Long Shoals Wayside Park is a 0.8 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Sunset, South Carolina that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and fishing.
The gravel parking lot has two sections; the north has stairs descending to the river, the south a gravel road, and in the middle a picnic area. Having descended to the river you can walk north along Little Eastatoe Creek along the shoals until you run out of exposed rock. Going south you will parallel the shoals, a popular natural water slide in the summer, until you reach a sandy 'beach' area. From here blue blazes mark the beginning of a 1/2 mile in-and-out trail. Downed trees make for a slight challenge in places, though the views of the river and various rapids are rewarding. Double blaze marks the end of the trail, but it'll be obvious - the river curves and passes under Highway 11 and you would end up in the river or on the road. In the spring there are plenty of wildflowers, and in the fall spectacular autumn foliage. This area is popular with fly fisherman.
January 17, 2021Fun quick and easy hike
December 26, 2020Very glad to see all the garbage has been cleaned up! Let’s see what happens in the summer. I can see why this is a popular place for swimming. A must do on a return trip when it’s warmer. Trail was hard to find starting out but once your beyond the swimming area it’s easy to follow. Lots of ice on this cold day.
December 11, 2020November 12, 2020September 27, 2020Easy 3min hike to the water. Cool sliding rock and lagoon pools to enjoy.
July 24, 2020Too many young kids here to really enjoy a relaxing time. Had to hike a ways down to enjoy a good spot to take dip in the creek. It’s a shame this place has as much litter as it does.
July 21, 2020Such a cool spot, but unfortunately you can tell lots of people utilize it often and don’t take care of it. The little paths between the different parts of the stream smelled like a port-a-potty. There were left behind floats, clothing, trash, and whatever else everywhere. Sliding down the rock was fun- stay to the right side if you can for a “safer” ride. If you get caught in the left side, the river throws you around a little more and there are some rocks that protrude- could be a little dangerous. Saw some kids with a boogie board- thought that was a fun idea!! It is very slippery at the bottom where you end up, but look for some divots in the rock about 5 feet from the pool to make getting out easier- like little steps. I wish everyone took better care of this spot, it really would be amazing if it wasn’t so gross.
May 24, 2020Shameful! such a beautiful place and there is trash everywhere!!! The steps going down are rotten. There are please don't litter signs everywhere. The ones leaving their trash behind have to be uneducated and can't read. Since trashy people could care less about picking up their damn trash, State Rangers should close it down. I saw 2 diapers laying on the rocks, cigarette butts everywhere, disgusting!!! If we can't take care of this beautiful park, close it down!
May 7, 2020The trail is a short, simple walk through the woods next to the water. It is beautiful with lots of shade and large boulders. If you are looking for a hike to get some good exercise in, this isn’t it. But if you are looking for a beautiful place to sit and relax near many small cascades, this is your spot. It also has great areas to wade or swim. But I am assuming this place is PACKED on nice days. Fortunately, today there were only a couple other folks. My dog and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
May 2, 2020Genuine hiking trails are abundant in this region. Long Shoals Wayside is a picnic area. It consists of a set of stairs which lead to the top of the sliding rock at the creek, a washed out emergency service vehicle road that leads to a sandy beach across the creek from jump-off rock, and a trail at the lower lot which meanders through the woods and up the creek. This is a great place for families with small children. There is a small beach as well as abundant sunbathing rocks. The water has a sand-bed which gradually drops off into a pool below the jump-off rock which is maybe 12 feet deep on a rainy day. There are no rapids nor sketchy rocks to avoid in the creek. My 4 year old absolutely loves this place and is not scared of the terrain or the water at this location. The sun follows the path of the creek and warmth remains until the transitive nightfall of diamonds. Highly recommended for those who wish to enjoy the wonders of nature without difficulty. "I'm letting go of all my trouble, I think I'll be right here to stay. Well the water keeps a-churnin' while my poor heart is burnin' Muddy water, take my pain away." ~ Billy Strings
January 16, 2020I wouldn’t really call this a hiking trail. I used to take the kids here to slide down the rock. They loved it. It stays packed with kids and people wanting to swim in the spring and summer, so it isn’t very relaxing.
November 4, 2019Beautiful river. I stumbled on the trail by accident and took a hike. Nice hiking along and in view of the river. I followed the blue blazes and came out at the lower parking lot. The trail was full of blow downs after the sharp right hand turn but could still find the blue and worked my way out. I’m up for a challenge so I enjoyed the hike.
October 25, 2019spent about 2 hours here and got 14 brook trout , all about 6 to 8 inch
August 18, 2019Right off the road. Nice rocky stream. You can bring a tube and float down. Pools at the bottom into a swimming hole. Good for walking your dog. Nice way to beat the heat with a dog or friends.
May 22, 2019
First to ReviewBeautiful features with a flavor of Yosemite in the waning twilight. Unfortunately up close you see all the graffiti on the rocks and piles of garbage along the trail and in the parking lot. Sinful.
November 1, 2020October 3, 2020July 12, 2020May 7, 2020April 26, 2020March 8, 2020February 16, 2020February 9, 2020September 29, 2019July 20, 2019June 1, 2019March 11, 2019
