Oconee Station and Station Cove Falls

Autumn is most anticipated around here, with fall foliage viewing trips into the mountains, apple picking at the local orchards, long hikes in the cooler temperatures and hot drinks on the porch weather. Now that I’ve got you ready for your pumpkin spice latte, let me remind you – it is still summer. It might be hitting the 40s up north, the days might be getting shorter, but it is still hitting 90°F during the days and the last day of summer is September 22!

Crossing Station Creek

 

We’re out every week enjoying the gorgeous, late summer blue skies, and although I’m looking forward to those red and orange hillsides as much as the next person, I’m content to enjoy the waterfalls of the Upstate while it is still warm enough to splash around a bit. A great hike for the end of summer is the Oconee Station State Historic Site located on 210 acres just off Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway 11. The Park sits on Oconee Creek near the very beginning where Alexander Creek and Station Creek meet, and has both the historical and natural features covered.

Oconee Station blockhouse and trading post

Up on a hill in a clearing are the blockhouse and the William Richards home. The blockhouse was built in 1792 as a military post to protect settlers against the Cherokee Indians, and later to protect Indians against settler encroachment; it was the last blockhouse to be decommissioned in the state. In 1805, William Richards built a brick home next door and established a trading post. Both of the buildings can be toured Saturdays and Sundays from 1-5pm, or by appointment.

Oconee Station State Historic Site pond

In addition to these historic homes, Oconee Station features several miles of hiking trails. A small pond adds to the allure of Oconee Station, however it is the hike to Station Cove Falls that often brings us to the historic site, as it’s an easy hike to a gorgeous waterfall. The waterfall is actually on Sumter National Forest, and nearby is another favorite State Park; Station Creek runs down from Oconee State Park, which although only 3 miles away on the Connector Trail, is 30 minutes by car as you circumnavigate Station and Oconee Mountains.

Station Cove Falls

For those that would like a shorter hike, there is a small gravel parking lot on Oconee Station Rd about 0.3 miles past the entrance to Oconee Station State Historic Site that fits about 3 cars. This cuts the hike down to about 1.6 miles roundtrip, however the additional section might be worth it just for the amenities at Oconee Station: restroom facilities, the Park Office, and the Ultimate Outsider official park stamp if you’re participating in the SC State Parks program.

Lush bottomlands along Station Creek included this 'wall garden'

Station Cove Falls is a 60ft cascade, with plenty of room at the base to have a picnic, splash around, photograph the falls, and relax before hiking back to the trailhead. In the spring and early summer there is a good showing of wildflowers including trillium, may apple, pink lady's slipper orchids, bloodroot, and Jack-in-the-pulpit. Fall brings the annual show of color to the cove hardwoods, while winter provides an unobstructed view of the falls.

Foothills Trail Connector

The trail to the waterfall is well marked. From the parking lot at Oconee Station, head back along the paved road for 100 feet or so and you’ll see the trail descending into the woods. There is a loop that circumnavigates the small pond, however this option is not clearly marked. Once you make the climb up to Oconee Station Rd. and cross into the woods, you’ll pass by a swampy area before the trail splits; keep to the left for the waterfall, to the right for the hike to Oconee State Park and the Foothills Trail.