In search of an awe-inspiring swimming hole in South Carolina? How about a pretty cool waterfall? Or, better yet, let’s combine the two and give you a stunning waterfall with a beautiful swimming hole. Combine your love for nature with a cool dip in a mountain river on this exhilarating adventure near Westminster. With more than 150 waterfalls, Oconee County is well known as The Land of Waterfalls, and Riley Moore Falls may boast the best swimming hole of them all!

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People have been enjoying the spoils of Riley Moore Falls for ages.
Justin P/Alltrails
Located on the Chauga River and sporting a 100-foot wide waterfall that spans the width of the river, Riley Moore Falls is a favorite among hikers, kayakers, and those who love to frolic in the lagoon at the base of the falls.
Although the trail to Riley Moore is technically rated as easy, getting there can be a bit of a challenge for some.
Sandy Austell/Alltrails
If you park at the main highway, which you'll have to do if you don't have a 4x4 vehicle or it's muddy, then you'll wind downhill on a forest road for nearly half a mile before reaching the second trailhead that veers off to the left into the forest. Since the hike sports a downward slope, you'll be walking up (and up) for nearly a mile on the way back out. The total elevation gain is 347 feet.
The hike is shaded and scenic and most people don't have issues with the slope.
Thomas Bratten/Google
As you reach the falls, there is a small drop of about 10-12 feet to navigate in order to reach the sandy beach by the lagoon at the foot of the falls. Again, what goes down will eventually have to go back up...

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But not before you spend the better part of the day enjoying this secluded beach in the mountains.
Danial Stevens/Google
Because the waterfall is located so far from the road and it's a hike to get to it, you won't find huge crowds at this secret spot in the forest. Prepare to be in awe of the rushing sounds of the water as the Chauga River pushes over the top of the falls creating ribbons of water all the way across the river.
For the most part, except after a heavy rain, the water at Riley Moore Falls is almost crystal clear.
Renny Lopez/Google
The sandy bottom of the lagoon helps to make it even more fun to explore. Some people bring a tube then tie it off to a tree and just float in the ever-moving water.
Other people load up a backpack with a picnic lunch and spend the day popping in and out of the cool river.
Kimberly Boddie/Google
Please remember to carry out with you everything you bring in and to be mindful of keeping this beautiful spot unspoiled for others to enjoy.
When you're ready to go explore Riley Moore Falls, at the main trailhead you'll find a forest service road that may make you think you can drive a little closer to the falls.
Google / maps [enhanced]
Generally speaking, if you have a 4x4 truck you can try. But be aware there may be some deep, muddy ruts in the road and if your 4x4 vehicle isn't high clearance, it may drag. Parking on the main road and walking all the way in is approximately one mile to get to the falls. If you drive to the second trailhead in a 4x4 high-clearance vehicle, the hike is approximately 0.5 miles.

Hike to Riley Moore Falls with Let's Go Liz and enjoy the sights and sounds of this beautiful area of SC:

A nice, refreshing hike sounds like a perfect way to spend a warm (or downright hot) summer day in the Palmetto State. And Riley Moore Falls is the perfect backdrop for a day of swimming at the end of that hike. Load up on sunscreen, bring water to stay hydrated, and have a blast! Have you discovered this hidden swimming hole in South Carolina yet? We’d love to know!

Grab your Google Map link to the Riley Moore Falls trailhead. Address: State Rd S-37-748, Westminster, SC, 29693

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More to Explore

More Waterfalls and Swimming Holes in SC

Chris Muras | February 13, 2023

What are the best hiking trails in South Carolina?

The best hiking trails in South Carolina rate pretty high on the wow factor. With waterfalls, scenic overlooks, and refreshing swimming holes to be discovered there is really no end to the adventures you can have. Here are some of the best hiking trails in South Carolina:

  • Table Rock Trail, Pickens, SC: This difficult hike in Upstate SC is well worth the three-hour trek to reach the summit. Once you make it to the top of Table Mountain you will be rewarded with absolutely stunning views of the valley and lake below.
  • Peachtree Rock Heritage Preserve, Lexington, SC: This 2.4-mile loop trail is well known for its iconic "peachtree rock" a towering sandstone rock formation that fell in 2015, but still remains a fascinating chuck of rock to come to explore.
  • King Creek Falls Trail, Mountain Rest, SC: This fairly easy kid-friendly hike is only about 1.7 miles in total, but the 70-foot waterfall you'll discover is pretty amazing. It is also a fun trail to take your dog for a bit of an outdoor adventure as well.

 

Where are the best SC swimming holes?

Finding a cool swimming hole on a hot SC afternoon can be simply divine. Combine that with a stunning waterfall and you have a match made in heaven. Here are some of the best swimming holes in SC with waterfalls:

  • Chau Ram Falls, Westminster, SC: This cool waterfall swimming hole is near Cham Ram County Park where you can spend a weekend camping. Hike to the falls and enjoy a day of splashing in the small pool of water right next to multiple waterfalls.
  • Brasstown Falls, Long Creek, SC: With three different waterfalls, upper, middle, and lower falls, you have three separate swimming holes to enjoy. This incredibly scenic area is definitely worth a trip any time of year - but especially when you need a cool dip.
  • Chauga Narrows, near Walhalla, SC: The Chauga Narrows is a series of rapids that end in a nice open pool of water that is deep enough to swim, and has some shallow entry points for wadding.

 

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Riley Moore Falls Trail, Westminster, SC 29693, USA