Lower Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Easy
Trail Length
0.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Lower Falls
Lower Falls is the second, lower set of falls on the Reedy River in Falls Park on the Reedy in downtown Greenville, just past the bend of the river downstream of the main falls and Liberty Bridge. It is not as high as the upper falls, and ruins of Greenville's textile mills can be seen near the water. Paved walkways reach the falls, so this is a short walk rather than a hike.
The Setting
Lower Falls sits at 856 feet within Falls Park on the Reedy, in the foothills of South Carolina.
Trail & Hike Details
Trail Description
Paved paths wind through Falls Park along both banks of the Reedy River. From Liberty Bridge, follow the river downstream past the bend to the lower falls. The Swamp Rabbit Trail also passes through the park.
What to Expect
Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is short and relatively flat, but the surface may be uneven. Contact the managing agency for accessibility details.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Lower Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Leashed dogs are allowed in Falls Park on paved areas; owners must pick up after them.
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Lower Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Flow is strongest after rain. The park is open year-round.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited.
Safety Information
Stay on paths and out of the river. The rocks at the falls are slippery and the water rises quickly after storms.
Current Water Conditions
These readings come from the USGS gauge on Reedy River, 3.7 miles away, not on Lower Falls's own stream. Use them as a sign of whether the area is running wet or dry.
17 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Much lower than usual for this time of year
Based on 68 years of record
0.64 ft
Water depth at gauge
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is well below normal for this time of year, so the waterfall may be a trickle.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge REEDY RIVER NEAR GREENVILLE, SC (6 km away).
Today
Moderate
19 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Moderate
19 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
18 cfs
9/10Fri
Moderate
17 cfs
9/10Sat
Moderate
17 cfs
9/10Sun
Moderate
19 cfs
9/10Mon
Moderate
18 cfs
9/10Best window: Today — moderate flow, mostly sunny (trip score 9/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early February to mid April, peaking in March.
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 Judson hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Is Lower Falls Frozen?
Updated about 8 hours agoNot frozen highs above freezing lately
Lower Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 75°F to 43°F.
- Days below freezing
- 0 of the last 14
- Current cold streak
- 0 days
- Freezing days ahead
- 0 of the next 7
- Flow
- 17 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
Location & Access
Getting There
Falls Park is at the West End of Main Street in downtown Greenville, next to the Liberty Bridge.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Use downtown Greenville public garages or street parking near the West End of Main Street. Some options charge a fee.
Hours
Elevation
856 feet above sea level
Coordinates
34.844130° N, -82.400460° W
Land Management
Managed by CITY
Visitor Tips & Gear
The park is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Stay out of the river; the rocks are slick and the current is strong after rain.
Where to Stay
Holiday Inn Express & Suites Greenville S - Piedmont by IHG
Best Western Plus Greenville I-385 Inn & Suites
Best Western Plus Greenville South
Hyatt Place Greenville/Haywood
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Additional Information
Nearby Attractions
Liberty Bridge, the Swamp Rabbit Trail, and the shops and restaurants of Main Street in downtown Greenville.
Cities near Lower Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Lower Falls
18 other waterfalls share this name across the U.S.
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