Kidding Around Greenville Waterfalls offers families an exciting opportunity to explore nature’s beauty in and around Greenville, SC. From the easily accessible Falls Park on the Reedy in downtown Greenville to the more adventurous hikes at Raven Cliff Falls, there’s a waterfall experience for every family. This guide covers locations, activities, family-friendly amenities, and accessibility options for six stunning waterfalls, ensuring a memorable outing for all ages.
Where Are the Best Kidding Around Greenville Waterfalls Located?
The Kidding Around Greenville Waterfalls are scattered across various locations in and near Greenville, SC. Here’s a quick overview of their locations:
- Falls Park on the Reedy: Downtown Greenville, SC
- Wildcat Wayside Falls: Geer Highway, Cleveland, SC
- Raven Cliff Falls: Caesar’s Head State Park, Cleveland, SC
- Jones Gap State Park: Marietta, SC
- Station Cove Falls: Walhalla, SC
- Looking Glass Falls: Pisgah Forest, Brevard, NC
Each location offers unique features and experiences for families. Let’s dive deeper into each waterfall’s specifics.
Falls Park on the Reedy
- Location: Downtown Greenville, SC
- GPS Coordinates: 34.844959, -82.401749
- Nearest Landmarks: South Main Street, Camperdown Way, Liberty Bridge
- Access Points: Easily accessible by car via U.S. Routes 29 and 123. Parking available near the park.
Wildcat Wayside Falls
- Location: Geer Highway, Cleveland, SC
- GPS Coordinates: 35.073821, -82.596739
- Nearest Landmarks: Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (SC 11), Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area
- Access Points: Visible from the road, with a pull-off parking area. No hiking required for the lower falls.
Raven Cliff Falls
- Location: Caesar’s Head State Park, 8155 Geer Hwy, Cleveland, SC
- GPS Coordinates: Approximately 35.082310, -82.621320 (nearby)
- Nearest Landmarks: Caesar’s Head State Park, Mountain Bridge Wilderness
- Access Points: Requires a 2-mile hike or an 8+ mile loop for more experienced hikers.
Jones Gap State Park
- Location: 303 Jones Gap Road, Marietta, SC
- GPS Coordinates: Near 35.095, -82.575
- Nearest Landmarks: Jones Gap State Park, Mountain Bridge Wilderness
- Access Points: Parking requires a reservation on weekends ($5) in addition to the entrance fee. Various trails within the park.
Station Cove Falls
- Location: State Rd S-37-95, Walhalla, SC
- GPS Coordinates: Near 34.783, -83.083
- Nearest Landmarks: Oconee County, near Hwy 11
- Access Points: Easy 1.5 miles round trip hike.
Looking Glass Falls
- Location: Hwy 276, Pisgah Forest, Brevard, NC
- GPS Coordinates: Approximately 35.280, -82.783
- Nearest Landmarks: Pisgah Forest, Brevard, NC
- Access Points: Visible from the road, with stairs and ramps for closer access.
What Activities Can Families Enjoy at Kidding Around Greenville Waterfalls?
Each waterfall offers unique activities suitable for different age groups and interests. Here’s a breakdown of activities for each location:
Falls Park on the Reedy
- Walking
- Picnicking
- Visiting the amphitheater
- Exploring public gardens
- Enjoying the cafe and lodge
Age Suitability: All ages
Duration: Flexible
Equipment Needed: None
Costs/Reservations: Free admission, no reservations needed
Wildcat Wayside Falls
- Viewing the waterfall from the road
- Short loop trail (1 mile)
- Swimming in the shallow pool (lower falls)
Age Suitability: All ages for lower falls, upper falls not recommended for children
Duration: Flexible
Equipment Needed: Hiking shoes for the trail
Costs/Reservations: Free admission, no reservations needed
Raven Cliff Falls
- Hiking (2 miles or 8+ miles)
- Viewing the falls from an overlook or suspension bridge
Age Suitability: Suitable for older children and adults due to the strenuous hike
Duration: Several hours
Equipment Needed: Hiking shoes, water, snacks
Costs/Reservations: Park entrance fee, no specific reservations needed for the trail
Jones Gap State Park
- Hiking to Rainbow Falls and other waterfalls
- Exploring the park
Age Suitability: Suitable for older children and adults due to the strenuous trails
Duration: Several hours
Equipment Needed: Hiking shoes, water, snacks
Costs/Reservations: Park entrance fee, reserved parking ($5) on weekends
Station Cove Falls
- Hiking (1.5 miles round trip)
- Viewing the waterfall
Age Suitability: All ages
Duration: About 1-2 hours
Equipment Needed: Hiking shoes
Costs/Reservations: Free admission, no reservations needed
Looking Glass Falls
- Viewing the waterfall from the road or stairs and ramps
Age Suitability: All ages
Duration: Flexible
Equipment Needed: None
Costs/Reservations: Free admission, no reservations needed
What Family-Friendly Amenities Are Available at These Waterfalls?
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for families, it’s important to know what amenities are available at each location. Here’s a summary of the family-friendly amenities:
| Waterfall | Picnic Areas | Restrooms | Parking Facilities | Safety Measures |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Falls Park on the Reedy | Available near the park | Available within the park | Ample parking near the park | Well-maintained pathways, pedestrian bridge |
| Wildcat Wayside Falls | No designated areas, but resting spots available | Not specified | Pull-off parking area along SC 11 | Warning signs for upper falls |
| Raven Cliff Falls | Available within Caesar’s Head State Park | Available within the park | Parking available at the park | Well-marked trails, warning signs |
| Jones Gap State Park | Available within the park | Available within the park | Reserved parking on weekends | Well-marked trails, warning signs |
| Station Cove Falls | Not specified | Not specified | Parking area near trailhead | Well-marked trail |
| Looking Glass Falls | Available near the falls | Available near the falls | Parking area near the falls | Stairs and ramps, warning signs |
How Accessible Are These Waterfalls for Visitors with Mobility Issues?
Accessibility is an important consideration for families with diverse needs. Here’s an overview of the accessibility options for each waterfall:
Falls Park on the Reedy
- Paved and well-maintained pathways
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public parking and accessible by public transportation
- No significant challenges for visitors with mobility issues
Wildcat Wayside Falls
- Short, easy pathways for lower falls; challenging for upper falls
- Limited wheelchair access for upper falls
- Parking along SC 11
- Upper falls not accessible for those with mobility issues
Raven Cliff Falls
- Well-marked but strenuous trails
- Not suitable for wheelchairs
- Parking at the park
- Significant challenges for visitors with mobility issues
Jones Gap State Park
- Well-marked trails, some strenuous
- Limited wheelchair access
- Parking at the park
- Significant challenges due to terrain and trail length
Station Cove Falls
- Short, easy trail with slight descent
- Limited wheelchair access
- Parking near trailhead
- Minor challenges due to short descent
Looking Glass Falls
- Paved pathways with stairs and ramps
- Wheelchair accessible
- Parking near the falls
- No significant challenges for visitors with mobility issues
By considering these accessibility options, families can choose the most suitable waterfall experience for their needs.
What Are Some Tips for a Successful Kidding Around Greenville Waterfalls Trip?
To make the most of your Kidding Around Greenville Waterfalls adventure, consider these helpful tips:
- Plan ahead: Check park hours, fees, and any reservation requirements.
- Wear appropriate footwear: Sturdy, comfortable shoes are essential for hiking trails.
- Pack essentials: Bring water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
- Follow safety guidelines: Adhere to posted signs and stay on designated trails.
- Leave no trace: Practice responsible tourism by taking your trash with you.
- Bring a camera: Capture the beautiful moments and scenery.
- Consider weather conditions: Some trails may be slippery after rain.
- Start early: Popular spots can get crowded, especially on weekends.
- Engage children: Encourage kids to observe nature and wildlife along the way.
- Be prepared for varying difficulty levels: Choose trails that match your family’s abilities.
By following these tips, you’ll be well-prepared for an enjoyable and memorable family outing to the Kidding Around Greenville Waterfalls.
References:
1. Falls Park on the Reedy, SC, USA – Latitude and Longitude Finder
2. Wildcat Falls – SC Picture Project
3. Find the Most Jaw-Dropping Waterfalls Near Greenville, SC