Moonshine Falls Hiking Guide In Upstate South Carolina

Moonshine Falls is a surprisingly impressive waterfall that's a little more off the beaten path than many hiking trails in the Upstate region of South Carolina. The trails used to reach the falls cover a refreshing mix of terrain and flora, and the route is rarely crowded with many other hikers. Unlike most of the hiking trails in the area, there isn't too much of a gain in elevation for this 5.3 mile trip, making it a fairly moderate hike. However, the falls and the majority of hike is located on the property of Ashbury Hills Methodist Youth Camp, and hikers must get permission to use the trails before arriving. The camp offers hikers a free map of the trail that is nice to have but not terribly detailed.

This is an in and out hike to Moonshine Falls and back, following red blazes all the way. Due in part to the fact that the trails are not maintained by any park authority however, the trail to Moonshine Falls is not very well marked at all. It's still very navigable, but it is useful to have a couple of trail descriptions with you and pay good attention to landmarks as you go to assure you on your return to the trail head. If you're concerned, you might ask for tips from the staff at the camp office.

After parking at the very end of the long road into the camp, the trail head can be found past the basketball court to the right of the pump house. The first portion of the trail is well marked, pointing you along the way until you are on a well maintained path traveling north. You'll be sticking with this route until you cross Matthews Creek. Along the way, take note of the numerous unmarked side trails so that you don't get mixed up hiking back. This portion of the hike makes for pretty leisurely hiking, and the mountain laurel on either side of the trail is very nice when in bloom during the late spring and early summer.

The last side trail you'll see will branch of sharply to the right. I believe this is the gold trail, a short circuit hike for the campers. Be sure to stay on course with the main trail bearing left. The trail becomes a little less worn at this point and begins winding off to the wilderness a bit. Note the wooden markers that appear every quarter mile or so. Eventually the trail will make it's way to Matthews Creek, which you will cross on cable bridge. A cable bridge consists of two cables, one which you hold on to at shoulder level, and the other which you shuffle across with your feet. It's very easy if you are able bodied.

The trail will now meet up with the pink blazed nature trail coming down from Ravens Cliff Falls. Take a right when you meet this trail and follow along as you veer away from the creek and up into a few hills. This portion of the hike is a great section for spotting wildflowers. Eventually, there will be a fork in the road where the pink blazes continue off to the left. Bear right here, and shortly you'll see an information station that will assure you that you are en route to Moonshine Falls. After another bit of hiking, you'll come to another obvious fork with a stack of stones, some of which are painted red. This was the only real head scratcher I found when hiking the trail as its not clearly indicated which route is actually the red trail. Be sure to make a right, and you'll come upon the steep descent into the falls a short time later.

Moonshine Falls allegedly used to be the home of some local moonshine stills, and you'll see the old still barrels sitting around gathering rust in the caves. The falls themselves are great, and there's places to rest both behind the falls themselves and at the base of the waterfall.

When you're ready to head back, making your way out the way you came in. Once you've crossed the cable bridge and are on the portion with all the mountain laurel, just be sure to veer right to avoid catching any side trails on the way to trail head. The last fork is easy to miss as the trail is better maintained off to the left. Be sure to stay right here, and you'll shortly be back where you started.

Ashbury Hill Methodist Youth Camp can be reached at (864)836-3711. They welcome visiting hikers most of the year, but you might have difficulty gaining access while the camp is in session.

Map:

http://www.sctrails.net/trails/MAPS/AsburyHills%20map.html

Sources:

http://www.sctrails.net/trails/alltrails/waterfalls/moonshine.html
http://www.alleneasler.com/moonshine.html