About Lower Falls
Lower Falls is a named waterfall in Oconee County, South Carolina, located about 18 miles north of Walhalla. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Reid 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 35°00′59″ N, 82°59′38″ W (35.01648, -82.99376). Historical sources also record the names Lower Whitewater Falls and White Water Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Whitewater Mountain (summit, 0.3 mi), Coley Creek (stream, 0.9 mi), and Hester Mountain (summit, 1.1 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Corbin Creek Falls, 1.7 miles to the northwest.
Dramatic cascade on the Whitewater River with a 1.9-mile hiking trail to a viewing platform.
More Photos
101 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Lower 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 Lower 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 Lower 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
Lower Falls holds a 4.3 average from 32 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Lower Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Whitewater Mountain — summit, 0.3 mi
- Coley Creek — stream, 0.9 mi
- Hester Mountain — summit, 1.1 mi
- Wright Creek — stream, 1.2 mi
- Gallbuster Mountain — summit, 1.5 mi
- Corbin Creek — stream, 1.5 mi
- Thompson River — stream, 1.7 mi
- Line Rock Gap — gap, 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 35.01648, -82.99376. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Lower Falls
- Kings Creek Falls, SC7.5 mi southwest
- Toxaway Falls, NC8.2 mi northeast
- Big Bend Falls, GA8.3 mi southwest
- Fairfield Falls, NC8.6 mi north
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Lower Falls located?
Lower Falls is in Oconee County, South Carolina, about 18 miles north of Walhalla. Its coordinates are 35.01648, -82.99376 (35°00′59″ N, 82°59′38″ W).
What town is closest to Lower Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Walhalla, SC, about 18 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Lower Falls?
The closest is Corbin Creek Falls (1.7 mi northwest). Others within reach include Upper Falls (1.9 mi), Windy Falls (4.5 mi), and Rainbow Falls (5.4 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Lower Falls?
Lower Falls appears on the USGS Reid 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.