There are some parts of Oconee County that are best experienced with a full tank of gas, comfortable shoes, and no reason to rush. This driving route takes you from downtown Walhalla into the mountains of Long Creek and back through Westminster, with plenty of waterfalls and local favorites to discover along the way.
To make this route even better, we’ve included a few tips from someone who knows the area well! Meet Caroline, who has called Oconee County home for the past nine years after first moving here to attend Clemson University. Now living in Seneca, she spends much of her free time exploring Long Creek and enjoying the outdoors.
Throughout this route, Caroline shares some of her favorite places to stop, things worth seeing, and little tips she’s picked up over the years. Whether you’re planning a full day of exploring or stretching your trip into a weekend, you’ll get to experience some of Oconee County’s best spots with a little help from a local!
Start Your Morning in Downtown Walhalla
Before heading into the mountains, spend a little time in downtown Walhalla. Main Street has a welcoming small town feel, with local shops, restaurants, and historic buildings that make it worth exploring before the day’s outdoor adventures begin.
Caroline’s Local Tip: Start your morning with breakfast or coffee at Mountain Mocha before hitting the road. If you have some extra time, take a walk through downtown Walhalla and browse the local shops. ShugaBear’s Sweets & Treats is another great stop to keep in mind for lunch or something sweet later in the day.
Stumphouse Mountain Park: Two Attractions in One Stop
Just a short drive from downtown Walhalla, Stumphouse Mountain Park is home to two of the area’s most recognizable attractions: Issaqueena Falls and Stumphouse Tunnel. Both are located within the same park, making this an easy first stop before continuing farther into the mountains.
Issaqueena Falls is a beautiful waterfall that can be enjoyed without committing to a lengthy hike. A short walk through the woods and across a covered bridge leads to a viewing platform where you can take in the waterfall surrounded by the forest.
While you’re here, make your way over to Stumphouse Tunnel, a piece of local history dating back to the 1850s. Originally intended to be part of a railroad connecting Charleston to the Midwest, the tunnel was never completed, but visitors can still walk into a portion of it today.
Caroline’s Local Tip: Bring a flashlight if you plan to venture inside Stumphouse Tunnel because it gets dark quickly! The park also has picnic areas and hiking trails if you’d like to spend a little more time exploring before getting back on the road.
Bull Sluice: A Front Row Seat to the Chattooga River
From Stumphouse Mountain Park, continue toward Long Creek and the Chattooga River, one of the area’s most popular destinations for outdoor adventure. Bull Sluice is a powerful Class V rapid along the river, and you don’t need to be in a raft to appreciate it.
A short trail from the Highway 76 river access leads to a viewing area where you can watch the water rush between massive rocks. There’s even a sandy beach where you and your crew can relax by the water. Pack a picnic, find a spot in the sand, and enjoy lunch with a beautiful view! On days when rafting groups are coming through, you may even get to see paddlers navigate the rapid, which is pretty exciting to watch from the safety of the riverbank.
Caroline’s Local Tip: If you didn’t eat breakfast in Walhalla, The Gauge Coffeehouse in Long Creek is worth saving your appetite for. Their breakfast bagel sandwiches are a great way to fuel up before exploring, and Caroline has one piece of advice: don’t leave without trying their homemade lemon chewies!
The Gauge is also a convenient stop if you need to pick up dry bags or other outdoor gear before spending time along the river. If you’re visiting closer to lunchtime, Humble Pie is right next door and is a great place to settle in for pizza, sandwiches, or a fresh salad.
Reedy Branch Falls: A Waterfall Without the Long Hike
Sometimes the best stops are the ones that don’t require much planning, and Reedy Branch Falls is a perfect example. Located just a short drive from the Bull Sluice area, this waterfall is one of the easiest to reach along the route.
The walk from the trailhead is only about three to five minutes for many visitors, making it a great option for families or anyone who wants to see a waterfall without spending an hour on the trail. At approximately 30 feet tall, the falls are tucked into a wooded setting where you can enjoy the sound of rushing water before continuing your drive.
Caroline’s Local Tip: If you’re looking for a waterfall with minimal effort, this is the one! Reedy Branch Falls is just a quick walk from the parking area, so it’s an easy stop to squeeze into your day even if you’re short on time.
Brasstown Falls: Four Waterfalls Worth Exploring
If there’s one place along this route where you’ll want to allow some extra time, it’s Brasstown Falls. Located near Long Creek, this waterfall area features four distinct cascades, with trails that lead visitors through the woods to several different views of the water.
One of the best things about Brasstown Falls is how much of it you can experience without being an experienced hiker. Trail improvements have made the route easier to navigate, with sturdy wooden steps and viewing platforms that give you a closer look at the falls.
Caroline’s Local Tip: Don’t let the idea of a waterfall hike intimidate you! The first three cascades are relatively easy to reach, even if you’re not interested in a challenging hike. The final section leading to the bottom of the last waterfall gets noticeably steeper, but the maintained cedar steps and viewing platforms make the trail easier to navigate.
The trail itself is part of the experience, winding through the forest alongside Brasstown Creek. Take your time here, stop at the viewing platforms, and enjoy seeing how different each cascade looks from the next.
Chau Ram County Park: The Perfect Last Stop
As the route loops toward Westminster, make one more stop at Chau Ram County Park. This park brings together waterfalls, river access, hiking trails, and picnic areas in one place.
One of the highlights is Ramsey Falls, a 40 foot waterfall where Ramsey Creek meets the Chauga River. You can enjoy a view of the falls close to the parking area, making it another great option for visitors who aren’t looking for a strenuous hike.
But don’t head out just yet! The park also has a 160 foot suspension bridge stretching across the Chauga River, along with trails that take you through the surrounding woods.
Caroline’s Local Tip: This might just be one of the most underrated parks in Oconee County. With easy access to Ramsey Falls, a suspension bridge, and trails along the river, there’s so much to explore in one place. Walk across the bridge and spend some time wandering through the woods at your own pace.
You can make this stop as relaxing or adventurous as you’d like. Spend a little time by the water, walk across the bridge, or follow one of the trails to see more of the park before returning to Walhalla.
Have More Time? Add Another Waterfall!
If you’re turning this route into a weekend trip, there are several other waterfalls in the area that deserve a spot on your itinerary.
Yellow Branch Falls is a great addition near Walhalla, with a longer forest hike leading to a beautiful, multi tiered waterfall. It’s a good choice for anyone who wants to spend more time on the trails.
Chauga Narrows offers a different kind of waterfall experience, where the Chauga River rushes through a narrow rocky passage. It’s a scenic stop for visitors who enjoy exploring the quieter parts of Oconee County.
Riley Moore Falls, located near Westminster, is another favorite worth adding if you have the time. This wide, gently cascading waterfall makes a great destination for an additional hike and is especially beautiful when the water is flowing well.
Make a Day of It in Oconee County
From the historic streets of Walhalla to the rushing waters of the Chattooga River, this route brings together some of the places that make Oconee County so special. You’ll find easy waterfall walks alongside more adventurous trails, with plenty of opportunities to support local businesses along the way.
You don’t have to fit every stop into one day, either. Pick the places that interest you most, leave a little room for an unplanned stop, and enjoy getting to know this side of Oconee County.
Ready to hit the road? Follow our Google Maps driving route and start planning your next Oconee County adventure!
