South Carolina boasts more than 30 waterfalls.Take a short drive north of Greenville, SC and discover Wildcat Falls and savor country charm at Aunt Sue’s.
Wildcat Falls is a popular spot with locals. Get there by taking Highway 276 until it turns into Highway 11 and then drive about half a mile to a pullout on the right side of the road. There are no signs, but when the weather is nice it can be found by the vendors selling hot boiled peanuts.
Hidden Waterfalls at Wildcat Falls
It’s one of the smaller waterfalls in South Carolina but what Wildcat Falls lacks in size it makes up for in fury. Once visitors step out of their car and approach the falls, the sound of the highway evaporates and all that can be heard is the rush of the water falling over the rocks. Kick off the shoes and wade into the water. It’s a welcome respite on a hot summer’s day.
There’s more to see here than the initial waterfall though. Take the unmarked trail up the hill about a quarter of a mile to the remnants of a structure built by the Civilian Conservation Corps sometime between 1933 and 1942. Continue up the trail about another half mile through the forest where light barely filters through. Hikers will be walking alongside the stream most of the way. Cross over a small footbridge and discover Wildcat Branch Falls, a 30 foot high spectacular waterfall that cascades down the rocks. Be careful at these falls and don’t climb on the rocks. They are very slippery and several people have gotten hurt and lost their lives here.
Country Charm at Aunt Sue’s
Head on up Highway 11 about three more miles to Aunt Sue’s Country Corner. Aunt Sue’s has been around since 1954. It’s a popular spot with locals and travelers. In 2005 it was featured as a Travelocity favorite destination. Have a sandwich and cobbler in the restaurant which offers breakfast, lunch and dinner or grab a double scoop of Moose Tracks from the ice cream parlor and sit in one of the rocking chairs on the front porch listening to local musicians perform. There is a back stage area where guest cloggers perform frequently during the Spring and Summer. Shoppers can browse through the seven gift shops that feature glass, candle and wood items. Special events are held at Easter and Christmas.
Sitting in the rocking chair and watching people come and go the sun starts to fade. Reflecting on the day it’s easy to see why this is a favorite local spot.
For more information on Aunt Sue’s Country Corner visit their website:
This article was originally published at Suite101: Best Waterfall in South Carolina: Explore Wildcat Falls and Aunt Sue’s North of Greenville, SC http://www.suite101.com/content/hidden-waterfalls-and-country-charm-a122474#ixzz13m7Vs6wB
