The hike to Yellow Branch Falls in South Carolina

Spring is the perfect time to embark on a gorgeous waterfall hike. The weather is finally warming up, and thus, this is the best time of the year to enjoy the great outdoors. After being cooped up all winter, spring is a great opportunity to get back in shape, establish a regular exercise routine, soak in some much needed sunshine, and most of all, to enjoy some quality time in nature. It’s my favorite time of the year to get back into a regular hiking routine.

Waterfalls are typically at their grandest during the rainy spring months, especially following heavy winter snow melt. Below are just a few of my favorite waterfalls I have come across in my travels, all of which are accessible via a hike of no more than 2 miles. Enjoy these beauties from Colorado to South Carolina.

Treasure Falls

  • Location: Pagosa Springs, Colorado
  • Waterfall Height: 105 feet
  • Hike Distance: 1/2 mile out-and-back
Treasure Falls waterfall in Pagosa Springs, Colorado

This gorgeous Southwestern Colorado waterfall (near the quaint mountain town of Pagosa Springs) has a unique backstory involving a legend of treasure being hidden in the mountain. Legend goes that back in the 1700’s, a group of Frenchmen buried gold while being pursued by Spaniards or Native Americans. No gold was ever found, however, the true gem really is this spectacular waterfall. Being nestled within the gorgeous San Juan Forest, the woodsy scenery is very peaceful, even more so during the colorful autumn months.

The falls tumble 105 feet into Falls Creek which flows into the San Juan River. A really incredible sight to see if you are vacationing nearby and so easy to get to compared to others. The serene isolated setting and beautiful wilderness really sets this one apart. This trail is located about 15 miles outside of Pagosa Springs along Hwy 160 in an uninterrupted natural area. The hike is quite short at just over a half mile, although the trek is fairly steep. For those unable or not looking to hike, you can view this beauty via the parking lot.

Laurel Falls

  • Location: Gatlinburg, Tennessee
  • Waterfall height: 80 feet
  • Hike distance: 1.3 miles out-and-back
Laurel Falls in the Smoky Mountains National Park in Gatlinburg, Tennessee

One of the most popular trails in Tennessee’s very busy Smoky Mountains National Park is the short hike to an amazing waterfall named Laurel Falls. This 80 foot tall waterfall is amongst the most impressive in the park. Mountain laurel, an evergreen shrub that blooms in the area every May, is how the trail gets its’ name. Thus, springtime is the best time to absorb all the natural beauty. The 1.3 mile trek to the falls is moderately difficult due to a steep incline, however, the surface is paved.

While you may not get to enjoy much peace and quiet on this trail, you may catch a glimpse of a bear along the way. In fact, Black Bear sightings are quite common. It’s also more fun (and a bit less scary) to see a bear amongst a big crowd of people vs alone by yourself in the woods. Surprisingly, I saw a bear on this exact trail on my first trip to the Smokies. This is was my first bear sighting after hundreds of miles hiking. Did you know that the Smokies are home to the highest concentration of black bears in the country? According to the NPS, 1900 bears currently reside within the park. Keep your eyes peeled, but also keep your distance!

Longcreek Falls

  • Location: Blue Ridge, Georgia
  • Waterfall height: 50 feet
  • Hike distance: 1 mile out-and-back
Long Creek Falls on the Appalachian Trail

This beautiful short hike is a wonderful introduction to the Appalachian trail. While it would be nice to accomplish the prestigious thru hiker status, most of us do not have the time nor money. It takes about 5-7 months to hike the 2190 mile trail in its’ entirety from Georgia to Maine! However, it’s worth checking out small pockets of America’s best hike. If you are seeking a truly spectacular hike which gives you a lot of bang for your buck, this peaceful 30 minute trek through gorgeous wooded land should be tops on your Appalachian must-see list.

This trail starts in beautiful Blue Ridge, a small community in the Northern Georgia mountains. The hike to Longcreek Falls is just 2 miles RT and includes a gradual increase in elevation. It’s so peaceful and pretty – really a place where you can get lost in nature. The falls plunge in a double drop totaling 50 feet. The drive to get to the falls is equally impressive as the rustic forest service road follows Noontootla Creek. The drive features numerous small waterfalls and lovely creek views and is almost as scenic as the hike itself!

Bridal Veil Falls

  • Location: Bridal Veil, Oregon
  • Waterfall height: 120 feet
  • Hike distance: 1/2 mile out-and-back
Bridal Veil Falls in the Columbia River Gorge of Oregon

Bridal Veil is one of the most impressive waterfalls in the Columbia River Gorge – no small feat in an area loaded with magnificent waterfalls. This gorgeous canyon along the Oregon/Washington border is home to the highest concentration of waterfalls in the US – there are over 70 on the Oregon side alone! A number of breathtaking falls are located with a half hour of Portland, Bridal Veil being the most impressive. I recommend signing up for a guided waterfall tour if you are staying in the Portland area (I enjoyed my tour with Wildwood)- super convenient!

The hike is just over a half mile each way with barely any elevation gain. A short easy stroll along a paved path affords gorgeous vistas of the Columbia River and various rock formations. You will arrive at an observation deck with a grand view of this stunning two tier 120 foot waterfall wonder.

Yellow Branch Falls

  • Location: Mountain Rest, South Carolina
  • Waterfall height: 50 feet
  • Hike distance: 1.3 miles out-and-back
Yellow Branch Falls in Upstate South Carolina

The Upstate South Carolina region is loaded with dozens of enchanting waterfalls. It’s really easy to plan every weekend exploring a new waterfall wonder (and basically did each weekend I lived in Greenville). With endless parks and waterfalls to explore, a trip the Upstate is highly recommended by any nature lover. Greenville is a great base destination as the city offers a number of its’ own amenities including one of the country’s most charming main streets.

Of all the waterfalls I have explored in the Upstate, Yellow Branch is probably my favorite. This hidden gem is located off-the-beaten path, and thus, not easily accessible by most tourists. At a mere 50 feet tall, 70 feet wide, this is far from the tallest waterfall in the state. However, the unique multi level design makes this one of the most visually spectacular falls in the state. The hike through lush quiet forest without a tourist in sight makes the entire experience all the more appealing.