Silver Run Falls is a 30-foot waterfall near Cashiers, North Carolina. I’m marking it as an attraction because there’s no real hiking necessary to access the lower falls and the swimming hole. You can park your car and follow the short, gravel pathway to the pool. If you choose to make your way to the upper falls, then this is a real trail that you should be prepared for.
There is a sign that you can’t miss at the gravel pull-off. Park anywhere as long as you’re not impeding traffic. This place is very popular during warmer months when tourists are visiting the mountains. I’ve always driven past it because it’s too hard to find a place to park. On this day, I had the whole place to myself. I guess that’s the benefit of visiting when it’s snowing in the south and everyone is busy hoarding break and milk.
There’s not much to tell about this hike. There are no blazes or other trail markings, but the pathways are well-trod and easy to follow. To access the upper falls, you can climb a gnarly looking root system (which I did) or you can walk to the left of the roots and take a more manageable trail up the mountain.
Doesn’t this look like fun?
The walk isn’t very long or difficult, but there are thorn vines everywhere. Be careful what you brush up against. This was one of the few times I was too timid to wear my ultralight down jacket for fear of ripping the nylon.
Although this hike only involves walking a few hundred yards or so, you get A maximum payoff for minimal effort. I recommend visiting in the summer and swimming in the pool at the base of the lower falls. Bring a picnic and spend the day exploring the area.
I learned about this waterfall from the book, Waterfall Hikes of Upstate South Carolina.
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