Lee Falls Trail

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Length:	3 Miles
Difficulty:	Easy with a short difficult section
Rating (1-10):	5
More Information	http://www.sctrails.net/Trails/ALLTRAILS/Waterfalls/Leefalls.html

Lee Falls was once voted the "Most Scenic" waterfall in Oconee County, and there is no doubt that it is very beautiful. Interestingly enough, as beautiful as this waterfall is, and as long as people have been visiting here (about 170 years), there is not an official trail that leads to it! Of course, enough people have hiked to the waterfall to wear a rough trail, but don't expect signs or blazes to lead you along the way. Just finding the trailhead is an adventure in and of itself. Make sure before you go on this hike, that you take good directions to the trailhead, as well as a good map and directions to the falls.
	The trail starts just off of FS 715A, a gravel road that winds back through the forest. When you reach the culvert over Tamassee Creek, the parking lot and trailhead will be on your right. The trail begins as a gentle stroll through 4 Forest Service fields. After the 4th field, the trail leads into the forest to your right, and continues along Tamassee Creek, crossing in several places. In a couple places, you will have to ford the creek and unless you have waterproof boots, you can expect to get your feet wet.
At about 1 1/4 miles, the trail fades and becomes mostly indistinguishable. The final 1/4 mile you will be scrambling over moss covered rocks, around forest debris and through sloppy mud. At this point, the falls are just ahead, so stay along the creek. You should be very careful hiking here... this section of the hike can be extremely dangerous under certain conditions! But once you reach the waterfall, you will forget the extremely strenuous climb and enjoy one of the most beautiful waterfalls around.
	Just below the waterfall and to the left (going up), you might see what looks like a small stone structure. Local legend says it was a gold-smelting operation, but historians say it was more likely a lime kiln. If you pay close attention and keep your eyes open, you may see many different species of plants and animals that are rare to the area. Some of the plants you might see are, silver bells, phlox, yellow mandarins, wild geraniums, May apples, showy orchis. Some of the birds you might be lucky enough to see are migratory raptors, broad-winged hawks, peregrine falcons and bald eagles.
We would not recommend this hike for any of the following: Young children Beginner hikers People who are easily lost Anyone without waterproof boots Click here to see our pictures!