The Lower Whitewater Falls trail and the Coon Branch Natural Area are located within the Duke Power's Bad Creek Hydroelectric station. You can find the trailhead fairly easily by turning north on SC 130 from SC 11 and driving about 10 miles. The Duke Power station will be on your right, just before the state line. You will have to enter a gated road, then follow the signs to the trailhead.

This area, which is all owned by Duke Power, is very, very beautiful. From the parking area and the beginning of the trail, you can see wide views to the south across the flatlands and Lake Jocasee. Thanks to Duke Power for opening this area to the public and making these trails available for hiking!

The first 1/2 mile of this hike is a short spur trail, giving the Foothills trail access to the parking area. This 1/2 mile is through open fields and new forest growth, and will crest a small hill before reaching the Whitewater river. Just before the trail crosses the river, the Coon Branch Trail branches to the left. This very flat and easy trail leads through thick forest and towering hemlocks before reaching the Coon Branch Natural Area.

The Coon Branch Natural Area is a small (20 acre) area of virgin forest, which is very rare in SC. You won't reach the area until the very end of the trail, but the forest all along the trail is all old growth. The trail is very easy to follow, as it parallels the Whitewater river all the way. Eventually, the trail will dead end into the river and that is the cue that you've reached the end. The largest Frasier Magnolia in the state grows here; 6 feet around and 86 feet tall.

As you return to the spur trail, keep an eye to your left, across the river and you might see signs of the Foothills trail. The foothills trail parallels the Whitewater river also, but on the opposite bank. At the intersection where you turned onto the Coon Branch trail, you will turn left to continue on the spur trail and cross the river. Once across the river, you will notice a information sign and the white blazed Foothills trail branching to your left. You should continue straight on the Foothills trail if you want to reach the lower Whitewater falls trail.

Most of the remaining hike is on the Foothills trail, and is relatively easy to moderate. be sure to watch for blazes and signs over the last 1/2 mile as the trail leads through woods, old paths and roadbeds. After a rather steep drop over the last 1/4 mile, the trail leads to a observation platform that gives a distant, but good view of the Lower Whitewater falls. Overall, this is a very good and rewarding hike.

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