lee Falls sure is a pretty girl or handsome guy (depending on your preference), but man, what you have to go through to be with Lee might make you wonder if the hike is actually worth it in the end! { DRIVING NOTES } The drive to Lee Falls was a tad confusing, kinda like bumbling over words when you first introduce yourself to someone. I approached the falls heading north on Hwy 11 and then turning left onto Cheohee Valley Road. I sometimes bring a notepad with me and self drawn maps with directions just in case I lose signal or my phone battery dies. My map had me turning left off Cheohee Valley Road onto Tamassee Knob Road, which is correct. However, Tamassee Knob Road meets Cheohee Valley Road TWICE, and I was supposed to take the second left, not the first. I was taken off course slightly, but eventually found my way to the trailhead parking area. { THE HIKE } Once parked, I headed past the large gate into a field of gorgeous green grass several football fields in length. There are NO blazes on this trail to tell you where to go, however, someone did tie ribbons to trees in key spots to give some sort of direction. Sometimes the ribbons are blue, other times they were orange. At the end of the first field, you will need to cross directly through the Tamassee Creek. There is no footbridge here and you will most definitely get your shoes wet. Actually, there are a total of 6 water crossings, so wear proper shoes and bring an extra pair + socks to change into when you return to your car after the hike. After the first creek crossing, you will enter into the second of FOUR grassy fields. This field is by far the prettiest as it has an island of trees in the center. I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to own this land and build a home here. It truly is what I would expect Hanzel & Gretel's land to look like from childhood fairy tales. A small strip of woods separates the second field from the third. At the end of the third grassy field you will cross Tamassee Creek once again before entering into the fourth and final field. It will be all forest from here, but be forewarned: the trail will become more difficult to follow the closer you get to the falls. This literally is the part of your relationship with Lee where you start to have doubts, but you fight through them to make the relationship work! --- Once you cross the creek for the 6th time, the hike takes a turn from pleasant (grassy fields), then confusing (forest) to outright difficult (the final climb). Each step you make will be heavily calculated and your route to the falls will be determined by your own security. The trail becomes undefined and you will scramble over rocks, huge boulders, downed trees and through the creek itself to make your way to the falls. Talk about relationship obstacles! Although the falls are easily within view, it is an uphill battle to get to the best viewing area. It is very likely you will need to stop and catch your breath. It is this part of my relationship with Lee Falls that I wondered if all of this fighting to be together was worth it. But I pressed on, determined to make it work! { THE FALLS } Once you reach a satisfactory viewing area, take a snack & water break! You have truly earned it! Soak in the sights and sounds of nature as you stare 70 feet up at Lee Falls in all its mossy beauty. Truly one of the most unique waterfalls I've ever seen in the South. My favorite spot was leaning against a large boulder in the middle of the river. Oddly as I looked down I caught the remains of a frog trapped in between two stones. "I feel you bro" I whispered. { FINAL THOUGHTS } I spent about 15 minutes with Lee regaining my strength before saying my farewell and heading back to my car. The return down the boulders was no less difficult, but at least I could walk though the woods more confidently than I did when I first encountered the difficult to follow trail. It's so true that difficulties make you smarter & stronger. The trail to Lee certainly took me through the ringer, but I emerged wiser from the experience nonetheless. It was a short fling that I will always remember. SCOUTING NOTES: * The parking area along 715A is to the right just before you cross the creek. *Parking area can easily handle a dozen or more cars. * Road to the parking area is gravel, but smooth. * Some parts of the FIRST grassy field can be really muddy. Best not to follow the path through the grass. Instead stay close to the treeline on the left for this field. * Trail is approximately 1.5 miles in length to the falls. The first half is super easy & pleasant. * Pack a lunch! You're gonna want to stay here for a while. * Bring extra shoes & socks to change into after the hike. Several crossings have ankle deep water. * NO RESTROOMS * NO PARKING FEES 2019/45

This is the most unique trail that I have ever hiked! The parking lot is pretty small and there are…read moreno parking fees. The trail starts at a gate connected to the first of many grassy fields that you have to pass through. This is the part that didn't seem like most trails I've done. It was mostly tall grass, but there was a beaten path that you could find and walk on. Even though it was beautiful, it was in direct sunlight, so depending on the season and time of day, you could be a little warm and easily sunburn if you are not prepared! There are also a handful of water crossings, so wear Chocos or bring another pair of socks and shoes. This is not a trail for the weak! Or for people who prefer a nice, well laid out pathway. I barely noticed trail markers or blaze markers. It is kind of hard to follow at times. The trail was very narrow and full of foliage. There is no way to avoid the plants touching you. Some kind of plant that is similar to poison ivy was everywhere and made me itch like crazy. But once I got to one of the water crossings, I was able to wash my legs off and feel better. Once you get closer to the waterfall, you have to almost rock climb and navigate through a really rocky area to make it to the top of the falls. But all of this was worth it when you finally reach the falls. WOW. It is huge! And there are several spots to rest on the rocks as you take in this lovely view. There are no bathrooms, so make sure you stop somewhere before you get there.

I love this place! It is my favorite county park! The trails are well kept, and there are a few…read moreto choose from depending on how ambitious you feel. Or sometimes it's nice to just sit on the giant rock and look at the beautiful waterfall. There is a very nice little playground that my grandkids had a blast playing on. As well as a couple of nice adult swings for the grownups to sit on and watch the kids. There are also places for the kids, and adults too, to get in the water. . As a bonus, the bathrooms are kept very clean and are nicer than any park bathroom I have ever been in. If you haven't been here yet, just do it!

We love this place but after today they will never get another cent from me this place has racist…read moreworker who follow you around like you are stealing then yells at a 15 year old cause she accidentally dropped a candy bar rapper then screamed at my family for parking "illegally "while we were trying to load our cars we told him and he proceeded to tell us to get in our cars and leave the park now and went over and dug in the trash and found an empty alcoholic can and said it was ours and to leave even though there were other people that just left those tables he said we were lying and to get out then proceeded to call in our car tags I spent $50 to rent for my daughters party plus $3.00 only for them to treat me and my guess like crap also got mad cause we used all the bags they gave us and because we didn't put any bags in the empty cans after today hartwell lake will always get my money never again this place by the way the name of the "park ranger "who done this is Patrick if you can't be friendly then don't be a ranger no need to be rude and mean and to follow my group around like we are thieves while at the swimming /bridge area

July 28 2025 - Todd Creek Falls Trail is too overgrown with high bushes from both sides the first…read more1/4 part of trail with thorns, poison ivy, etc. And the area around the small pool area at the base of waterfalls is also overgrown and difficult to approach. The trail continuing on from the waterfall into the woods is not approachable at all. Spring and late fall are best to navigate. Too bad there isn't a group that could keep the trail better managed. Otherwise, the falls is running full and beautiful. Normally, a wonderful place to visit and cool off in the summer.

This trek gets high marks because it is a quick, easy hike to beautiful waterfalls and a…read morewell-maintained trail. The trail isn't well-marked at the head but it is quite easy to follow. It's maintained and well-used. Park at the clearing on Brookbend Road near the bridge and cross the street and head South. The power lines are quite visible and the trail is on the right-away under them. It's maybe a half mile to the waterfall which will be visible to your right. Head downhill and enjoy the beauty from many spots. Continue forward beyond the falls and the trail is much nicer. It meanders through the forest and you can see the spillway from the dam. Be careful, but you can actually walk on it but you are risking your life by doing so! The spillway provides a nice waterfall as well. The trail continues and becomes a loop or it can be followed to the lake. The negatives: aside from the powerlines and the lack of marking on the trail head, this place should have a map posted to indicate what the history is and where you are. A missed opportunity! Head to Waldrop Stone Falls, which is very close when you are done!

It is my honor to introduce Sid's Falls to the yelp community…read more [ THE STORY BEHIND THIS WATERFALL ] It is named after Sidney Holmes Ballenger, Jr., a man who loved waterfalls so much that he literally wrote the pioneering book on finding them in Oconee County, South Carolina. He died @ age 73 and a 1993 petition was sent to the U. S. Department of the Interior in hopes of naming one of the local UNNAMED waterfalls in his honor. By his side on many adventures was his friend Maxie Duke, who actually helped discover and officially name the waterfall currently known as Sid's Falls. While her 1993 petition was denied, the effort didn't end. In late 2014, Renee Hattenstein reapplied to the U.S. Board on Geographic Names to have the falls officially named Sid's Falls and in April of 2016, the name Sid's Falls was accepted by the board. *** I absolutely love chasing waterfalls despite TLC's song warning otherwise, so this story of friendship and determination to honor all he had done for Oconee County touched me deeply. I simply couldn't, as an avid hiker and purveyor of waterfall adventures, pass on the opportunity to visit Sid's. During my research of this waterfall duo I discovered a third member of their hiking team, a man named John Danner. Sadly I found an online obituary stating Maxie Lee Wright Duke passed away in December of 2020. Both her & John have waterfalls unofficially named in their honor in close proximity to Sid's Falls. As a matter of fact, Maxie Duke Falls shares most of the same trail and parking that you would use to visit Sid's Falls. [ THE EXPERIENCE ] I WANT TO GIVE FAIR WARNING right up front that while 95% of this trail is super easy, the final leg of the trail to the base of the falls is NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART or anyone not capable of using BOTH HANDS during the descent. You will absolutely need to posses basic skills in climbing and some upper body and leg strength. The trail to the bottom at minimum fits the CLASS 3 hike rating and the breakoff trail to Maxie Duke is practically CLASS 4 as ropes are available to assist climbers on the steep, steep terrain. PARK at the small area off Damascus Church Road between Damascus Baptist Church and Cool Springs Road (State Route S-37-797). Walk around the gate and enjoy approx. 1.4 miles of easy hiking on a wide old road that passes two open grassy fields along the way. The grade varies, but typically stays within a 5% differential. However, once the trail enters into the woods and narrows, it becomes steeper. You will reach a point where the trail forks right or left. RIGHT is to Sid's Falls and LEFT is to Maxie Duke Falls. Here is where either trail gets noticeable difficult as the grade to Sid's can exceed -34% (according to AllTrails). You will absolutely need both hands and a lower center of gravity to remain balanced, but the payoff is fantastic! Sid's is a beautiful 50+ foot natural wonder. NOTES: Plan on getting your feet wet to attain the best vantage for photos. I walked all the way to the base through the water and did not find the stone ledges to be particularly slippery. Still, proceed with caution and know your own ability. See pics to determine the water level during my hike. [ FINAL THOUGHTS ] When returning, you could also continue your adventure and follow the trial left of the split to Maxie Duke Falls. But again, BE FOREWARNED the trail to Maxie Duke is even steeper than to Sid's and may require the assistance of a preinstalled rope for most of the descent. Here you will also need to wet cross the creek to the right side of the falls in order to achieve the best view. It took us about 2 hours 20 minutes to hike from parking to both falls and back, which included rests and about 25 minutes of picture taking. ~ Round trip length to both: 3.3 miles ~ Elevation Gain: UNKNOWN (but probably 600+ feet) Overall a wonderful hike that will fool you into thinking it's easy for its majority... But this sweet thang goes GUANO LOCO on you the final 500 feet and leave you contemplating the foolishness of your life choices! LOL NOT RECOMMENDED for young children, dogs, anyone with balance issues or solo hikers because it is not a popular trail and injuring yourself would make the return ascent very difficult. 2022 / 72

This was my second time visit and stay at Devil'sFork State Park and it was just as beautiful as…read morethe first time. First let me say Bridgett, one of the park rangers, is an absolute gem. I've never met someone more helpful, thoughtful and genuinely kind and appreciate everything she did for us. She went above and beyond. The park itself is kept very clean, including the bathrooms at the campsite. We stayed at site 44 which is used for RVs and tents. We had a tent and a car tent so this site was perfect and spacious for both. There is a power box and water hookup on all the RV sites. The water at Lake Jocassee is as beautiful as everyone claims it to be. We spent hours on the water swimming, floating, and kayaking. There are tons of fish to see if you feel like snorkeling or scuba diving (yes you can dive here! Many people come here to get certified.) We got caught in the rain but that didn't hinder the trip at all. There was no noticeable flooding of any kind. We did witness an emergency on one of the beaches and the rangers were very quick to act and attentive. The man was stabilized and all was well fortunately but I appreciate how quickly the staff acted. (This is one of many reasons why it is so important to fund our packs and keep the appropriate people employed here!)

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!