Great Falls

Great Falls is a series of waterfalls along the Catawba River in Chester County, South Carolina, where water flows through narrow rocky channels and creates multiple cascades. The area spans over two miles of restored waterways with developed trails for walking.

A dam built in the early 1900s altered the natural water flow of Great Falls and caused decades of reduced water levels in the original river channels. A restoration project eventually returned the water flow to its original channels.

The area has become a place where local people and visitors connect with the natural water environment and outdoor recreation. The restored waterways show how communities can reclaim and actively use their natural resources.

Access to the waterfalls is straightforward via developed trails that offer different difficulty levels. The best time to visit is after heavier rainfall, when water flow is greatest and the views are most striking.

The restoration project created new opportunities for white-water activities by deliberately redirecting water back into the original channels. This transformed the site into an unexpected destination for paddlers and adventure seekers in the region.

Location: Chester County

Part of: Catawba River

GPS coordinates: 34.57920,-80.87780

Latest update: December 13, 2025 17:08