Big Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainNo public access
Big Falls isn't open to the public. There's no public trail or parking, so please don't trespass or park at neighboring properties. See public waterfalls nearby.
Big Falls is in Greenville Water's North Saluda watershed, which is closed to the public. Do not enter.
Photo Credits (2)
About Big Falls
Nearby Falls Worth Visiting
Pearsons Falls (90 ft) lies 4.8 miles to the northeast. Also nearby: Bradley Falls (75 ft, 9.3 mi).
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Big Falls?
❌ Dogs are not allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Big Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Middle Saluda River, 8.7 miles away, not on Big Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
33 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
Based on 37 years of record
1.60 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is about average for this time of year.
About This Gauge
This gauge is on a nearby waterway and may not reflect exact conditions at the falls.
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge MIDDLE SALUDA RIVER NEAR CLEVELAND, SC (14 km away).
Today
Barely Flowing
33 cfs
5/10Tomorrow
Barely Flowing
32 cfs
5/10Fri
Barely Flowing
31 cfs
5/10Sat
Barely Flowing
29 cfs
5/10Sun
Barely Flowing
31 cfs
5/10Mon
Barely Flowing
30 cfs
5/10Tue
Barely Flowing
31 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late March to early May, peaking in April.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near The Cliffs Valley hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Big Falls Frozen?
Updated about 4 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Big Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 72°F to 48°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 34 ft³/s
Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.
Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar measures about 345 feet of descent through Big Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 1,473 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 282 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 192 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing south, the falls sit in full sun for most of the day, best photographed early or late.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,473 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 345 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- South
- Sunlit most of the day. Go early or late for softer light.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading south).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Elevation
1,414 feet above sea level
Coordinates
35.163172° N, -82.393174° W
Land Management
Managed by CITY No Public Access
Where to Stay
Golden Dawn at Saluda Mountain Retreats
Green River Lodge
CedarWood Inn
1850s Settlers Cabin at Wethero Ridge
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
SYCAMORE FLATS PICNIC SHELTER
19.5 miles away · 1 sites
Overview Sycamore Flats Picnic Shelter is located along the Davidson River on the Pisgah National Forest. This picnic area was named for the sycamore trees which line the banks of the river.The shelter is available on a first come, first served basis from mid-November to April 15th. Reservations are available April 16th through mid-November. Some amenities may not be available during the off-season. This is a popular destination with limited parking, please plan accordingly.Recreation Sycamore Fl
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Cities near Big Falls
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