Pigpen Falls and Licklog Falls are two interestingly named waterfalls on the Chattooga River Trail in Sumter National Forest near Mountain Rest, South Carolina. Do not let the names fool you, these are both lovely falls.
Take Village Creek Road and turn right on Nicholson Ford Road (gravel Forest Road 775). Drive about 2 miles, pass a hiking trail sign, and veer right when you reach a Y-intersection in the road (a Private Property sign is to the left). At the end of the one-lane road is a parking area which can fit about 8 cars. The trailhead is at the corner of the lot.
If that parking area is full, backtrack on FR 775 until you see the Hiking Trail arrow on the side of the road and pull into the small parking lot. You can still access the Foothills Trail from this lot but it makes for a longer hike.
Pigpen Falls
Follow the Foothills Trail (white blazes) for half a mile. When I visited in April, the path was dotted with dozens of lovely dwarf irises and fiddlehead ferns. Then turn left on the Chattooga River Trail (green blazes) and hike an additional 0.2 miles.
Turn left at wooden sign for Pigpen and Licklog Falls and go down the steps. The 25-foot Pigpen Falls is located just after the steps.
Pigpen Falls flows over stacked rocks which create a main drop to the left and a secondary cascade to the right.
There is a shallow pool at the base and an enormous boulder overlooking the falls to sit on which make it an ideal place to hang out and enjoy nature for a bit.
Licklog Falls
From Pigpen Falls, cross the wooden bridge and continue on the Chattooga Trail for another 0.2 miles to reach the two-tier Licklog Falls.
The upper portion of this 80-foot waterfall can be seen on your right from the main trail. It’s a 30-foot plunge.
Go a little down the trail, approximately 50 yards, and look for a rough spur trail on your right. This steep descent takes you to the river and the base of the lower portion of Licklog. This 50-foot cascade falls directly into Chattooga River.
You can’t see the entire waterfall from the spur trail – only the lower portion is visible from the river.
Very lush with clear waters. ?We like the big boulder to rest and take in nature. Looks like a place we could set up for plein air painting. They’re on our list!
That would be great spot for plein air painting! The boulder was a fabulous spot to take it all in.
Happy Anniversary StephPurk.com!
Thank you! Here’s to many more 😉
Happy Anniversary StephPurk.com !!!
Congratulations Steph, When the pandemic started I stopped traveling. It has been a terrible time. Then I found StephPurk.com. I have taken some lovely virtual hikes with you and enjoyed every one. I’m not quite ready to venture out but when I do the Carolina’s will be high on my list. Thank you for every beautiful word.
Thank you for following along on my travels! I’m so happy that I was able to give you an opportunity to explore from home 🙂