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2022 Market Review

Here’s the 2022 Market Review.

People would consider last year to be a rollercoaster year. Mortgage rates were near historic lows, buyer competition was fierce, and homes were selling at a breakneck pace, often with multiple binds and all-cash offers, due to pent-up demand and a shortage of housing supply, causing sales prices to soar to new heights.

But all that changed shortly after when the increase in mortgage rates began and hundreds of dollars added to people’s existing monthly mortgage payments, causing the housing affordability to plummet to its lowest level in decades.

Year-to-Year Comparison Report comparing 2021 to 2022.

The quantity sold increased by 2% going from 33,753 to almost 34,337.

The volume sold increased by 14% going from $10,114,053,877 to $11,568,805,796.

The average sale price increased by 11.9% going from $318,548 to $356,525.

The median sale price increased by 14% going from $265,000 to $302,187.

The Price Comparison Report

While the Year-to-Year report does a good job explaining the numbers how much they changed percentage wise, our second source is the Price Comparison Report. This report gives you a more specific look at the overall numbers for each year.

The Price Comparison Report for the years 2021 and 2022 in Greenville looking only at Sold Residential properties, we saw a decrease in home price and a decrease in days on market (DOM). As you can see from this chart, Days on Market declined in 2022 from the 2021 average.

Price Range	Sold 2021	Sold 2022	Average DOM 2021	Average DOM 2022
$0-$49,000	1,016	718	185	137
$50,000-$99,000	948	767	109	66
$100,000-$149,999	1,471	1,010	58	51
$150,000- $199,999	3,189	2,014	35	32
$200,000-$249,999	4,209	2,797	29	28
$250,000-$299,999	3,620	3,636	33	28
$300,000-$399,999	4,094	4,827	33	28
$400,000-$499,999	1,739	2,291	38	33
$500,000+	2,132	2,652	62	40

The Average Sale Price Sold average for 2022 was $356,525 which is significantly more than the 2021 Average Sales Price Sold average of $318,548. While the number of listings from 2021 to 2022 increased from 20,204 to 20,594.

The Cumulative Historical Statistics

The Cumulative Historical Statistics created by the Greater Greenville Association of Realtors® is the final source for our 2022 Market Review. According to these statistics, the Upstate has had a steady increase in units, volume, average price, and median price for the past five years.

These numbers are a representation of market activity but may not include all sales brokered by Member firms and should not be viewed as an all-inclusive of sales transacted within the referenced time periods.

Here are the 2022 numbers compared to last year (2021).

Year	Units	Average Price	Median Price	Average DOM
2022	16,647	$356,525	$302,187	27
2021	17,690	$318,516	$265,000	29

Here are the 2022 numbers compared to the 2016 numbers.

Year	Units	Average Price	Median Price	Average DOM
2021	17,690	$318,516	$265,000	32
2016	12,198	$212,306	$183,000	62

So, what does this mean for 2023?

Takeaway from SCR Annual Report on the South Carolina Housing Market:

Looking ahead to 2023, much depends on inflation, mortgage interest rates, and the broader state of the economy, although economists predict many of 2022’s housing trends will continue into the new year: home sales will soften, price growth will moderate, inventory will remain tight, and there will be greater variability between markets nationally, with some regions possibly seeing price declines while other, more affordable areas of the country remain in high demand and experience price growth.

NAR Declares Greenville-Anderson-Mauldin, South Carolina Real Estate Market as ‘One to Watch in 2023’:

NAR selected the top 10 real estate markets to watch in 2023 based on how they compared to the national average on the following economic indicators: 1) better housing affordability; 2) greater numbers of renters who can afford to buy a median-priced home; 3) stronger job growth; 4) faster growth of information industry jobs; 5) higher shares of the information industry in the respective local GDPs; 6) migration gains; 7) shares of workers teleworking; 8) faster population growth; 9) faster growth of active housing inventory; and 10) smaller housing shortages.

Prime Realty’s 2022 Residential & Commercial Review

Prime Realty’s residential team ranked no. 65 nationally for total volume sold as a firm! Selling 171 units in 2022, they ranked no. 51 nationally. Prime Realty team is ready for 2023!

Prime Realty’s commercial team reached almost $22 million in volume sold in 2022, establishing their national ranking at no. 41.

Find Your Dream Home in South Carolina

We hope you found this 2022 Market in Review helpful and informative.

If you’re in the market for real estate in South Carolina, be sure to check out our inventory site for available properties. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping you find your dream home, so please don’t hesitate to contact us with any questions or to schedule a showing. And remember, if you’re ready to take the next step in finding your new home, give us a call or visit our website to schedule a consultation with one of our expert agents today!

Resources

NAR Forecast

South Carolina Realtors

For this blog, we used the Residential Sales data from the MLS (Multiple Listing Service) for the Greater Greenville Association of REALTORS® (GGAR) to show you how the market in Greenville has changed over time. For more generic 2023 detailed forecast reports, visit Realtor and Zillow.

Day Trips Not Far from Greenville

Small minivan in front of a cliff overlooking the sky's sunset in preparation of day trips

Plan Your Next Day Trip in 2023

Greenville was in the limelight for most of 2022. Major publishers from Southern Living to Condé Nast Traveler wanted in on the action. We even had our own 60 minutes segment that aired Jan. 09 called “The Big Quit.” As a result, what was already a town that was beginning to gain traction, Greenville experienced a serious influx of new residents (17 a day), new developments, food & arts venues, and more! So, if all the hype drew you into our charming city, then let us show you all the places you can travel to for perfect day trips.

Asheville, North Carolina

Less than an hour away, this North Carolina town is nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Whether you wish to walk or drive, you can find easy access to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail. Renting cabins are popular in this area, especially during the winter months.

Athens, Georgia

Filled with a healthy dose of southern charm, Athens has on display a Victorian-era historic district filled with antebellum buildings that are accompanied by the lively arts and music scene perfect for day trips.

Atlanta, Georgia

Less than 2 hours away, Atlanta is one of the busiest towns South Carolina residents have access to. If you visit Atlanta, three places you should visit are the Georgia Aquarium, the World of Coca-Cola Museum, and the Atlanta Botanical Garden.

Greer, South Carolina

This city is known for its friendly small-town feel, especially in downtown across 12 blocks filled with shops and restaurants. During the summer months, you can catch live music performances every Friday. Greer is also home to the country’s only BMW manufacturing plant.

BMW Factory Tour

BMW Zentrum Museum offers this unique experience of stepping inside a working BMW factory. The museum is open to visitors throughout the week, but you’ll have to reserve that factory tour ahead of time if you’re interested. Among the museum’s treasure filled trove is state-of-the-art, rare, concept vehicles like the Isetta “Bubble Car.”

Charlotte, North Carolina

The modern downtown, described as Uptown by locals, is where you will find the bulk of the city’s best restaurants and retail stores. Surrounded by soaring skyscrapers and high-profile attractions, like the NASCAR Hall of Fame, you’re sure to be entertained.

Columbia, South Carolina

Did you know that South Carolina’s capital is often referred to as “The Real Southern Hot Spot”? Columbia offers trendy stores and fancy cocktail bars, and at the same time, offers a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage. If you’re travelling with your family, a family favorite is the Riverbanks Zoo and Garden.

Easley, South Carolina

Dubbed as the biggest city in Pickens County, Easley is at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains allowing visitors to enjoy many lakes, waterfalls, and scenic hiking trails. Every city in South Carolina has a bustling food and retail scene, but Easley specializes in a weekly farmers market and has plenty of antique stores to browse making it a perfect destination for day trips.

Fountain Inn, South Carolina

Fountain Inn received its name from a historic inn that served as an overnight stop for exhausted stagecoach travelers. Today, the town still offers tranquility to visitors who want a break from city life with plenty of parks, walking trails, and outdoor concerts held at Commerce Park during the summer.

Simpsonville, South Carolina

The city of Simpsonville has roots dating back to the 1820s. For visitors seeking a thrill, this city has a zipline canopy tour that takes you across the lush Green River Gorge. You can also get behind the wheel of a race car at the BMW performance Center, or whitewater raft down the Chattooga River. Take your pick.

Musgrove Mill Historic Site

Built in 1780, the site commemorates an important battle fought at that time and the history of the Revolutionary War. The park also boasts some of the best nature has to offer, including the Enoree River and Horseshoe Falls.

Paris Mountain State Park

A nature lovers paradise. Seriously. This historic park was constructed during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps and offers more than 1,500 acres of land for visitors to enjoy. You can do whatever your heart desires: mountain biking, hiking, picnicking, nature watching or swimming in the designated lake during the summer. Start planning your day trips now!

Pickens County

This area is still up and coming with a humble selection of restaurants and shops, but the highlight of the area is the Sassafras Mountain. It’s the highest natural point in the state, so when will this make your perfect day trips list?

We have two blogs sharing state parks and waterfalls in the state and surrounding areas that are worth checking out! Continue reading for some local favorite state parks.

Lake Hartwell State Park

There’s a high chance you have heard of the popular Lake Hartwell State Park. Georgia’s 56,000-acre Lake Hartwell surrounds the state park. This state park is suitable for people that enjoy recreational activities like playing basketball and fishing. This park has many paved campsites suitable for tents and RV camping at 115. Aside from those campsites are 13 walk-in tent sites, two camper cabins, one picnic shelter, and a 75-mile nature trail.

Croft State Park

A historic state park worth mentioning is Croft State Park. What used to be a WWII Army training camp now holds several recreational activities like biking, hiking, camping, fishing, and equestrian riding. For the avid equestrian, this park has over 20 miles of equestrian trails and houses equestrian events. Of the 7,054 acres of land, there are three picnic shelters, 50 campsites for tent and RV camping, over 20 miles of biking trails, and almost three miles of hiking trails. Lastly, Lake Craig spans 165 acres and is perfect for fishing. Paddling is also an advantage of the lake.

Table Rock State Park

Another park built by the Conservations Corps is Table Rock State Park. There are 94 campsites for tent or RV camping, four picnic shelters, and a swimming hole with a high dive that’s open in the Summer. There are two park lakes, the Pinnacle Lake and Lake Oolenoy amounting to 103 acres of the total 3,083 acres (about twice the area of Philadelphia Airport) of the park.

Pigeon Forge, Tennessee

Home of the infamous Dolly Parton’s amusement park, Dollywood, Pigeon Forge is a lively mountain town for country music fans and mountain lovers alike. What many people don’t realize is that this mountain town hosts several annual car shows, like the Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Club Invasion. “With over 43,000 people (about twice the seating capacity of Madison Square Garden) in attendance and 20,000 Jeeps over the 3-day event, GSMJI 2022 shattered previous years’ records in attendance.” It is a car enthusiasts’ paradise and an ideal destination for day trips.

South Carolina Botanical Garden

This 295-acre sanctuary for a diverse collection of plant life is on Clemson University’s campus and has no admission fee. Visitors have the choice to use the garden’s 3 mile of nature trails, check out the geology museum, or visit the Hanover House; a house built during the early 18th century.

The Anderson County Museum

The museum is home to more than 25,000 artifacts that show off the county’s history. You can also learn more about the history of South Carolina and engage in family-friendly activities the museum offers like scavenger hunts and interactive games.

Travelers Rest

The name of this city has an interesting backstory. Because TR is located near the start of the Appalachian Trail, travelers would rest in TR before starting or continuing their journey, hence Travelers Rest. This small town has plenty to highlight. Although the downtown area is not vast, several retail stores, restaurants and souvenir shops are sprinkled along the street. What is new in Travelers Rest are the two brand new wineries: Eagle Mountain Vineyards and Kennington Family Winery.

Check Out More Prime Realty Blogs About Upstate South Carolina

Day trips are good for the soul! If you are looking for recommendations of more places to go or things to do, check out Prime Realty’s blog all about the Upstate of South Carolina. If you want to learn more about some local favorites in the Upstate, our real estate agents would love to share their personal favorites with you! What is more exciting? The New York Times kicked off the start of 2023 by featuring an article, “52 Places for travelers to Visit in 2023.” Not one, but two South Carolina cities made the list! Greenville and Charleston.

Dog Friendly Places in Greenville

State Parks Not Far from Greenville

Happy Hours Around Town

Waterfalls in Upstate, South Carolina

Photos are sourced from various websites like SC Picture Project, GVL journal, and respective official city webpages along with stock image sourcing.

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Winter in the Carolinas

New Year’s Day Festivities in the Carolinas & Tennessee

New Year’s Eve Celebration and Fireworks Show

Sat, Dec 31

Gatlinburg Space Needle

115 Historic Nature Trail, Gatlinburg, TN

New Year’s Eve Family Night

Dec 31, 2022, 7 PM – Jan 1, 2023, 12 AM

Beech Mountain Ski Resort

1007 Beech Mountain Pkwy, Beech Mountain, NC

New Year’s Eve Celebration at The Island

Dec 31, 2022, 10 AM – Jan 1, 2023, 12 AM

The Island in Pigeon Forge

131 The Island Dr, Pigeon Forge, TN

Happy 2023! Fireworks Show!

Sat, Dec 31

Newberry / I-26 / Sumter NF KOA Journey

567 Fairview Church Rd, Kinards, SC

Juniper New Year’s Eve Rooftop Masquerade

Sat, Dec 31, 8:30 PM

AC Hotel by Marriott Greenville • Greenville, SC

Starts at $150.00

New Year’s Eve 2023 Southern Gala

Sat, Dec 31, 8:30 PM

Commerce Club – Greenville • Greenville, SC

Starts at $100.00

Hoppin’ New Year’s Eve Party!

Sat, Dec 31, 8:00 PM

Hoppin’ • Greenville, SC

Starts at $85.00

New Year’s Eve Bar Crawl – Greenville

Sat, Dec 31, 4:00 PM

NYE at Ink n Ivy Greenville

Sat, Dec 31, 9:30 PM

Ink N Ivy Greenville • Greenville, SC

Starts at $20.00

Holiday Light Shows in the Upstate

Upstate Holiday Light Show

November 24 through December 31

6:00pm-10/11:00pm | $35 to drive through

Holiday Lights Safari

November 22 through January 1

6:00pm -9:00pm | $10 per adult/child

Anderson Christmas Lights

November 24 through December 25

5:30pm-10pm | $35 to drive through

Winter Activity Alternatives

Snow Tubing in Hendersonville, NC

Winter Hikes

Waterfalls

Ice on Main

November 24 through January 16

Open 7 days a week, excluding Christmas Day. | $10 Adults, $8 Children FREE for children 2 and younger

Holidays at the Zoo

December 15-30 at the Greenville Zoo

3pm-8pm

Visit The Toasty Farmer at Brewery85

This is the seventh season for the Toasty Farmer, which runs December 3 through March 2023 every Saturday, except for some additional select dates.

Prime Realty is Eager to Assist the Upstate of South Carolina

Are you looking to buy or sell in the Upstate of South Carolina? Then list your home with Prime Realty. We can deliver Prime Results in Prime Time.

As a boutique firm, we pride ourselves in delivering that personal touch for you. Not only will our dedicated agents make you their #1 priority, but we can also provide services that will accelerate the sale like home staging. Learn more on our About page or visit our inventory site that is in sync with the MLS, which means as soon as a listing enters the market it will be featured on our Live Greenville site.

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Why Prime Agents Love the Upstate of S.C.

According to the people who live here (and a few national publications) the Upstate is one of the best and friendliest places to be, but what makes it the best? We decided to ask the people who know the area best, our agents! Below are responses from a select amount of our Prime agents.

Question 1: Why do you love the Upstate of South Carolina?

Jackie Dowling: “I love the Upstate because it is close to the mountains and close to the beach! You can take a day trip to either!”

Lindsay Jasionowski: “I love that the Upstate offers “big city” experiences, yet still manages to feel like a small-town home. The upstate is very passionate about keeping things local. Almost all of the restaurants are sourced by local farms, small businesses selling products produced by local artists and designers. And my favorite of all, the amount of people who spend time outdoors – running, biking, walking, hiking – rain or shine, you can almost guarantee to see activity around you.”

Tracy Tate: “I love the Upstate of South Carolina because of the people that live here. I am originally from here, but I love that so many people have found our great area and love it enough to move here. People are kind and helpful.”

Sierra Wright: “I love the location! Greenville SC is driving distance to the beach, the mountains, and also bigger cities. The climate is always nice, and cost of living is lower than up north and the West Coast.”

Mary Krcelic: “The Upstate has been my home for over 35 years. Love it because of the closeness to so many other places, activities, change of seasons, football and because Greenville is amazing!”

Matt Poole: “I love the Upstate because of its proximity to so many things. Hiking, Lakes, the beach, Charlotte, and Atlanta are all within a couple of hours. I also love that there is so much you can do and with so many new businesses and companies coming into the area, that list continues to grow.”

Rebecca Henderson: “It’s the best location! Close enough to the mountains for a day hike and lakes/beach for some fun on the water, our area has something to offer in all seasons.”

Amy McMahan: “I love the smaller town living. The proximity to the mountains and the beach makes it a great place to live.”

Erin Halperin: “Accessibility to mountains, coast, ATL, Asheville, Charlotte without the price tags.”

Question 2: What is your favorite place in Upstate S.C.?

Rebecca Henderson: “How am I supposed to choose one?! If I had to choose, it would be the Greenville Zoo!! I have adored and been fascinated by animals all my life, so the zoo is a very happy place for me. A close second is the Roper Mountain planetarium…call me crazy but the illusion of experiencing galaxies far far away is hypnotic. Having gone there as a kid for many field trips, there’s something a little nostalgic there as well.”

Matt Poole: “My favorite place in the Upstate is Downtown Greenville. I love the food scene and the vibe that downtown provides. It is a beautiful place to walk around, shop, enjoy good food and good times with your friends and family.”

Mary Krcelic: “I love Downtown Greer. There are so many cute places and wonderful restaurants. I also love Landrum and it’s cute downtown.”

Sierra Wright: “The Swamp Rabbit Trail is the best place for walking and bicycling, it is also very relaxing!”

Erin Halperin: “Anywhere outside, but the Swamp Rabbit Café has amazing local groceries and delicious treats!”

Tracy Tate: “I love Paris Mountain. It is beautiful and a short drive from my home.”

Lindsay Jasionowski: “Falls Park – How many states have a massive waterfall nestles right into the heart of the City?!”

Jackie Dowling: “The Children’s Museum! We frequent often and love the ever-changing exhibits. It’s fun for all ages.”

Amy McMahan: “Downtown!”

Question 3: What is your favorite thing to do in the Upstate of South Carolina?

Tracy Tate: “I am a runner, so my friends and I make great use of the Swamp Rabbit Trail. We met at the Swamp Rabbit Cafe, get our miles in and then have breakfast.”

Amy McMahan: “We live to walk downtown and have lunch and shop!”

Matt Poole: “My favorite thing to do in the Upstate is driving. I know that sounds weird, but there are so many amazing places around that you see so much. Taking a drive down Highway 11 at the base of the mountains in the fall or around Keowee in the Summer or through many of the small towns. There is just so much to see and enjoy.”

Rebecca Henderson: “Eat! So many incredible places to enjoy a great meal, from the local family-owned kitchen to the national chains; there’s something for everyone!!”

Jackie Dowling: “Go hiking or biking along the Swamp Rabbit Trail.”

Lindsay Jasionowski: “Explore the outdoors!!”

Erin Halperin: “Walk or bike the trail”

Sierra Wright: “Travel to the beach and enjoy the events Downtown Greenville.”

Mary Krcelic: “I love all of the events in Greenville, some of my favorites are Fall for Greenville and Euphoria.”

City of Greenville South Carolina - Greenville Realty

Check Out More Prime Realty Blogs About South Carolina

If you are looking for recommendations of more places to go or things to do, check out Prime Realty’s other blogs all about the Upstate of South Carolina, linked below. If you are thinking about relocating here or just moving to a different area, contact one of our Upstate real estate agents today!

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Matt Poole’s Agent Spotlight

Matt Poole real estate agent in Greenville, South Carolina

Real Estate Agent Spotlight: About Matt

For our third real estate agent spotlight, we are featuring Matt Poole.

How It Started

Prime Realty: Why did you decide to become a Realtor?

Matt Poole: I wanted to be my own business owner. I have an entrepreneurial mindset and I love having the ability to set my own schedule for the day. That flexibility with my love for real estate and people just made for a perfect storm of interests that led me to getting my license and taking me to where I am today.

PR: What were you doing before Real Estate?

Matt Poole: I was working as the Deputy Director of Short-Term Finance for a lender here in Greenville. I worked my way up through that company in about 3 years and was running the day-to-day operations of one of our underwriting departments. It was a great opportunity to learn the real estate investment side of the business and learn management. It provided me a great foundation for the transition into being a Realtor.

PR: For people who aren’t local, tell us about where you live and why you’re the most ideal Realtor.

Matt Poole: I was born and raised in the Greenville area. I lived in Mauldin and Simpsonville for most of my life and I have lived in Anderson too. Being a native, I have seen the Upstate grow and I know all the details about this area. Whether its recreation, history, the food scene, sports, entertainment, or anything in between, I have knowledge of all of it. In addition to knowledge of the area, my experience in real estate lending gives me a unique perspective. Since I have worked on both sides of the transaction, that gives me an advantage because I can speak that language and really set expectations for my clients for both sides of the transaction.

More About Matt

PR: What is your favorite aspect about being a Realtor?

Matt Poole: The people! I love meeting people from all different parts of the country, all different walks of life, all in different situations. You learn so much about these people and become friends with them. I think it is important because you are being trusted to help them through the biggest purchase of their life. And at the end of it, keeping in touch and hearing all the fun stories is more rewarding than any paycheck. I also love that I get to just be a listening ear too. Some people have been through tough times and if I can just be a friendly face and let them know that things will be okay, then I have done my job.

PR: What’s been the most impactful part of your job as a Realtor?

Matt Poole: Two things: Making a difference in the lives of the clients I meet and helping them transition into a new home and sometimes a new area. The second, and equally important to me is making a difference in the lives of the people at Prime Realty. I love helping our new agents get going, being a resource for people in the office, and just paying my knowledge and experience forward so others can succeed. Those two things are what keep me going every day in this industry.

PR: Tell us the positive changes you’ve personally witnessed since becoming a Realtor, and about any industry standards or ethics that surprised you in a good way?

Matt Poole: One of the biggest positive changes I have seen in myself is confidence and the ability to connect with people, no matter their walk of life, situation, or personality. I have found a true passion for connecting with people through this job. And more on a professional level, the positive changes I have seen in Greenville with the growth, both in the housing industry and in just the economy. I watch those statistics firsthand every month and year and being a native from Greenville, it is fascinating, and I love knowing that I have been a part of it.

Click Here to Watch Matt’s YouTube Video

PR: You’ve been in the industry long enough to share some advice. What’s the most important piece of advice you would want to share with someone who is interested in becoming a Realtor?

Matt Poole: Do not treat this like any other position. You are a business owner, and you must treat it as such in order to be successful. This is not a 9-5 and you must be ready to work hard and do the behind the scenes work like marketing, calling people, networking and much more. If you have that mindset, you will come into this industry and you will see success.

PR: What advances in the industry have you been able to accomplish since joining Prime Realty?

Matt Poole: The most recent one was getting my Real Estate Broker’s license. That was a goal of mine since the first day I got my salesperson license. I have always wanted to move my way up and earn a spot with the company that allowed me the opportunity to manage and train new agents so they can be successful like myself, and many others.

How It’s Going

PR: What’s it like being on the PR team?

Matt Poole: It’s like working with a big family. Everyone helps everyone and we try to ensure the success of everyone around us. It isn’t “cutthroat” or all about one person. And this mentality has really allowed Prime to have so much success in such a short amount of time. I could not imagine selling real estate with anyone else.

PR: Do you wish you entered the field earlier or do you think when you started was perfect timing?

Matt Poole: I think I entered at the right time. My time in real estate lending prior to becoming a Realtor helped me have a solid foundation of knowledge before getting my license so the learning curve was easier and I understood the language and the business better. This helped me have a strong year 1 and that success carried me into the next years up until now.

Find Your Dream Home in South Carolina

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Lindsay Jasionowski’s Agent Spotlight

Prime Realty Real Estate Agent, Lindsay Jasionowski in Greenville, South Carolina

When Lindsay moved from Ohio to South Carolina in 2017, the journey that was waiting for her arrival is not one that even she could have predicted.

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Waterfalls in Upstate South Carolina

Picture of a waterfalls within a mountains-cape

Your Guide to Waterfalls in Upstate S.C.

It’s finally that time of year when the weather is getting nice and it’s starting to warm up in the Upstate of South Carolina. It’s no secret that the Upstate is full of waterfalls, but did you know we are known for having one of the highest concentration of waterfalls in the United States? The specific area is called the Blue Ridge Escarpment, also known as “The Blue Wall.” The Blue Wall rises 3,554 feet at its highest peak and spans around 20,000 acres through South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Many of the waterfalls are located in Oconee, Pickens, and Greenville Counties, this area has an average rain fall of 80 inches which creates beautiful rushing waterfalls. We did some reading and spoke to a couple of locals to create a list of a of waterfalls in each area of the Upstate that are perfect for every kind of adventurer!

Click on the section heading to be directed to one of the many state parks found in that county.

Oconee County Falls

Oconee County is also known as “The Golden Corner” and it runs along the Chattooga River and marks the border between South Carolina and Georgia.

Bee Cove Falls: This waterfall is divided into four sections. The hiking distance is about 2 miles to see all four and the hike is considered difficult.
- #1. 40 foot waterfall
- #2. 30 foot waterfall
- #3. 40 foot waterfall
- #4. 20 foot waterfall
Big Bend Falls: This 30 foot waterfall gets its name from the hairpin curve where it is located on the Chattooga River just before the falls. The hike to Big Bend is almost three miles and is considered an easy hike. The shoreline of the river below the falls is beachy and boulders where you can relax, have a snack, or take a swim after your hike.
Brasstown Falls: This series of three waterfalls is located on the edge of Sumter National Forrest. It is a quick hike, only .3 miles to see all three but is not recommended for new hikers!
- Cascades: 50 feet
- Veil: 35 feet
- Sluice: 35 feet
Disappearing Falls: This 12 foot waterfall is one of the more interesting waterfalls in the upstate. At first glance, it appears to be a small stream, but when you get closer there is a 12 foot drop over a black granite rock, the water ends up in an underground stream.
Hidden Falls: This 60 foot waterfall is best viewed after a rainy day and was unnamed until 1995. The hiking distance is a little over two miles and is considered a moderate hike.
Issaqueena Falls: This 100 foot waterfall is one of the easiest to access in South Carolina. Just a 10 minute hike, perfect for all kinds of hikers!
Whitewater Falls: This 200 foot waterfall is located north of Salem. There are two major falls, and it is considered the highest series of falls in North America.

Pickens County Falls

Pickens County is known as the upper Eastatoee Valley. Eastatoee is a Cherokee word that translates to Valley of the Green Bird, which is a reference to the now extinct Carolina Parakeet. Pickens County is located he northwest part of the U.S. state of South Carolina, between Greenville and Clemson and up to the North Carolina border.

Carrick Creek Falls: This 15 foot waterfall is an easy .2 miles hike in Table Rock State Park.
Eastatoee Gorge Falls: This 25 foot waterfall is an amazing sight after a difficult 2.5 mile hike. The fall is at the point where the 15 foot wide river is forced into a three-foot-wide sluice.
Gauley Falls (also known as Sliding Rock Falls): This is a 12 foot waterfall that is made up of a series of large boulders that the water flows over. There is no need to hike to get here, it is located right off the golf course at The Rock at Jocassee.
Mill Creek Falls: This waterfall is divided into two parts, upper and lower.
- Upper: This 25 foot waterfall is about a three mile hike that will take you to the bottom of the falls so you can look straight up at it.
- Lower: This 50 foot waterfall is technically located on private property, but can be seen taking a quick road side break on your way to Table Rock State Park.
Pinnacle Mountain Falls: This 100 foot waterfall is a 1.4 mile hike through a rough trail but is totally worth the view. This multi-tiered waterfall runs over rocks and fallen trees.
Todd Creek Falls: This 20 foot waterfall is breathtaking and only a 20 minute hike.
Twin Falls: This 75 foot waterfall is located an easy ¼ of a mile hike, it even has a viewing deck with seating. If you visit after a heavy rain, you can sometimes see a third waterfall to the right of the falls.

Greenville County Falls

Greenville County is located north of Pickens and Oconee Counties. The waterfalls in this area are surrounded by a rich history of mountaineers in the Upstate.

Ashmore Falls: This 150 foot waterfall is located in the Ashmore Heritage Preserve. While it is only a short walk to be able to see the waterfalls, if you want to get a closer look, you’d have to hike a bit further into the steep terrain.
Drip Rock Falls: This 12 foot waterfall is located right on the side of the road and is best viewed during the winter months. The slow flowing water creates beautiful large icicles in the winter.
Falls Creek Falls (not to be confused to Fall Creek Falls): This 125 foot waterfall is a 1.2 mile hard hike in Westminster, SC and is one of the most unique waterfalls in the Upstate.
Firewater Falls: This 20 foot waterfall is located 1 mile into a Caesars Head State Park. The name came from an old moonshine still that once was on top of the granite shelf.
Jones Gap Falls: This 50 foot hike is located only one mile down a well maintained hiking trail. The water flows over many multi-colored ledges of granite.
Mashbox Falls: This 80 foot waterfall is a difficult hour long hike near Caesars Head State Park. This waterfall location is interesting because of the mashbox and two 55-gallon water drums used for making moonshine that are stuck in the ground around 300 feet from the base of the waterfall.
Rainbow Falls: This 140 foot waterfall is located a hard half mile hike in Cox Camp Creek. The hard hike is worth it to see this beautiful thin ribbon of water falling and swaying in the wind.
Reedy River Falls: This 28 foot waterfall is located in the heart of downtown Greenville. If you want to take a long or short walk on the Swamp Rabbit Trail to check it out, this waterfall is hard to miss.

There are a so many great waterfalls to visit in the Upstate. We only picked some local favorites, there are so many more to choose from! Hopefully, we’ve inspired you to visit these beautiful Upstate waterfalls for yourself. If you enjoyed this guide, please share it with other hikers and lovers of the great outdoors and check out some of our other guides to the Upstate. Happy adventuring!