About Great Falls
Great Falls is a named waterfall in Laurens County, South Carolina, located about 0.6 miles northeast of Ware Shoals. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Ware Shoals East 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 34°24′12″ N, 82°14′16″ W (34.40345, -82.23790). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Ware Shoals Reservoir (reservoir, 0.3 mi), Hendricks Pond (reservoir, 1.6 mi), and Dunns Creek (stream, 1.8 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Gordons Mill Falls, 25 miles to the northeast.
What Visitors Mention
Topics that come up most often in Google reviews of Great Falls:
picnicriver
More Photos
16 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Great Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
Loading the forecast...
Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Great Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- —
- Sunset
- —
- Daylight
- —
- Golden hour
- —
Times in New York time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
—
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 Great 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
Great Falls holds a 4.1 average from 24 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Great Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Ware Shoals Reservoir — reservoir, 0.3 mi
- Hendricks Pond — reservoir, 1.6 mi
- Dunns Creek — stream, 1.8 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 34.40345, -82.23790. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Great Falls
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Great Falls located?
Great Falls is in Laurens County, South Carolina, about 0.6 miles northeast of Ware Shoals. Its coordinates are 34.40345, -82.23790 (34°24′12″ N, 82°14′16″ W).
What town is closest to Great Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Ware Shoals, SC, about 0.6 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Great Falls?
The closest is Gordons Mill Falls (25 mi northeast). Others within reach include Pelham Falls (31 mi), Lower Falls (32 mi), and Reedy River Falls (32 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Great Falls?
Great Falls appears on the USGS Ware Shoals East 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.