Along the shores of South Carolina’s stunning Lake Jocassee lies the state’s deadliest waterfall, a spot where people have sailed over the edge of the top of the falls and plunged 80 feet bouncing off the ledges that protrude all the way to the bottom of the falls. South Carolina is brimming with gorgeous waterfalls to chase, many of which should be approached with caution, however, Laurel Fork Falls is the deadliest waterfall in recent years.
It's found in the Jocassee Gorges, a spot National Geographic Explorer recently named among the last greatest places on earth.
The first person to die was a woman who was camping with friends at the top of the falls. She reportedly fell over the top of the falls at around 2 a.m.
Then, in October 2020, a 14-year-old boy from Florida who was on a youth trip fell to his death at Laurel Fork Falls.
Two deaths from this waterfall in the same year skyrocketed Laurel Fork Falls to the top of the list of deadliest waterfalls in the Palmetto State.
South Carolina's deadliest waterfall doesn't necessarily need to be avoided altogether. But at the very least, avoid standing at the very top to have a look over the edge.
Even when the water flow is low, the rock underneath the water's surface is still prone to being slippery. Slippery footing is a leading cause of waterfall falls.
And perhaps if you end up camping at or near the top, bring lights to place as markers after dark so no one ventures too near the edge.
Have you ever visited Laurel Fork Falls above Lake Jocassee in South Carolina? What other very dangerous waterfalls do you know of in South Carolina? Join the discussion in the comments!
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