I’m struggling a bit with how to describe Upper Sloan Bridge Falls. I rated the hike to this falls just after getting back from the hike, and rated it as a moderate/difficult hike. Considering that the whole hike is only 0.7 miles round trip, you might wonder how it could be difficult.

It’s often easy to focus on length of hike, and not as much on vertical climb. I try to look at both…If you see a hike is 1 mile one-way, but there’s a 600′ elevation gain, you better be ready for a tough hike. In this case, it’s the last hundred feet or so! In that hundred feet, you’re going to descend about 100′. (Don’t quote me on the exact number, but it’s steep.) When I first saw the falls, I couldn’t actually see where the descent “ended”. Only after getting a bit closer did I discover that it was “possible” to get to the base of the falls.

After getting to the base of the falls (which in some ways is more difficult), you have to get back up. I had hiked to a few other waterfalls earlier that day, and to come to this steep descent and return, I wore myself out.  Since I was so close to the Lower Falls and Hiker’s Peril, I went further, but I was ready to get back into the car and go to my hotel to rest!

Directions:

1. I arrived by heading north on SC-107. About 1 mile before SC-107 crosses over into North Carolina, you’ll find the parking area for the creek/falls on your left. There will be a sign, which I believe will mention the Sloan Bridge Campground.
2. After parking, head to your left toward the trail. The trail you’re on is part of a larger trail that connects to other points of interest.

Accessibility: 3/10 (moderate/difficult)
Height: 45′ (total, individual drops are smaller)
Length of Hike: 0.7 miles round-trip

Where in the World is Upper Sloan Bridge Falls?