Take on a longer and more difficult hike than the larger Upper Whitewater Falls just to the north and instead enjoy a tranquil river crossing and some quiet solitude on the trail to this classic South Carolina waterfall. If you're up for a real challenge you can take the Foothills Trail to explore both waterfalls on a much longer trek, but for this description we'll just be visiting the one.

The parking lot is massive but there weren't many other cars on the weekend I was here. The trailhead is at the end of the parking lot and although it says 1.7 miles to the Lower Falls Overlook, they mean once you join the Foothills Trail it's an additional 1.7 miles. Just after the trailhead, make a 90° turn to the left at the 4 way gravel intersection, staying on the more prominent path. The trail quickly enters a dense woods providing shade for the rest of the trail.

Drop down to the Whitewater River and cross it on a pair of bridges spanning the cool tumbling waters. The Foothills Trail is on the other side. Continue straight following the signs to the Lower Whitewater Falls. After a climb, the Foothills Trail splits away, leaving you back on the blue blazed trail.

Shortly afterward, the trail ends at a gravel parking lot. However, cross in front of the parking lot and you'll notice the blue-blazed posts heading down the gravel road to the left. Follow the road for less than .2 miles before it re-enters the woods to the right.

After another short climb, the trail begins heading downhill decently steep making a lovely return journey. At just over 2 miles the trail ends at a small observation platform, looking down the river at the Lower Whitewater Falls a good distance away. Falling over 200 feet over several cascades, the waterfall is impressive but the view is further away than those at the Upper Whitewater Falls.