Submit a waterfall
✓ Sourced from the managing agency's own page

Laurel Fork Falls

📍 Salem, SC🥾 16.8 mi round trip · strenuous🎟 Devils Fork State Park admission (required to launch a boat toward the falls): $8 adults, $5 SC seniors, $4 children 6-15, under 5 free; free on Tuesdays

An 80-foot waterfall most commonly reached by private boat across Lake Jocassee, or via an 8.4-mile one-way hiking option.

DirectionsOfficial site

Getting there

strenuous16.8 mi round trip80 ftDog-friendly

Devils Fork State Park admission (required to launch a boat toward the falls): $8 adults, $5 SC seniors, $4 children 6-15, under 5 free; free on Tuesdays

Conditions

Loading current conditions…

Our take

Laurel Fork Falls is an 80-foot waterfall in a remote area of Sumter National Forest, accessible via Lake Jocassee. This is not a casual waterfall destination; it requires either a private boat or a full-day wilderness hike to reach.

The most common approach is by boat. You’ll need to pay admission to Devils Fork State Park ($8 for adults, $5 for South Carolina seniors, $4 for children ages 6–15, and free for children under 5; free admission on Tuesdays) to use the boat launch. From the Devils Fork boat ramp, you can navigate across Lake Jocassee to the falls. Boating conditions are most reliable from May through October.

If you prefer to hike, the Foothills Trail offers an 8.4-mile one-way route (16.8 miles round-trip), so plan for a full day of hiking. Dogs are welcome on trails. This waterfall is best suited for experienced recreationalists comfortable with backcountry access and water-based travel. If either a boat or a very long hike is beyond your scope, Laurel Fork Falls is likely not the right choice for your visit.

Planning your visit

Best time to go

May through October for safe boating conditions; hiking is possible year-round but requires full-day planning.

Who it suits

Good for

  • boating
  • long backcountry hikes
  • dogs

Skip it if

If you don't have access to a boat and are not prepared for a 16.8-mile hiking day.

Common questions

Is there a fee to visit Laurel Fork Falls?

Devils Fork State Park admission (required to launch a boat toward the falls): $8 adults, $5 SC seniors, $4 children 6-15, under 5 free; free on Tuesdays

How do I get to Laurel Fork Falls?

Via a 16.8-mile round-trip trail rated strenuous by the managing agency.

Can I bring my dog to Laurel Fork Falls?

Yes, per the managing agency's own page — but check current leash rules before you go.

Laurel Fork Falls in Sumter National Forest

We track 7 waterfalls in Sumter National Forest.

Other waterfalls near Salem

There are 6 other waterfalls we track in Oconee. All Sumter National Forest waterfalls →

Quick facts

Height80 ft
Trail16.8 mi round trip
Difficultystrenuous
Fee / permitDevils Fork State Park admission (required to launch a boat toward the falls): $8 adults, $5 SC seniors, $4 children 6-15, under 5 free; free on Tuesdays
Managing agencySouth Carolina State Parks — Devils Fork State Park (Lake Jocassee boat access); Foothills Trail overland access
DogsAllowed
SwimmingNot published
ADA accessNot published
CountyOconee
RegionSumter National Forest
Official pageView source ↗

Directions

Open in Google Maps ↗

Source

southcarolinaparks.com

Checked southcarolinaparks.com/devils-fork (2026-09-04) and sctrails.net/Trails/Trail/Laurel-Fork-Falls. Falls are most commonly reached by private boat across Lake Jocassee from the Devils Fork boat ramp, or via an 8.4-mile one-way hike on the Foothills Trail from US 178 (doubled for round-trip mileage above). No closure found on either source.

Checked September 2026.