Are there fees or permits required for Hidden Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Hidden Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Hidden Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Hidden Falls.

Live Conditions · 253 ft³/s · About average

Hidden Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Hidden Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Hidden Falls.

South Carolina

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 11 other waterfalls also named Hidden Falls, see below

Sumter National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

Let Ideas Compete CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

MarksPhotoTravels CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

2.3 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Hidden Falls

Hidden Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Sumter National Forest in South Carolina. It is a serene destination surrounded by lush greenery, offering visitors a peaceful retreat into nature.

The Setting

Hidden Falls sits at 1,601 feet within Sumter National Forest, fed by the Chattooga River, in the hills of South Carolina.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Isaqueena Falls (100 ft) lies 5.3 miles to the south. Also nearby: Kings Creek Falls (70 ft, 6.1 mi) and Spoonauger Falls (50 ft, 6.7 mi).

Isaqueena Falls Kings Creek Falls Spoonauger Falls

Trail & Hike Details

2.3 mi distance 300 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate hike follows Hidden Falls (#651), a 2.3-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 300 feet of elevation gain with grades of 10-12%. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

HIDDEN FALLS #651

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

10-12%

USFS Segment

1.37 mi

Trail Description

The trail to Hidden Falls is a moderately challenging hike through a forested area with some elevation gain. The path is well-marked but may have uneven terrain and occasional muddy sections, especially after rain. The waterfall is located at the end of the trail, offering a rewarding view for hikers.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Hidden Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Hidden Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

Spring and fall are the best times to visit, as the weather is mild and the foliage adds to the scenic beauty. Summer is also popular, but the trail may be more crowded.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Sumter National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Hikers should be cautious of slippery rocks near the waterfall and watch for uneven or muddy sections of the trail. Always stay on marked paths to avoid getting lost.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Moderate

253 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

157 218 517 859

Based on 86 years of record

1.34 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.

CHATTOOGA RIVER NEAR CLAYTON, GA

USGS 02177000

13 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 207 sq mi

Altitude: 1,166 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge CHATTOOGA RIVER NEAR CLAYTON, GA (21 km away).

Moderate confidence

Moderate right now

253 cfs

↓ Falling

Today

Moderate

253 cfs

9/10

Tomorrow

Moderate

276 cfs

9/10

Sun

Moderate

252 cfs

9/10

Mon

Moderate

257 cfs

9/10

Tue

Moderate

278 cfs

9/10

Wed

Moderate

284 cfs

9/10

Thu

Moderate

294 cfs

6/10

Best window: Today — moderate flow, sunny (trip score 9/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from late February to late April, 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 Tamassee hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

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 214 feet of descent through Hidden Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. The brink sits at about 1,593 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 55 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 162 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face east and catch soft morning light.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Hidden Falls near Tamassee, South Carolina, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Hidden Falls near Tamassee, South Carolina, showing about 214 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing east

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 1,593 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 214 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: East; Catches soft morning light.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading east).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Hidden Falls is accessed via the Hidden Falls Trail, located in the Andrew Pickens Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest. The trailhead can be reached by driving along Forest Service roads, which may be unpaved and require careful navigation.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the trailhead, but it is limited and may fill up during peak seasons. Visitors should plan to arrive early to secure a spot.

Elevation

1,601 feet above sea level

Coordinates

34.879536° N, -83.090707° W

Land Management

Sumter National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy hiking shoes as the trail can be uneven and slippery in places. Bring water and snacks, as there are no facilities along the trail. Arrive early to avoid crowds and secure parking.

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With 2.3 miles and 300 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

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

Andrew Pickens Ranger District

5.2 miles away · 0 sites

The Andrew Pickens Ranger District is home to the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River, a popular angling and whitewater destination. The Ellicott Rock Wilderness offers opportunities for solitude and primitive camping. The district also has numerous waterfalls and hiking trails to satisfy every challenge level.

Book on Recreation.gov

Additional Information

Nearby Attractions

Other attractions in the Sumter National Forest include Issaqueena Falls and the Stumphouse Tunnel.

Wildlife

The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Visitors should be cautious of snakes and other potentially hazardous animals.