The Narrows

Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve is a 373-acre wilderness area west of Rocky Bottom, South Carolina, protecting approximately five miles of Eastatoe Creek and three of its tributaries. The preserve is centered around a rugged mountain gorge where the creek flows between steep, rocky cliff faces and dense hardwood forest. The trail follows an old logging road that gradually descends through the preserve toward the ravine, making for a relatively easy beginning before becoming much steeper farther down the mountain. The final mile is a particularly rugged descent through an old-growth hardwood forest, eventually reaching the cold, clear waters of Eastatoe Creek, which supports a self-sustaining population of rainbow trout. The combination of mature forest, exposed rock, rushing water, and secluded surroundings gives the gorge a remote and primitive character. Eastatoe Gorge is also recognized for its unusual plant life, including rare species of moss that are said to occur nowhere else in the world. The preserve’s combination of scenic, geological, and ecological features makes it one of the more interesting wilderness areas in the South Carolina Upstate.

The Eastatoe Creek Trail is blazed in yellow and is generally well marked as it makes its way down toward the creek. Once you reach the stream, follow the signs toward The Narrows, where a short side route provides access to a platform overlooking a waterfall. At this point, Eastatoe Creek has carved a narrow passage through the surrounding stone, forcing the water through a rocky channel before it drops dramatically into a small pool below. The creek then continues downstream over a series of two additional waterfalls, which become particularly impressive after periods of heavy rainfall when the volume and force of the water increase. The combination of steep rock walls, rushing water, and thick vegetation makes this section the scenic highlight of the preserve. The lower falls, however, require some off-trail hiking and involve rougher, steeper terrain, slippery rocks, and uneven footing. Reaching them is not recommended for the weary or inexperienced hiker, particularly when the creek is running high. For those willing to make the additional effort, the lower section provides a more secluded experience and a closer look at the rugged gorge and cascading waters.