SOUTH CAROLINA SWIMMING
HOLES |
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| ON STATE MAP BELOW: BLUE = swimming hole, GREEN = road trip dip (click here for info) , RED = hot spring. Hold cursor over map tags for info(click here if you don't see this info), then click to go to detailed listing. The map location is very approximate. Use our directions with a highway map. |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | ANDREWS | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=33.48694, lon=-79.54442(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:general area) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | SC |
WATER | Black River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | Water is completely black. Temperature is perfect
during the summer. Quiet and beautiful. There are several
public places to fish, picnic and swim. |
AREAS | Unknown |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | No |
FACILITIES |
Picnic_tables |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Jumping, Tubing |
PHONE | none |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Optional |
DIRECTIONS | South on 17 from Myrtle Beach about 45 mi to Sampit. Then northwest on RT 521 to Andrews. Then north on RT 41 & 513 to the Black River. (I think the swimming place is around here). |
CONFIDENCE | Pretty Fuzzy |
VERIFIED | no |
DATE UPDATED | 7/31/1999 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | CHARLESTON, GEORGETOWN | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=33.2936, lon=-79.9650(source: DeLorme) (accuracy:approximate) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | SC |
WATER | Lake Moultrie |
TYPE | Lake |
DESCRIPTION | Established swimming beach at
lake. |
AREAS | Francis Marion N.F. |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | Unknown |
FACILITIES |
Unknown |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Unknown |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Charleston, go N on RT 52 about 30 mi to Canal
Picnic Area. |
CONFIDENCE | Pretty fuzzy |
VERIFIED | no |
DATE UPDATED | 7/31/1999 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | CHARLESTON, WALTERBORO, ST. GEORGE, CANADYS, GROVER |
STATE | SC |
WATER | Edisto River |
TYPE | River |
DESCRIPTION | Several swimming places in the Edisto River near the I-95/I-26 interchange. See DIRECTIONS below for details. This is also a popular, pretty and easy canoeing section of the Edisto River, from Colleton S.P. downstream to Givhans Ferry S.P.. |
AREAS | Colleton S.P. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
All facilities at State Park. |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, canoeing |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Colleton S. P. has nicely developed campsites along the Edisto River. I believe Givhans Ferry S.P. has camping also. |
BATHING SUITS | Required at State Park, optional at Grover Blue Hole. |
DIRECTIONS | From I-95, take Exit 68 (south of I-26, at Canadys) Then: |
Here is a report from a fan: "It does depend on how much water is in the river. If you go into the State Park, the water is actually deeper on the other side of the river (across from the park) Last time I was there 3 to 3.5 feet deep on that side. And water was kinda low since we were real short on rain as was the entire east coast. You can park alongside the road by the bridge that goes over the river there (RT 15) and walk to the far side. But I find it alot safer to park in the State Park and walk across the river. I have been to better places but not around there. It is a great place to cool off, in that area. I grew up in New England so I am kinda spoiled. Another thing down here is Gators. It makes me much more careful where I might swim to cool off." To get here, after you get off I-95 at Exit 68, take RT 61 east and just follow signs to Colleton S. P.-it is very near I-95. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 1/15/2004. GROVER BLUE HOLE [GROV]: A local swimming hole in the Edisto River, not in the State Park. Here is a report from a fan: "Water is 4 to 12 feet in areas. and slow moving great for tubing too. There is sometimes a rope swing the last time we were there. Water is a bit tannic, depending on the amount of rain we get. Unofficial, but people have been going there for many many years. Bathing suit are definitely optional!" To get here: After you get off I-95 at Exit 68, take RT 61 east past Colleton S. P. and turn north (left) on RT 15 toward Grover. In Grover, turn west (left) onto RT 19 (Wire Road) and pass over I-95. Go about 3 miles on this road past I-95 (it will become a dirt road) then turn left an a dirt road (maybe RT 695). Follow this road a short distance to the river, the swimming holes is here (there appears to be a side road to the river called "Blue Hole Rd., a sure sign of a swimming hole!). LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=33.1228, lon=-80.6778(source: measured by another) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 1/15/04.
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | No |
DATE UPDATED | 1/15/2004 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | GREENVILLE, SPARTANBURG, CLINTON | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=34.59635, lon=-81.85430(source:measured) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | SC |
WATER | Cedar Shoals Creek |
TYPE | Waterfall |
DESCRIPTION | This is a quote from Allen Easler's South Carolina Waterfalls site - photos & info : "Horseshoe Falls (aka Gordons Mill Falls) are on Cedar Shoals Creek just northeast of where the creek joins the Enoree River. The 10-foot high falls have always been a popular picnic area and swimming hole for locals (read: party spot)." | AREAS | Musgrove Mill Historic State Park Site (currently being developed) |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming, Jumping |
PHONE | None |
CAMPING | None at site |
BATHING SUITS | Customary (very near road) |
DIRECTIONS | "From Exit 52 of I-26 (south of Spartanburg), take RT 56 north toward Cross Anchor. Cross the Enoree River and go approximately one mile up the hill. Take a left onto Horseshoe Falls Road. Horseshoe Falls will be on the left immediately after crossing Cedar Shoals Creek on an old iron truss bridge. Park at the vehicle barricades on the left beside the bridge or on the left at the top of the hill." There is swimming at the bottom of the falls and also another swimming hole accessible from the parking area that is up the hill ont he left (where the park information sign is). |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 4/04 |
DATE UPDATED | 4/29/2004 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | FLORENCE, SUMTER | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=34.20603, lon=-80.19642(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | SC |
WATER | Spring |
TYPE | Artesian Spring |
DESCRIPTION | An artesian spring (under natural pressure) spouts clear, cool water into a small 1-2 person pool (made by boy scouts) where you can definitely cool of on a hot day in South Carolina. Not big enough to swim. |
AREAS | Lee State Natural Area |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
All facilities |
ACTIVITIES |
Cooling off |
PHONE | 803-428-5307 |
CAMPING | At site |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Florence, take I-20 west to Exit 123 then take RT 22 north a short distance to the park. Drive on the loop road past the family camping area, past the equestrian area to the boy scout camping area. The artesian pool is at the Boy Scout camping area. |
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 6/00 |
DATE UPDATED | 11/12/2001 | |
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A Family-Friendly 
Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | GREENVILLE, CLEVELAND, CAESARS
HEAD |
STATE | SC |
WATER | Varies, see below |
TYPE | Falls |
DESCRIPTION | Several small falls northwest of Greenville- falls for playing and cooling off, not really big enough for swimming. For details, see DIRECTIONS below. |
AREAS | Varies, see below |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
Nearby State Parks have all facilities |
ACTIVITIES |
Wading, water play |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | AT Table Rock S.P. |
BATHING SUITS | Unknown |
DIRECTIONS | From Greenville, go northwest on RT 276. Follow RT 276 through Marietta to where RT 11 joins with RT 276 (set odometer here) and through Cleveland, then proceeding west on RT 276/11 (Cherokee Scenic Hwy): | WILDCAT FALLS [WILD]: At the Wildcat Wayside State Park, the popular Wildcat Falls has only a shallow pool at the bottom but if you go up the trail a bit above the falls there is a more swimmable pool plus a 130 foot waterslide on a sliding rock. PHOTO . This from a visitor:"Would make a perfect "Road Trip Dip". Sometimes when I stop it's full of families using it just for that--taking a half hour off from a long drive to cool off. Above the falls, on Wildcat Creek, is a sliding rock and swimming hole that apparently is quite popular with the college kids from upstate SC." LINK TO INFO AND PHOTOS. Requires about 2 hours hiking to get there. To get here: Stay on RT 276/11 west for about 5 miles past where RT 11 joins RT 276 and look for a pull off on the right (north) side of the road, which is the Wildcat Wayside State Park. Park and walk to the falls and up the trai to the water slide above. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=35.07394, lon=-82.59697(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. MOONSHINE FALLS [MOOF]: Pool at bottom of falls in a tributary to Matthews Creek - for cooling off, not big enough for swimming. LINK TO PHOTO. Requires about 2 hours hiking to get there. To get here: Stay on RT 276 where it splits off from RT 11. Look for the fire station on the left about 2 mi from this split. The trail begins just south of the firehouse where two dirt roads intersect RT 276. Parking is limited - DO NOT BLOCK THE FIREHOUSE OR THE ROAD. Hike north on the road that is nearer the fire station. Keep right at all choice points and stay on the road. After about 45 minutes, you will cross one then another major creek (some other small streams intervene, these don't count). Cross the second creek, then take the trail that winds downstream to the falls. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=35.0821, lon=-82.6312(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=35.052, lon=-82.701(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. TWIN FALLS [TWIN]: Beautiful falls with no pool at the bottom, but there are some swimming places in Reedy Cove Creek along the short path to the falls. Treat this place gently - it is a private preserve and we could loose access to it. To get here: Stay on RT 11 west, past Tablerock State Park and turn north (right) on RT 178. Go about 3.5 miles on RT 178 then turn west (left) onto Cleo Chapman Road (at Bob's Place Tavern) and go 2 miles to a "T" intersection then turn right onto Eastatoe Community Road. Go 1 mile, and turn right onto Waterfalls Road which soon turns to gravel. Stay on this road until it ends at a parking area. Hike down the old roadbed alongside the creek to the falls. The swimming places are NOT at the falls but along the trail in the creek. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=35.00899, lon=-82.82076(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. SLIDING ROCK [SLID]: Traditional sliding rock for family fun in Little Eastatoe Creek. To get here: Stay on RT 11 west, past RT 178, and at about 6 miles west Sunset the Little Eastatoe Creek comes very near RT 11 (on the left or south side). The sliding rock is here. No better directions, but the lat/lon should be very accurate. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=34.95073, lon=-82.84934(source: Geocaching website) (accuracy: exact) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
CONFIDENCE | Pretty confident |
VERIFIED | no |
DATE UPDATED | 3/13/2008 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | AUGUSTA, ABBEVILLE | LAT, LON [N83/W84] | lat=34.0973, lon=-82.3564(source:Topozone) (accuracy:exact) | LINK TO GOOGLE MAP
STATE | SC |
WATER | Lake |
TYPE | Spring fed pond |
DESCRIPTION | This is not really a swimming hole - it is a small lake - but it is such a specially nice for families and kids place we keep it listed. This is the first swimming place that Walden actually visited and swam in (at age 2 1/2) with his grandfather in April 2004. You can camp by a CCC developed swimming hole - a creek-fed pond with swimming. The 1.4-mile Parson's Mountain Hiking Trail is a perfect way to introduce children to the joys of hiking, ending at a fire tower after a moderate 400-foot climb though hardwoods, pine and dry ride scrub oaks. |
AREAS | Sumter National Forest |
SANCTION | Official |
FEE | $3.00 to swim, $7.00 to camp. |
FACILITIES |
All facilites |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | 843-229-2406
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CAMPING | Very nicely developed camping at site. |
BATHING SUITS | Required |
DIRECTIONS | From Augusta, go north on RT 28 toward Abbeville. About 2.1 miles BEFORE you get to Abbeville, see sign for Parsons Mountain Recreatin Area and turn east (right) on route SI-251, drive 1.5 miles to entrance on right.
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CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes |
DATE UPDATED | 4/29/2004 | |
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Swimmingholes.info
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TOWNS | WESTMINSTER, WALHALLA |
STATE | SC |
WATER | Varies, see below |
TYPE | Falls/River |
DESCRIPTION | Several swimming places in a portion of the Sumter N. F. in northwestern SC. For details, see DIRECTIONS below. |
AREAS | Sumter N. F. |
SANCTION | Unofficial |
FEE | None |
FACILITIES |
None |
ACTIVITIES |
Swimming |
PHONE | Unknown |
CAMPING | Oconee State Park and Cherry Hill campground, both on RT 107 northeast of Walhalla. Also walk-in developed camping at Burrell Ford and primitive camping at Brasstown Falls. |
BATHING SUITS | May be optional, depending on crowd. |
DIRECTIONS | From I-85, Exit 1 (at the SC/GA border) go north on RT 11 to Oakway then turn northwest (left) on RT 76 to Westminster. Then: | CHAU-RAM FALLS [CHAU]: This is a quote from Allen Easler's South Carolina Waterfalls site - photos & info : "Chau-Ram (short for Chauga River and Ramsey Creek) is a pleasant 30-foot cascade located on Ramsey Creek in Oconee's Chau-Ram County Park just a few minutes west of Westminister. It's an easy-to-visit falls with great views for a picnic. You can also take a short hike, including a walk across a suspension bridge, to explore several rapids on the Chauga River. The park also offers an excellent campground... Directions: From Westminister, drive west on US 76 for three miles. Turn to left into Chau-Ram County Park." LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=34.68200, lon=-83.14639(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: approximate) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
To get here: From Westminster, drive west on RT 76 for 7.5 miles and turn right onto Cobb Bridge Road (NOTE: This is the SECOND right turn named Cobb Bridge Road, not the first turn at the church just past Chau-Ram County Park on the left). Drive 1.5 miles on Cobb Bridge Road and turn left onto gravel Spy Rock Road (FS 748). Drive 1.7 miles to FS 748C (may be hard to spot on the right - there is the letter "C" painted on a tree - if you reach FS 748B, you have gone too far). Park on the side of the road and hike down FS 748C. (If you have a high clearance, 4WD, you can drive some distance down 748C.) Keep to the right at the fork and you will come to a metal jeep barricade. Turn left at the barricade onto a smaller trail and follow it to the river. Very confident. Verified 2/04. Updated 2/04. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=34.74575, lon=-83.18322(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP. BRASSTOWN FALLS [BRAS]: Spectacular falls with level falls in Brasstown Creek with multiple pools for swimming. Somewhat more difficult to get to lower levels. There is a very nice walk-in primitive camping here at the top of the falls, a short walk in from the parking area. PHOTO 1 , PHOTO 2 , PHOTO 3 . LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=34.72033, lon=-83.29847(source: DeLorme) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP To get here: From Westminster, go northwest on RT 76 for 12 miles then turn left on Brasstown Rd./RT 48 - easy to miss, look closely for it. Drive 4.2 miles on this partially dirt road and turn right on route FS 751 just before you get to a small bridge. Drive .5 miles on FS 751 then park at the barricade. Hike on the path past the barricade along the power lines into the woods a short distance to a primitive camping area near the top of the falls. Turn right here and follow the trail downstream along side of the falls. It is a steep trail to the bottom of the falls, but it is safe and can readily be done. There are a total of four falls, but the bottom one, also known as sluice box, is treacherous to get to and swimming is not recommended here. Swim only in the upper level, calm pools at the bottom of the falls. Very confident. Verified 7/2003. Updated 7/18/2003. From Westminster, follow RT 183 northeast to Walhalla, then: BLUE HOLE FALLS [BLUE]: A two level falls (upper and lower) in Cedar Creek, with swimmable pools at bottom of both. Somewhat more difficult to get to the bottom of the lower falls. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=34.77119, lon=-83.18606(source: DeLorme ) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP To get here: In Walhalla, go west on RT 28 about 6.6 miles to (just past the Stumphouse Ranger Station) then turn left onto Whetstone Rd. (RT 193). Drive about .75 mi further then go left on RT 290 (Cassidy Bridge Rd.) Drive about .9 miles further and turn left onto Forest Service RT 744 - don't go as far as the Rifle Range (this is Rich Mountain Rd. but there is no sign, just a small post that says 744 vertically on it.) Drive about 3.3 miles and turn right on FR 744C (Cedar Creek Rd.) Drive about 2.5 mi to FR 2658 (where there is a barrier and earth mound that blocks access) and park. Hike .3 miles down FR 2658 to where there are 2 big rocks blocking the road to the right (paint on rocks says "Open The Trail"). Go right and hike down this road to where it ends. Then: To get to the pool at the bottom of the LOWER falls (more difficult), you must cross the creek above the upper falls then go downstream on the other side of the creek. PHOTO OF LOWER FALLS . To do this, just 100 feet before the road ends, take the short steep path on the left down to the creek. You will be just upstream of above the upper falls. Here you must cross the creek (if it is shallow enough and if there is little current) then make your way downstream to the waterfall on the other side of the creek on a faint path. Swim in the pool at he bottom of the lower falls. Pretty confident. Partially verified 7/2003. Updated 7/18/2003. To get to the pool at the bottom of the UPPER falls (easier), go back up the road PAST the trail mentioned above to another trail that goes down to the creek. Follow this trail a short distance and when it ends find your way down to the creek then back upstream to the pool at the bottom of the upper falls. Here there is another swimming hole. PHOTO OF UPPER FALLS . Here's a WEB SITE that has more information. Very confident. Verified 7/2003. Updated 7/18/2003. LICKLOG FALLS/PIGPEN FALLS [LICK]: Two waterfalls on Licklog Creek with pools below. About a 30-minute hike on a section of the Chattooga Trail. To get here: From Walhalla , drive northwest on S.C. 28 for 8.4 miles (past turnoff for Blue Hole Falls, above), and bear right onto RT 107. Go about 5 miles on RT 107 (past the entrance to Oconee State Park) and turn left onto Village Creek Road. Go 1.7 miles on Village Creek Road and turn right onto Nicholson Ford Road (gravel). Go about 2 miles to a parking area on the right. Park and access the Foothills Trail in a corner of the parking lot. Hike west on the Foothills Trail (follow white blazes) for .5 mile and turn left onto the Chattooga Trail (black blazes). Go .2 miles to Pigpen Falls, which has a small pool at the bottom. To continue on to Licklog, cross the footbridge and go .2 miles on the Chattooga Trail. The first level of Licklog Falls is on the right side of the trail. Licklog has a large pool with a sandy area. LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=34.92883, lon=-83.12975(source: DeLorme ) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.Pretty confident. Not verified. Updated 3/18/2007 BURRELL FORD [BURR]: Several swimming places in the Chatooga River in the Burrell Ford area, one near a bridge and another at the Burrell Ford Campground. To get here: Continue northeast on RT 107 from the Licklog Falls turnoff (above), past the Cherry Hill Campground and turn left on Burrell Ford Rd. (well signed). Drive down this road to the Burrell Ford Campground and park (this is a walk in campgound, about a .25 mile walk). Walk down to the campground which is on the Chatooga River - there are swimming places here. PHOTO AT CAMPGROUND. To get to the other swimming place, continue down Burrell Ford Rd. a short distance and cross the bridge over the Chatooga river. PHOTO 1 AT BRIDGE , PHOTO 2 AT BRIDGE . Park on the left and walk to the river. The swiming place is here. Very confident. Verified 7/2003. Updated 7/18/2003.LAT, LON [N83/W84] lat=34.973, lon=-83.114(source: measured ) (accuracy: general area) LINK TO GOOGLE MAP.
CONFIDENCE | Very confident |
VERIFIED | Yes, 7/2003. |
DATE UPDATED | 7/18/2003 | |
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