The temperature is slowly starting to drop in Clemson, which means it is time to visit those close-by waterfalls one last time.
With the Pisgah National Forest a short hour and a half drive away from campus, there are more than enough waterfalls to explore. As fall is quickly approaching, here are 5 must see waterfalls before summer ends.
1. Looking Glass
Looking Glass Falls is one of the most famous waterfalls in the Pisgah National Forest due to its easy access and beauty. At milepost 411, It is one of the biggest waterfalls you will see in the southern region of Pisgah, and perfect for swimming and exploring around its creek. Since the waterfall can be seen from the road and there is no hike necessary, this area can be very crowded. You will want to get there early as cars often line up and down the road to hang out at this popular spot.
2. Skinny Dip Falls
Skinny Dip Falls is a located at milepost 417 after an easy .5 mile walk. Although It is a pretty waterfall, Skinny Dip is best known for its very clear and freezing swimming hole. You will find people hesitating to jump off the rocks, not because of the height, but because of the anticipation of icy chill that will shoot through their spine as they land in the water. It's a great place to hang out in the hot months of summer. Don’t get too excited, regardless of the name, clothes and bathing suits are mandatory.
3. Moore Cove Falls
Moore Cove Falls is a fifty-foot waterfall found about one mile past Looking Glass. This waterfall is often overlooked or forgotten about because there are no signs or obvious areas to pull off the road. Moore Cove does not have a deep pool of water to swim around in. Instead, the water shoots straight off a giant rock which allows you to stand behind the falls. The greater the rainfall, the more expansive and powerful the waterfall becomes. You don't want to miss out on this hidden spot!
4. Upper Creek Falls
Upper falls is a bit of hike, but worth it none the less.This waterfall is located in Graveyard Fields and takes 1.6 miles to arrive at the waterfall, making for about a 3-mile hike round trip. When you get to the base of the falls, don’t stop there. Climb up the dry rocks and you will arrive at what looks like a completely different waterfall that is even better than the first. If you're feeling even more adventurous, you can scale it to the top and have a pretty incredible view.
5. Courthouse Falls
Courthouse Falls is by far the most exciting waterfalls you will find in the Blue Ridge Parkway. You can find it off highway 215 by taking the bumpy service road: FR140. This hidden gem is a short half mile hike with a 60 ft drop and incredibly green surroundings.The best part? you get to jump off this enormous structure into a deep pool of icy water, but don’t worry, your adrenalin is pumping so fast you won't even notice how cold it is. There is an easy trail that allows you to get on top of the waterfall in the perfect jumping spot.
Do yourself a favor and take a fun day trip to explore the Pisgah National Forest before you're completly swamped with school work and cold weather, you wont regret it!
