Easy hikes and walks around Longcreek

The Long Creek Falls trail offers a refreshing, easy hike through a vibrant forest, culminating in a beautiful double-tiered waterfall. You'll wander beneath a lush canopy of hemlock and tulip poplar, surrounded by green moss and the soothing sound of Long Creek, making the 1.7-mile (2.7 km) round trip feel like a true escape. The main attraction, Long Creek Falls, cascades over 50 feet into a clear pool, providing a perfect spot to relax after the gentle 54 feet (17 metres) of elevation gain, which takes about 44 minutes.

This family-friendly and dog-friendly hike is easily accessible from the Long Creek Falls trailhead parking in the Three Forks valley. While it's a popular destination, especially on weekends, planning your visit for a weekday will allow for a more peaceful experience. The path is well-maintained, but keep an eye out for some exposed rock near the falls, adding a touch of natural ruggedness to this otherwise straightforward route.

Long Creek Falls holds a special place as one of the first attractions along the iconic Appalachian Trail (AT), sharing its path with the Benton MacKaye Trail (BMT) in this section. This connection makes it a popular stop for thru-hikers and offers the option to extend your adventure towards Springer Mountain, the southern terminus of the AT, for those seeking a longer journey through diverse terrain.

The Brasstown Falls Trail is a delightful journey through Sumter National Forest, leading you to a stunning series of waterfalls. You'll wind through dense hardwood forest, encountering the impressive Brasstown Cascades, the elegant Brasstown Veil, and the powerful Brasstown Sluice, all cascading a total of 120 feet. The path, recently upgraded with timber stairs and stone steps, makes for a pleasant and scenic walk, perfect for soaking in nature's beauty.

This easy 0.7-mile (1.2 km) hike, with a minimal 44 feet (13 metres) of elevation gain, can be completed in about 19 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a quick outing. While the trail is much improved, some sections to the lower falls are still steep, so wear appropriate footwear. Parking is available at the trailhead, and it's generally best to visit during daylight hours, keeping an eye on recent weather for potentially slippery conditions.

What truly sets this trail apart is the unique opportunity to experience multiple distinct waterfalls within such a short distance, including the charming Little Brasstown Falls. The base of Brasstown Cascades even offers a calm swimming hole, popular in warmer months. These extensive accessibility improvements have transformed it into a family-friendly destination, offering a tranquil escape into one of South Carolina's most picturesque natural settings.

Hike the easy 0.5 mile (0.9 km) Pinckney Branch Road trail in Sumter National Forest, a quick stroll through oak and pine forests.

Hike the easy 0.5-mile Dicks Creek Falls Trail to see a 60-foot waterfall plunging into the Chattooga River in Georgia.