Issaqueena Falls

Issaqueena Falls is a 100-foot cascade named after a legendary Cherokee maiden who reportedly leapt from the top to escape pursuers, hiding on a ledge behind the falls. The water slides and cascades down a series of rock steps through a forest of hardwoods and rhododendron in the Sumter National Forest. The falls have a graceful, multi-tiered character.

An easy 0.2-mile path leads from the parking area to an observation platform overlooking the falls. The trail is short enough for almost anyone, taking about 15 minutes at a leisurely pace. A steeper unofficial trail descends to the base of the falls for those wanting a closer look.

The falls run best after rain and during spring. The location near Walhalla makes this an easy addition to a day exploring the waterfalls of Oconee County. Stumphouse Tunnel, a historic unfinished railroad tunnel, is located just across the road and worth a quick visit.