Accessibility – Medium

Height – Approx 25′

Distance – 0.75 miles (out and back)

Beauty – 7

Photo rating – 8

Solitude – 8

GPS Info: LAT 35.2717 LONG -82.8957

Last Updated: 09-07-2017

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Station Cove Falls is a 60-65 foot tall multi-terraced waterfall in Oconee, SC not too far from the NC border. The hike is on a defined trail that is easy to follow. There are a few bridges on the hike and only one trail intersection that is well marked. The hike is less than a mile one way and the grade is moderate at best. The waterfall is awesome with so many small ledges and drops. Sadly when I was there the lighting was awful so my pictures are dreadful.

Coming from Brevard/Lake Toxaway/Sapphire follow US64 to the intersection with NC281 South as if you’re going to Gorges State Park. The turn is about 18 miles from Brevard. Once on NC281 South follow it past Whitewater Falls and Bad Creek Access. In total you will be on NC281S for 15 miles. Make a right on N Little River Rd (State Rd S-37-57). Follow this for 4.3 miles to SC11 (Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway) and make a right on SC11 South. Follow this for 5.9 miles to Oconee Station ROad (State Rd S-37-95). The trailhead will be on the left 2.3 miles from SC11. There is a kiosk and parking for 4-5 cars.

The trail enters the woods behind the kiosk on a slight downhill grade. The trail is blue blazed and many of the trees are marked with arrows pointing to the Palmetto Trail. At this point the two trails run together. They will split before the falls. The trail will make a hard bend to the right shortly after passing a second kiosk. Follow the bend to where an overlook is on the left. I couldn’t see what it was supposed to be overlooking so you’re not missing much if you just keep going. The trail will take over several bridges before it comes to a fork at 0.60 of a mile from the trailhead. The Palmetto Trail goes to the right and the blue blazed Station Cove Trail goes to the left past another kiosk. Just over 0.25 f a mile from the split the trail crosses the creek below the falls. There is an exposed rock are that leads up to the falls on river right.

The hike is kid friendly and easy enough. Maybe the only danger is twisting an ankle on one of the exposed roots but even if you did you’d likely only be there for 15 minutes before someone passed by. Additionally there is excellent 4G Verizon service along the entire trail. As a matter of fact, while I was waiting for the people at the falls to get out of my way, I was launching at attack in Clash of Clans. Station Cove Falls is definitely worth the stop and it can be combined with nearby Lee Falls to make a nice half day adventure.

I debated whether or not to simply not post my pictures but for now I guess I have no choice until I can get back and take some better ones!