The beauty of South Carolina shouldn’t be taken for granted – it deserves an up-close look now and then. You don’t need any special skills to hike many of our state’s stunning trails. In fact, the Wildcat Wayside Nature Trail is so easy that’s it’s perfect for beginners.
You’ll find the Wildcat Wayside Nature Trail right along the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, and it’s the perfect place to visit if you’d like to bask in South Carolina’s natural beauty.
Victor Gascon/Alltrails
You’ll be in for a treat from the moment you arrive. Lower Wildcat Falls can be seen right from the road! This waterfall is 30 feet tall, and after a rainstorm it’s a picturesque feast for your eyes.
Greg W/Tripadvisor
Head on up the trail for more scenic beauty. You’ll get the most strenuous part of the hike over with right away. Climb this set of stairs that’s built right into the side of the hill.
R84 Whitehead/Alltrails
At the top of the stairs, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with a view of Middle Wildcat Falls. It’s a pretty little 10-foot-tall waterfall that cascades in a sheet all the way across the creek.
Gail Edwards/Alltrails
Just past the waterfall, you’ll see the remnants of a park that was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the late 1930s.
Victor Gascon/Alltrails
The shelter that was originally built here is gone, but its foundation and fireplace still stand, and you’ll find an informational sign that tells you all about the history of this place.
Jennifer Jarina/Alltrails
The path continues on to Upper Wildcat Falls, but it has been closed off due to the many injuries and even deaths there.
Carmella Merril/Alltrails Upper Wildcat Falls is incredibly dangerous, and rescue crews have decided that it’s just too risky to leave it open to the public. The 100-foot-falls are very slippery, and people generally ignore the warning signs. Several have fallen to their deaths here, and others have been seriously injured. Please enjoy the lower two falls instead of risking your safety.
If you’ve ever explored the Wildcat Wayside Nature Trail, we’d love to hear from you! Tell us about your experience in the comments.
Victor Gascon/Alltrails
Greg W/Tripadvisor
R84 Whitehead/Alltrails
Gail Edwards/Alltrails
Jennifer Jarina/Alltrails
Carmella Merril/Alltrails
Upper Wildcat Falls is incredibly dangerous, and rescue crews have decided that it’s just too risky to leave it open to the public. The 100-foot-falls are very slippery, and people generally ignore the warning signs. Several have fallen to their deaths here, and others have been seriously injured. Please enjoy the lower two falls instead of risking your safety.
Looking for more beginner-friendly trails in South Carolina? Check out these seven totally kid-friendly hikes that are one mile or less.
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