Be careful out there

Have fun. Be safe.

As beautiful as our waterfalls are, they also hold hidden dangers.

Waterfalls are safe to view from a distance, but getting too close can result in injury or lead to tragic consequences.

We encourage everyone to be mindful while exploring wild places and be aware of your surroundings. Waterfalls in Oconee County, SC are usually off in the woods a good ways from emergency assistance. They are not in predictable man-made settings.

Waterfall Safety Tips

• Stay on developed trails and don’t stray from observation decks and platforms.
• Follow instructions posted at all waterfalls and trails.
• Watch your footing. Dry rocks can be just as slippery as wet ones, especially those covered with algae.
• The top of any waterfall is the most dangerous. Do not lean over a ledge at the top of a falls.
• Do not swim or wade upstream of a waterfall.
• Watch children carefully. Children should always be under the immediate supervision of adults when visiting any falls.
• Pets should also be supervised. They can easily underestimate the slickness of rocks and the flow of water.
• Don’t be too anxious to get the perfect selfie. Be especially careful when you are taking photographs. Many times, photographers become more focused on taking a photo rather than securing their footing. Make sure you are in a safe, solid location before taking photographs.
• We recommend hiking with others when you trek to waterfalls so someone “has your back” in the event you run into trouble.
• Bring your cell phone in case you need to make a call for assistance; but realize that you may not receive cell service in rural or forested areas.