This 80-foot high waterfall is located at the head of a narrow cove at the NE tip of the Toxaway River arm of Lake Jocassee.  It can best be reached by a boat launched at the Devil's Fork State Park main boat ramp.  Once you navigate into Laurel Fork Creek cove and catch the initial view of the falls, find the crescent-shaped grotto behind the rocky tower. The waterfall goes into hiding until you round the last of the crescent, then, suddenly, it flares out into mid-air before plunging into the lake. Hiking into the waterfall involves a strenuous five-to-six hour hike of 8.4 miles from US 178 on the Foothills Trail. You will follow Laurel Creek and at times crisscrossing the stream on permanent bridges and at one point a suspension bridge.An overnight trip is suggested.  Wear bright colors during hunting season. GPS Waypoints Lat: 35.0 Lon: -82.894 DIRECTIONS Lake Access (by boat 1. From Walhalla, drive NORTHEAST on SC 11 (Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway) for approximately 15 miles and turn LEFT onto Jocassee Lake Road (Oconee County S-37-25). 2. Drive approximately 4 miles to the Devil's Fork State Park main boat ramp 3. Once on Lake Jocassee, follow the Toxaway River arm of the lake NORTH, turning RIGHT(east) into the Laurel Fork Creek finger of the Toxaway arm. 4. Two views of the 80-foot drop of Laurel Fork Falls are available from the lake: A frontal view from the end of the cove or a superb profile of the waterfall from a grotto that crescents to the right from the end of the cove. Foothills Trail Access to Laurel Fork Fall 1. From Pickens, drive NORTH on US 178 for approximately 16.5 miles and turn LEFT onto Laurel Valley Road (Pickens County S-39-237), take the gravel road to the RIGHT. 2. Drive 0.5 mile to the Foothills Trail Laurel Valley Access parking lot on LEFT. 3. Walk up the road to access the Foothills Trail and hike 8.4 miles to the fal. As we just provide information, if you have a question regarding a particular trail, it is best to contact the source listed. We encourage good stewardship of our natural resources.Be prepared for your outing and Leave No Trace of your visit. For more hiking and waterfall trips, check out the publications of Milestone Press. Disclaimer The information on this website is used entirely at the reader's discretion, and is made available on the expressed condition that no liability, expressed or implied, is accepted by Discover Upcountry Carolina Association or any of its associates, employees or affiliates for the accuracy, content or use thereof. Links to other websites from this website do not imply endorsement by Discover Upcountry Carolina Association.

 

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