Hiking

Heads Up Out There!

The region offers dozens of hiking trails. Many of the trails in Oconee County will take you into the wilderness where you’ll find native forest land. This is not a controlled environment, and oftentimes you might be in “dead zones” where you won’t get cell reception. Be sure to pack water and snacks, wear proper attire and appropriate shoes (not flip flops!). Many popular destinations have seen a surge in visitors. Please respect the natural surroundings and don’t trample foliage and tree roots or scamper over boulders that might shift under your weight. Please don’t litter. Pack it in, pack it out.

We encourage you to visit and enjoy our natural places! But keep in mind: Rescue crews are not close by, it will take time for help to arrive. It’s best to know what you’re getting into and be prepared in case of an emergency. Be cautious and safe while experiencing these wild, unpredictable settings.

Oconee’s river terrain features some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the nation! In addition to the trails listed below, you’ll find hikes to some of the nearly 150 waterfalls found in Oconee County on our WATERFALLS page.

Palmetto Trail – Oconee Passage

The Oconee Passage is a moderate to difficult 3.2 mile trail along an old roadbed that pinches into a path along the mountain ridge line. Once the Palmetto Trail is complete, this trail will end in Walhalla, but for now you can start from either Oconee State Park (Mountain Rest) or Oconee Station (Walhalla). The Oconee Passage is steeply uphill from Oconee Station. Mountain bikes are allowed on the Oconee Passage.

Stumphouse Passage of the Palmetto Trail

Walhalla, SC
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The Stumphouse Passage is accessible from the center of Stumphouse Park ($5 entry fee per vehicle). Stumphouse Passage is dual-use with a 1.5 mile hiking trail and 9.34 miles of mountain bike trails. This is one of three Passages of the Palmetto Trail that are located in Oconee County. The Palmetto Trail stretches over 500 miles across SC from the upstate to the coast near Charleston.

Stumphouse Tunnel

Walhalla, SC
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Located within Stumphouse Park ($5 entry fee per vehicle). The Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel was part of the Blue Ridge Railroad project, an 1850s attempt to link the port of Charleston to the cities of the Midwest by rail. The Civil War and subsequent collapse of the state’s economy brought construction to an end and the tunnel was never completed. Family-friendly 1/4 mile walk into the tunnel (flashlight recommended), park picnic shelter and outdoor bathrooms nearby.

Winding Stairs Trail

Mountain Rest, SC
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A 75-ft waterfall tucked away along this accessible 3.5 mile trail makes this an interesting choice for a hike. If you start at the northern trailhead at the Cherry Hill Recreation Area, this meandering path is an easy hike, but the return trip is moderately difficult due to 1,100 foot elevation change. It is possible to be picked up by car at the southern end of the trail on Tamassee Road (FS 71). Alternatively, you can begin the hike at the southern end.