Middle Rachael Creek Falls
Photo Taken on 1/14/2019 by Christopher Cockfield.
- Height: 14 feet
- Type: Free-fall
- Stream: Rachael Creek
- River Basin: Santee River
- Watershed: Small
- Elevation: 1,246 feet
- Landowner: South Carolina Department of Natural Resources
- Forest/Park: Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area
- State: South Carolina
- County: Pickens
- USGS Map: Table Rock
- Difficulty: Strenuous
- Accessibility: Forest road, trail, bushwhack & scramble
- Trail Blaze: Orange
- Admission Fee: None
- Hike Length: 3 miles
- Waterfall GPS: 35.01389 -82.73547
- Parking GPS: 35.00324 -82.74015
Overview
Being surprisingly close to the Palmetto Trail, Middle Rachael Creek Falls is rarely visited as it's tucked away in a valley below.
Driving Directions
From Pickens, South Carolina. From the intersection of SC-183, head northwest on US-178 for 8.6 miles and turn right onto SC-11. Drive 1.4 miles and park on the side of the road, near Alewine Road, which will be on the left-side of the road.
From Travelers Rest, South Carolina. From city center, head northwest on US-276 for 5.3 miles and turn left onto Pumpkintown Road (SC-288). Drive 12.3 miles and turn right onto Hickory Hollow Road. Drive 1.2 miles and turn left onto SC-11. Drive 1.6 miles and park on the side of the road, near Alewine Road, which will be on the right-side of the road.
From Rosman, North Carolina. From city center, head southwest on US-178 for 16.5 miles and turn left onto SC-11. Drive 1.4 miles and park on the side of the road, near Alewine Road, which will be on the left-side of the road.
From Travelers Rest, South Carolina. From city center, head northwest on US-276 for 5.3 miles and turn left onto Pumpkintown Road (SC-288). Drive 12.3 miles and turn right onto Hickory Hollow Road. Drive 1.2 miles and turn left onto SC-11. Drive 1.6 miles and park on the side of the road, near Alewine Road, which will be on the right-side of the road.
From Rosman, North Carolina. From city center, head southwest on US-178 for 16.5 miles and turn left onto SC-11. Drive 1.4 miles and park on the side of the road, near Alewine Road, which will be on the left-side of the road.
Hiking Directions
From the parking. Head north up Alewine Road towards a red gate and follow the road for 0.27 miles to the first creek crossing and then another 450+ feet to a second creek crossing. Once across continue following the road for 0.46 miles to the Palmetto Trail and head right. Follow the Palmetto Trail for 0.44 miles to a small creek that goes under the trail and continue on the trail for 50 feet or so and head right. (You can also just follow the creek downstream if you don't wanna risk getting lost.)
Bushwhack south, southeast through the open woods for 570+ feet to Upper Yucca Falls and carefully proceed downstream towards the top of Yucca Falls. Head east, going away from the creek to follow the steep hillside down to the base of the main drop of Yucca Falls. (Do be very careful here as a fall will severely hurt or kill you!) Once you're pass the dangeruous part of Yucca Falls, head southeast for 220+ feet to Rachael Creek and head upstream to Middle Rachael Creek Falls.
Bushwhack south, southeast through the open woods for 570+ feet to Upper Yucca Falls and carefully proceed downstream towards the top of Yucca Falls. Head east, going away from the creek to follow the steep hillside down to the base of the main drop of Yucca Falls. (Do be very careful here as a fall will severely hurt or kill you!) Once you're pass the dangeruous part of Yucca Falls, head southeast for 220+ feet to Rachael Creek and head upstream to Middle Rachael Creek Falls.
