You don’t have to hike five or six miles to find a good mountain trail in the Upstate. Natural Bridge Trail at Keowee-Toxaway State Park packs two small waterfalls, Poe Creek, thick rhododendron, rock formations, and a surprisingly rugged hike into a 1.3-mile loop.
It’s also completely free to visit, and there’s even a nice bonus for electric vehicle owners: two EV chargers near the visitor center.
Natural Bridge Trail Quick Look
- Location: Keowee-Toxaway State Park in Sunset, South Carolina
- Trail length: 1.3-mile loop
- Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous
- Time: Around 1 hour
- Admission: Free
- Waterfalls: Two small waterfalls
- Dogs: Allowed on a leash
- EV charging: Two charging spaces
- Trail highlights: Poe Creek, waterfalls, rock formations, rhododendron and mountain laurel
Don’t Let the 1.3 Miles Fool You
At only 1.3 miles, Natural Bridge Trail sounds like an easy walk in the woods.
It’s a little more adventurous than that.
The trail begins near the Jocassee Gorges Visitor Center before heading into the forest. Some sections are fairly easy, but others include steep climbs, exposed roots, rocks, and wooden steps.
South Carolina State Parks rates the trail moderate to strenuous, which seems appropriate. Experienced hikers shouldn’t have much trouble, but this isn’t a flat paved nature trail.
The constantly changing terrain is also part of what makes the hike interesting. You don’t have to walk very far before the parking lot and visitor center feel much farther away than they actually are.
Two Small Waterfalls Along Poe Creek
One of the best surprises on Natural Bridge Trail is finding two small waterfalls along Poe Creek.
These aren’t huge waterfalls that require a long hike to reach. Instead, the creek tumbles over layers of exposed rock and creates small cascades and pools tucked beneath the trees.
The surrounding rhododendron makes this one of the prettiest sections of the hike.
Neither waterfall is particularly tall, but that’s almost beside the point. Finding two waterfalls on a loop that’s only 1.3 miles long is a pretty good payoff.
Take some time here. It’s easy to rush through such a short trail, but the creek is probably the best reason not to.
So, Where Is the Natural Bridge?
With a name like Natural Bridge Trail, it’s easy to imagine a giant stone arch waiting somewhere in the forest.
Don’t expect that.
The trail is named for a natural rock formation that crosses Poe Creek. It’s a much more subtle feature than famous natural bridges found elsewhere in the country.
In fact, the natural bridge isn’t necessarily the most memorable part of the hike.
The waterfalls, creek, rock formations, and dense forest are really what make this trail worth exploring. Think of the natural bridge as one feature along the way rather than the single destination you’re hiking toward.
The Little Log Bridge
There’s another bridge along the trail that’s much harder to miss.
A narrow log footbridge crosses the creek with a flattened walking surface and simple wooden handrail. Surrounded by rocks, water, and rhododendron, it looks like it belongs exactly where it is.
Just don’t mistake it for the Natural Bridge. This one definitely had some human assistance.
Watch the Trail Signs
Natural Bridge shares parts of this area with other trails, so watch the signs at intersections.
You’ll see markers for the Raven Rock Trail and the Palmetto Trail along the way. Raven Rock turns this into a considerably longer hike, while Natural Bridge loops back toward the visitor center.
If you’re only planning to hike the 1.3-mile loop, check the trail map before starting and pay attention at the junctions.
Two EV Chargers at the Trailhead
Here’s something you might not expect to find at a small state park in the South Carolina mountains.
Keowee-Toxaway has two EV charging spaces near the visitor center.
That’s especially convenient for hikers because the Natural Bridge Trail begins in the same general area. Plug in, head into the woods, and let the car charge while you hike.
For EV drivers exploring Highway 11, Lake Keowee or the Jocassee Gorges, it’s a useful stop to know about.
An Easy Addition to a Highway 11 Adventure
Keowee-Toxaway State Park doesn’t receive the same attention as nearby Table Rock or Devils Fork State Park. That’s one reason it’s worth checking out.
Natural Bridge Trail gives you a taste of the Blue Ridge foothills without requiring half a day on the trail.
You can hike the loop in about an hour, spend some time around Poe Creek, and still have plenty of time to explore other places along the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway.
Is Natural Bridge Trail Worth It?
Yes.
Just don’t come expecting a giant natural stone arch.
Come for the hike.
In only 1.3 miles, Natural Bridge Trail gives you two small waterfalls, Poe Creek, rock formations, a rustic log bridge, thick rhododendron, and enough climbing to make things interesting.
It’s short enough for an afternoon adventure but rugged enough that it still feels like a real hike.
Add free admission and two EV chargers near the trailhead, and Natural Bridge Trail is an easy little adventure to add to a day exploring the South Carolina Upstate.
Keowee-Toxaway State Park
108 Residence Drive
Sunset, SC 29685
