About Clearwater Falls
Clearwater Falls is a named waterfall in Pickens County, South Carolina, located about 10 miles west of Pickens. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Salem 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 34°55′13″ N, 82°52′52″ W (34.92038, -82.88098). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Lake Diana (reservoir, 0.8 mi), Little Cedar Creek (stream, 1.3 mi), and Poe Creek (stream, 1.3 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Reedy Cove Falls, 7.3 miles to the northeast.
More Photos
5 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Clearwater Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Clearwater Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Clearwater Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Clearwater Falls holds a 2.3 average from 3 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Clearwater Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Lake Diana — reservoir, 0.8 mi
- Little Cedar Creek — stream, 1.3 mi
- Poe Creek — stream, 1.3 mi
- McKinney Mountain — summit, 1.4 mi
- Skinned Pine Ridge — ridge, 1.4 mi
- Boones Creek — stream, 1.6 mi
- McKinneys Creek — stream, 1.7 mi
- Cedar Creek — stream, 1.7 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 34.92038, -82.88098. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Clearwater Falls
- Windy Falls, NC12 mi north
- Hidden Falls, SC12 mi west
- Rainbow Falls, NC13 mi north
- Kings Creek Falls, SC13 mi west
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Clearwater Falls located?
Clearwater Falls is in Pickens County, South Carolina, about 10 miles west of Pickens. Its coordinates are 34.92038, -82.88098 (34°55′13″ N, 82°52′52″ W).
What town is closest to Clearwater Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Pickens, SC, about 10 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Clearwater Falls?
The closest is Reedy Cove Falls (7.3 mi northeast). Others within reach include High Falls (7.9 mi), Lower Falls (9.2 mi), and Whitewater Falls (10 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Clearwater Falls?
Clearwater Falls appears on the USGS Salem 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.