Natural swimming hole
Wildcat Wayside - Lower Wildcat Branch Falls
Waterfall · South Carolina
Community-reported spot. Details below are compiled from public sources and are reported to be accurate — always verify locally before visiting.
About this swimming hole
Wildcat Wayside is a small roadside state park on Geer Highway in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, with three waterfalls on Wildcat Branch. The lower falls, visible from the road, drop about 25-30 feet into a shallow, sandy-bottomed pool that is a popular local swimming and wading hole in summer. A roughly one-mile loop trail continues past the middle and upper falls.
Good to know
| Water type | Waterfall |
|---|---|
| Depth | Shallow pool at the base of the lower falls, about knee-deep to adults with a sand bottom |
| Best season | May-September |
| Fees | Free |
| Reservations required | No |
| Hours | Daylight hours |
| Parking | Small roadside pull-off parking on Geer Highway (Highway 276); very limited and fills quickly on summer weekends |
| County | Greenville County |
| Nearest town | Cleveland |
| Safety notes | No lifeguard; no restrooms or picnic facilities at the wayside; slippery rocks; do not climb on the cliffs at the upper falls; flow varies greatly with rainfall |
Map
Nearby swimming holes
Frequently asked questions
Can you swim in Wildcat Wayside - Lower Wildcat Branch Falls?
Yes — Wildcat Wayside - Lower Wildcat Branch Falls is listed as a natural swimming spot in South Carolina. Heads-up: No lifeguard; no restrooms or picnic facilities at the wayside; slippery rocks; do not climb on the cliffs at the upper falls; flow varies greatly with rainfall. There are rarely lifeguards at natural swimming holes — verify conditions locally before you go.
Does Wildcat Wayside - Lower Wildcat Branch Falls require reservations?
No reservations are required at Wildcat Wayside - Lower Wildcat Branch Falls based on current information — but verify before you go.
Is there a fee to visit Wildcat Wayside - Lower Wildcat Branch Falls?
Reported fee info: Free. Fees can change — confirm with the official link.
When is the best time to visit Wildcat Wayside - Lower Wildcat Branch Falls?
The best season is typically May-September.