South Carolina’s Upstate could easily be nicknamed ‘land of waterfalls.’ One county in the Upstate alone has at least 150 waterfalls (some are on private land). But the waterfall you’ll see along this hike we’re featuring is special. Not only is it easily accessible from a trail that’s one of the best waterfall hikes in SC, but it also involves legendary folklore involving a Native American princess. Since Native Americans don’t really name ‘princesses,’ she was likely a daughter of the chief. Keep reading to learn about her and this astounding waterfall.

Issaqueena Falls is located a few short miles outside of the charming small town of Walhalla, and next to another attraction known as Stumphouse Tunnel. (If you have the time to visit this attraction, it is very well worth your time!)
TripAdvisor/oceanbound81
The trail to hike to the top of Isaqueena Falls is a mere .03 miles from the parking area and is well maintained.
TripAdvisor/Franklin B
From the top of the falls you may feel like a king surveying your kingdom. The long range views are breathtaking.
alltrails.com/ B G
But look down from the viewing platform and you may feel another sensation. From here you can see where that Native American princess fooled her attackers by making them think she had jumped to her death.
alltrails.com/oceanbound81
As you can see from the tiny individuals at the bottom of the falls in the bottom of this Isaqueena Falls photo, it's a LONG way down. But why was the princess running and who was chasing her?
alltrails.com/ B G

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Legend has it that she heard other Indians discussing attacking a white settlement nearby and quickly rode off to warn them. When her actions were discovered by her own people, they chased her and she ran to this waterfall and hid somewhere along the cascade under a ledge where they couldn't see her. Believing she had jumped to her death, the attackers rode off.
TripAdvisor/onemichael
This waterfall hike in SC to the top of Issaqueena Falls delivers beautiful long-range views and a wonderful vantage point for viewing the falls from above. Although this short and sweet hike to the top of the waterfall (shown in the photo below) is amazingly easy, getting to the bottom of the falls is another story.
TripAdvisor/Lois P
(Note: AllTrails shows the Isaqueena Falls Trail as a moderate hike, perhaps because it's not on completely flat ground the entire time.)
Issaqueena Falls is a 100-foot cascade which means getting to the bottom includes powering straight down (and back up) a 100-foot drop in elevation.
alltrails/Jay Michaud
But if you're up for it, the view from the bottom is amazing. Keep in mind that the water flow will vary depending on how much rain there has been. If it's been during a period of less rain, you may experience very little water coming over the falls.
alltrails.com/Chad Finni
You'll find the entrance to Issaqueena Falls trail clearly marked near the parking lot for Stumphouse Tunnel Park on Stumphouse Tunnel Road in Walhalla, SC.
Google Maps [enhanced]
I visited these falls as a part of our Ultimate South Carolina Waterfall Road Trip. Of the seven waterfalls on this route, Isaqueena Falls was my favorite.
AnneMarie/OIYS

They may not have a backstory as legendary as Issaqueena Falls, but there are seven more waterfalls you can chase in this waterfall road trip through the Sumter National Forest. Enjoy!

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Waterfall Hikes In SC & Related Info

AnneMarie | April 19, 2024

What are the most picturesque hiking trails in South Carolina?

Some of the most picturesque hiking trails in South Carolina include:

  • The Saluda Riverwalk, Columbia – Experience a beautiful riverside trail that leads to an island
  • The Reedy River Falls Loop, Greenville – This loop trail features the impressive Reedy River Falls and stunning Liberty Bridge, both a part of Falls Park on the Reedy in downtown Greenville
  • The Foothills Trail – A 30-mile hike leading down into the state’s very own “Grand Canyon,” known as the Jocassee Gorges

 

Discover more of the most picturesque hiking trails in South Carolina.

What are the best things about living in South Carolina?

South Carolina is truly a wonderful place to call home. In fact, it was the fastest growing state in America in 2023. Some of the best things about living in South Carolina include:

  • Mild winters
  • A relatively low cost of living
  • A slower pace of life
  • Fantastic food
  • Rich history
  • Southern hospitality
  • Arts and culture
  • Outdoor recreation opportunities

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Issaqueena Falls, South Carolina 29691, USA