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 Reporter |
Summary: The trail starts off by going north through a small open pasture. It is a nice stroll under a canopy of trees along the creek. After a 1/4 mile look down to the right and note the rapids of the small canyon. After viewing Little Bradley Falls, rock-hop across the creek and continue north. At the top of the incline veer right and follow the unmarked trail around the ridge line to a viewing area. Caution: this viewing platform are natural rocks with no railing. Use extreme caution. The canyon and Bradley Falls can be viewed from this point. Some hikers attempt to get to the base of the falls through an alternate route. This is extremely hazardous and extreme caution should be exercised any where near the waterfall as numerous accidents have occurred here in the past. Trailhead: From Spartanburg head west on I-26. At the Saluda exit (28) take a right and head north approximately 3 miles. At the bottom of the incline is a gate on the left hand side. On the other side of the gate is the start of the trail. The road down to the trailhead use to be gravel, but was paved within the last two years. (Lat:35.15 Lon:-82.17) Trail Guides for Bradley Falls Trail: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Bikes, Ranger Contact: NC Division of Forest Resources, 1-828-887-6527 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Tom Duchac, who has posted 26 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Louie on 7/16/2007 Used to go to the Boy Scout Camp a few miles away each summer as a kid in the 1970's. We would hike from the camp to Big Bradley, and enter from the base of the falls. The swimming was great! What a great experience for us kids. I thought the Boy Scouts were the only ones who knew where these falls were located, since we never saw anyone and the trail was very secluded and inaccessible other than through the Boy Scout Camp. But now I hear a rumor that this old trail is no longer in use due to some property owner that doesn't want anyone crossing his land. Boy Scouts have to obey always... 
Reviewed by SH on 12/1/2006 I have personally been down to Big Bradley and it is gorgeous however if not following the trail, it can be deadly. People have lost their lives trying to go up or down alternate routes. Enjoy the exciting trail, the right way.
Reviewed by GC on 8/14/2006 Little Bradley and Big Bradley are not on the same trail, as stated below. Big Bradley is very impressive, but people lose their lives there every so often attempting to climb to the bottom. Use extreme caution! I hear there is a way to come up from Green River Cove Road as well, up the stream from the Green River. Little Bradley is much safer, and has a nice swimming area. Those that cannot find it are not going upstream far enough. Just go until you find the several tiered waterfall. There is a nice trail on the North side of the stream (once you pass all of the rock from the widening of the road). There is an old rock foundation along the trail where a home once was.
Reviewed by William Carver on 9/28/2005 I grew up in Spartanburg, SC and Bradley was our favorite place to hike and camp. Very peaceful, as long as you're careful.
Reviewed by James on 8/13/2005 Little Bradley is not really along the same trail as Big Bradley. You have to walk across the road and up a few yards. The best way to the falls is not right along the river, but beginning on the old logging road up above the river.
Reviewed by DG on 8/10/2005 Bradley Falls is not in Forest City at all, but about 4 miles from Saluda.
Reviewed by SCJack on 9/19/2004 Here is a link to my best photos of Little Bradley Falls: http://community.webshots.com/album/115391000crUGQE and here is a link to some shots of Big Bradley Falls: http://community.webshots.com/album/125088669WpOEQE
Reviewed by SCJack on 9/18/2004 Big Bradley is very impressive, especially from the base of the falls. The trail to the base is not that bad, except for one section where you must use a rope to climb down a rock face. I actually think Little Bradley Falls, while not nearly as tall is a prettier waterfall. The trail to Little Bradley Falls starts off on the opposite side of the road. Hike upstream for about a mile and you should find it. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: North Carolina Hiking, North Carolina Trails, North Carolina Hikes, Polk County Hiking, Polk County Trails, Polk County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||