Sids Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrain
Photo Credits (5)
Difficulty
Moderate
Trail Length
2.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Sids Falls
Sids Falls is a secluded, picturesque cascade in Oconee County tucked within the Sumter National Forest and managed by the U.S. Forest Service. The waterfall’s quiet, forested setting makes it a rewarding destination for hikers seeking a less-trafficked spot — the approach uses the USFS WATERGUAGE Trail (Trail #210) and feels like a true backcountry pocket of South Carolina’s national forest lands. The walk to the falls is a moderate out-and-back route of about 2.4 miles with roughly 350 feet of elevation gain, so it’s well suited to hikers who don’t mind a bit of climbing and uneven tread. Camping is available nearby at the Chattooga River District campground (about 8.12 km away), making Sids Falls a good stop on an overnight loop or a day trip from a nearby dispersed site.
The Setting
Sids Falls sits at 1,296 feet within Sumter National Forest, fed by the Chattooga River, in the foothills of South Carolina.
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The moderate hike follows Waterguage (#210), a 2.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
WATERGUAGE #210
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.43 miTrail Description
The primary approach to Sids Falls follows the USFS WATERGUAGE (Trail #210). Overall the hike is a 2.4-mile out-and-back with about 350 feet of gain and a moderate difficulty rating. The WATERGUAGE segment shown in USFS data is 0.43 GIS miles and is recorded as native-material (NAT) surface, rated Class 3, with typical grades of 12–20%. Expect native dirt tread that can be uneven, with short steeper pitches where the grade reaches into the 12–20% range; the Class 3 rating indicates sections that require careful foot placement and sure-footedness. Sturdy footwear is recommended, and be prepared for muddy or overgrown spots near the waterfall and along connector paths.
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 Sids Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Sids Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest after seasonal rains.
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
The trail is unmarked and can be difficult to follow. Be prepared with navigation tools and avoid hiking alone. Watch for slippery rocks near the waterfall.
Current Water Conditions
253 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
About average for this time of year
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
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge CHATTOOGA RIVER NEAR CLAYTON, GA (6 km away).
Today
Moderate
253 cfs
9/10Tomorrow
Moderate
276 cfs
9/10Sun
Moderate
252 cfs
9/10Mon
Moderate
257 cfs
9/10Tue
Moderate
278 cfs
9/10Wed
Moderate
284 cfs
9/10Thu
Moderate
294 cfs
6/10Best 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 Longcreek 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.
The ground through the falls loses about 185 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The ground at the falls is roughly 1,292 feet above sea level.
Steep ground runs through the entire stretch: about 175 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the pin and 163 feet in the 500 feet below it. Facing northwest, the falls stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 1,292 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 185 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Sids Falls is located in the Sumter National Forest. To reach the trailhead, visitors typically drive along SC Highway 107 and turn onto Burrells Ford Road. The trailhead is unmarked, so GPS coordinates or detailed directions are recommended.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available along the roadside near the trailhead, but it is limited and unpaved.
Elevation
1,296 feet above sea level
Coordinates
34.756111° N, -83.307778° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Bring a map or GPS device as the trail is unmarked and can be difficult to follow. Wear sturdy hiking boots and be prepared for muddy or uneven terrain. Cell service may be limited in the area.
Where to Stay
Mountain Aire Cottages, Inn & Glamping
Quality Inn & Suites Mt Chalet
Cute n Chic in Clayton
Mountain Valley Inn
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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Nearby Campground
Chattooga River District
5 miles away · 0 sites
The Chattooga River Ranger District covers 261,035 acres in the northeast part of Georgia. Terrain ranges from the Piedmont in the southern part of the district to Georgia's second highest mountain, Rabun Bald at 4,696 feet above sea level. To the east is the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River. In the central part of the district are Lake Burton, Seed Lake, and Lake Rabun where you'll find the Rabun Beach Campground. In the western part of the district are the headwaters of the Chattahoochee River a
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Other waterfalls in the area include King Creek Falls and Spoonauger Falls, both accessible via nearby trails.
Wildlife
The area is home to various wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of snakes and other potentially hazardous animals.
Cities near Sids Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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