Waterfalls of Toxaway Creek
Overview
Toxaway Creek flows into Lake Jocassee a short distance downstream from the mouth of the Toxaway River. Within a short span along its course are four named waterfalls, one of them rivaling the major waterfalls of the nearby Thompson, Horsepasture, and Toxaway Rivers. Unfortunately, all of them are located on private property that is typically closed to the public. The trailhead begins in a church camp. The camp maintains the trails as part of their recreational activities. I know of some people who have obtained special permission to hike the trails (among them the person I hiked with), but my understanding is that they do not allow access as a rule.
The first waterfall upstream is called, appropriately enough, First Falls. This short drop also goes by the name of Taper Falls. Next is Second Falls, also known as Boushell Falls. It starts as a steep cascade and has several little ledges below. Third Falls is a sheer drop that also goes by the name of Luner Falls. Finally, there is Fourth Falls, also known as High Falls, Old Toxaway Falls, and my favorite name, Great Falls. Great Falls would rate high on anyone’s list of favorites.
Great Falls (Fourth Falls). Nikon D800, Nikon 17-35mm lens, f/11, 1/4 second, ISO 100, polarizing filter. The waterfall is too wide to get it all in one frame with this lens, so I shot 3 frames and stitched them together in a panorama.
Great Falls (Fourth Falls). Nikon D800, Nikon 17-35mm lens at 24mm, f/16, 0.6 second, ISO 100, polarizing filter.
Great Falls (Fourth Falls). Nikon D700, Nikon 70-180mm macro lens at 130mm, f/13, 0.5 second, ISO 100, polarizing filter.
Great Falls (Fourth Falls). Nikon D700, Nikon 70-180mm macro lens at 130mm, f/14, 0.5 second, ISO 100, polarizing filter.
Great Falls (Fourth Falls). Nikon D700, Nikon 70-180mm macro lens at 180mm, f/14, 0.6 second, ISO 100, polarizing filter.
Great Falls (Fourth Falls). Nikon D800, Nikon 17-35mm lens at 17mm, f/11, 1/4 second, ISO 100, polarizing filter.
Great Falls (Fourth Falls). Nikon D800, Nikon 28-300m lens at 62mm, f/16, 0.4 second, ISO 100, polarizing filter.
Great Falls (Fourth Falls). Nikon D800, Nikon 28-300m lens at 100mm, f/16, 0.5 second, ISO 100, polarizing filter.
Great Falls (Fourth Falls). Nikon D800, Nikon 28-300m lens at 170mm, f/16, 0.6 second, ISO 100, polarizing filter.
Great Falls (Fourth Falls). Nikon D800, Nikon 28-300m lens at 170mm, f/16, 1/15 second, ISO 800, polarizing filter.
Boushell Falls (Second Falls). Nikon D800, Nikon 17-35mm lens at 17mm, f/16, 0.6 second, ISO 100, polarizing filter.
Boushell Falls (Second Falls). Nikon D800, Nikon 17-35mm lens at 24mm, f/16, 0.5 second, ISO 100, polarizing filter.
Boushell Falls (Second Falls). Nikon D800, Nikon 17-35mm lens at 17mm, f/22, 1/6 second, ISO 100, polarizing filter.