Camp Branch Falls (Chattooga)

Camp Branch Falls is a 20-foot waterfall on its namesake, a tributary of Chattooga River in Oconee County, South Carolina.  The waterfall is located in Sumter National Forest.

Hike Length: 2.2 miles
Estimated Time: 1 to 2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate

Location: Andrew Pickens Ranger District of Sumter National Forest

Trail Users: Hiking only
Dogs: Yes
Features: Waterfalls (1)
Crowds: Moderate
Warnings: The rocks around waterfalls are slippery.  There is no trail to the base of the waterfall and its a steep bushwhack through briars.

Trailhead GPS: 34.77363,-83.30472
Waterfall GPS: 34.76452,-83.30896

Directions:

From Westminster, head west on US-76 for about 13 miles and turn left on Damascus Church Road.  In 0.8 miles, turn right on Battle Creek Road and go 1.8 miles to a right turn on gravel Turkey Ridge Road/Forest Road-755.  Drive 2.3 miles to a pull-off on the right.

Map:

Hike Description:

The trailhead for Opossum Creek Trail (#5203) starts a few feet back up the road.  The trail heads downhill following Camp Branch towards Chattooga River.  In 1.1 miles, the you should hear the waterfall off to the left and maybe see it if the foliage is down.  There's no trail and it's quite steep with briers to reach the base.

The trail continues on to Opossum Creek Falls.

Blog Entries:

01-Jan-2022: First Day Hike at Opossum Creek Falls

External Links:

US Forest Service website: https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/scnfs/recarea/?recid=47107