Updated July 2026
Big Bend Falls
Big Bend Falls is the largest waterfall on the Chattooga River, a powerful drop of roughly 30 feet in the Sumter National Forest of far northwestern South Carolina. It is reached by a long, strenuous riverside hike, with a steep, slippery final scramble down to the falls.
Before you go
Waterfalls are hazardous by nature — wet rock, cold water, and unstable edges — and flow varies enormously with season and recent rain. Trail figures here describe the route as documented, not conditions today. Check Sumter National Forest (USFS) for closures and current conditions, and confirm land status before setting out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Big Bend Falls drops about 30 feet. That makes it the 553rd-tallest documented waterfall in this inventory, taller than roughly 23% of the falls listed here. Height comes from published land-manager and survey records, not from our own measurement.
The Chattooga River Trail (from Burrells Ford) reaches it about 7 miles (out-and-back), rated strenuous. The nearest town is Mountain Rest. That describes the route as documented, not conditions on the day — check with Sumter National Forest (USFS) for closures and current conditions.
Spring high flow (Mar-May). Waterfall flow swings enormously with snowmelt and recent rain, so a fall that roars in spring can be a trickle by late summer.
More South Carolina waterfalls
- Brasstown Falls · 120 ft
- Issaqueena Falls · 100 ft
- King Creek Falls · 70 ft
- Lee Falls · 75 ft
- Lower Whitewater Falls · 200 ft
- Rainbow Falls · 100 ft
- Raven Cliff Falls · 400 ft
- Riley Moore Falls · 12 ft
Sources
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