Who doesn’t love the sight and sound of water trickling or cascading down a waterfall? Luckily, South Carolina’s upstate has an abundance of natural waterfalls – something you’re very well aware of if you’ve ever searched online for “waterfalls near me.” In addition to hiking trails with waterfalls, the state’s got lots of waterfalls that are just a short walk from your car. However, the results produced from a quick online search likely won’t turn up the cascades below, which are in urban settings with easy access. Some are man-made and some are natural, but all are enchanting – and a great alternative to some of the lengthy hiking trails with waterfalls in South Carolina.

1. Fountain and Cascade - Finlay Park, Columbia, SC
Flickr/David
Flickr/sayednairb
930 Laurel St, Columbia, SC 29201, USA
Flickr/Mark Hesseltine
An urban oasis in downtown Columbia, Finlay Park boasts 18 acres of green space. Its most recognizable feature, though, is its fountain, which, in turn, feeds a waterfall.
2. Mount Atlanticus Miniature Golf - Myrtle Beach, SC
707 N Kings Hwy, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577, USA
Facebook/Mount Atlanticus Miniature Golf
An island-themed, 36-hole mini-golf course, Mount Atlanticus Miniature Golf boasts waterfalls, sea life, caves, and more.
3. Falls Park on the Reedy - Greenville, SC
Flickr/Connie Ma
Flickr/Martin LaBar

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Falls Park on the Reedy, 601 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA
Flickr/Trisha Fawver
Rated as the best thing to do in Greenville, Falls Park on the Reedy is brimming with perks including stunning stonework, walking trails, lush gardens, and waterfalls.
4. Riverwalk - Greenville, SC
Greenville, SC, USA
Flickr/Bart
Not just one of the best waterfalls hikes in South Carolina, Greenville’s Riverwalk has been named one of the 15 best river walks in the U.S. Definitely worthy of the recognition, it boasts idyllic sights, which, of course, include a waterfall. Plus, it’s surrounded by some amazing amenities, such as live music, great grub, and outdoor art.
5. Mutiny Bay Mini Golf - North Myrtle Beach, SC
Mutiny Bay Miniature Golf, 301 US-17, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582, USA
Facebook/Mutiny Bay Mini Golf
There are several things that make Mutiny Bay Mini Golf unique. First, the pirate-themed course features a "battle" every 30 minutes. Second, it’s centered around an enormous pirate ship that can be seen for miles. Finally, it’s got a waterfall. What more do you need to know?!
6. Riverbanks Zoo - Columbia, SC
Flickr/Geekly Things
Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, Columbia, SC 29210, USA
Flickr/Tyler
One of the best zoos in America, Riverbanks Zoo encompasses nearly 200 acres and is home to hundreds of animals as well as one of the nation’s best botanical gardens. In addition to the seemingly endless must-see sights, there are several water features including a small fall in the zoo’s monkey enclosure.
7. Glencairn Garden - Rock Hill, SC
725 Crest St, Rock Hill, SC 29730, USA
Flickr/M Fletcher
Beauty is always in bloom at Glencairn Garden! An 11-acre oasis, it boasts beautifully landscaped lawns, a variety of blooms, idyllic water features, and intertwining walkways.

So, did you realize South Carolina had all these urban waterfalls? (We may have just scratched the surface.) How do you think they compare to the best waterfall hikes in South Carolina? Know of any other easy-access waterfalls in South Carolina? Tell us!

Can’t get enough of the state’s falls? Consider embarking on this waterfall road trip in South Carolina.

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More to Explore

Waterfalls Near Me

Daniella DiRienzo | April 20, 2022

Are there any other easy-to-access waterfalls near me?

When it comes to easily accessible waterfalls, it doesn’t get much better than Wildcat Branch Falls in South Carolina. It can actually be viewed right from your car! The waterfall, which is roughly 20 to 30 feet, is nestled along the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, roughly 5 miles from the U.S. 276/S.C. 11 junction.

What are the best waterfall hikes in South Carolina?

As far as the state’s best waterfall hikes go, Issaqueena Falls in South Carolina ranks pretty high up there. The stunning 100-foot waterfall is nestled within Stumphouse Park and is, not surprisingly, a popular destination. From the park’s parking area, it’s just a short, 5-minute trek to a viewing platform that overlooks the towering cascade. Those feeling a bit more adventurous can hike to the base of the fall; however, the path down is steep, difficult, rocky, and dangerous, which is why it’s not recommended for hikers with small children, dogs, or mobility issues.

What are some other great hiking trails with waterfalls in South Carolina?

There are so many hiking trails with waterfalls in South Carolina that it’d be easy to overlook a few, but one you don’t want to miss is the trek to Spoonauger Falls in South Carolina. Tucked away in the Sumter National Forest, the 50-foot waterfall is quite stunning and a photo-taking paradise (so make sure to bring a camera). Not only beautiful, Spoonauger Falls is easy to access. It’s located along a short, half-mile trail, making it a great choice for families with young ones in tow.

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