A 50-foot waterfall in Sumter National Forest with a moderate 2-mile hike and no day-use fee.
No day-use fee documented for this trailhead; adjoining picnic area open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. year-round
Loading current conditions…
Water flow reduced during dry periods per USFS description; winter offers views toward Walhalla when trees are bare.
Yellow Branch Falls is a 50-foot waterfall in Sumter National Forest near Walhalla. The hike to reach it is 2 miles round-trip and is rated moderate in difficulty. There is no day-use fee for this trailhead, making it a budget-friendly option in the national forest.
Water flow depends on recent rainfall; during extreme dry periods, the falls may reduce significantly. Planning a visit after rain will give you the best water volume. The U.S. Forest Service notes that winter offers an interesting alternative perspective, with bare trees providing views toward Walhalla in the distance. Dogs are welcome on the trail year-round.
The moderate distance and no-fee access make this a straightforward, accessible option for hikers looking for a moderate-difficulty waterfall hike without state park admission costs. Combine it with other nearby forest trails for a full outing in the Chattooga watershed area.
Year-round; water flow is reduced during dry periods. Winter offers views toward Walhalla when trees are bare.
If you prefer hikes with reliable water flow; extreme dry conditions can significantly reduce the falls.
No day-use fee documented for this trailhead; adjoining picnic area open 6 a.m.-10 p.m. year-round
Via a 2-mile round-trip trail rated moderate by the managing agency.
Yes, per the managing agency's own page — but check current leash rules before you go.
We track 7 waterfalls in Sumter National Forest.
There are 6 other waterfalls we track in Oconee. All Sumter National Forest waterfalls →
fs.usda.gov
Checked fs.usda.gov Yellow Branch Falls recreation page (2026-09-04); cross-referenced via sctrails.net. No closures found for this trail among current Sumter NF alerts.
Checked September 2026.