Calhoun Falls State Park in South Carolina, USA - map and visitor information

Research checked: 2026-11-01. Check linked official notices before travel.

Calhoun Falls State Park occupies pine-covered points on Lake Russell in Abbeville County, South Carolina. Plan a woodland loop, a picnic or a seasonal beach visit. Despite its name, the park has no waterfall.

Walk Cedar Bluff above the lake

Cedar Bluff Nature Trail starts near the tennis courts and returns as a blue-blazed loop. The official listing gives 1.75 miles and an easy-to-moderate rating. Wooden steps, footbridges and rolling terrain make this more varied than a level shoreline path.

Know before you go

Fees, hours, and seasonal access

Treat swimming as an unguarded lake activity

Use the designated swimming area, where no lifeguards are on duty. Confirm seasonal beach access before planning around it. Keep children under close supervision. Choose a shore visit if conditions do not suit your group.

Restrain pets and protect wildlife

Most outdoor areas allow pets under physical restraint or on a leash no longer than six feet. Staff can require removal of pets that are dangerous, noisy or harass wildlife.

Arrange a picnic shelter

Two shelters serve gatherings. Reserve through the shelter page or call 866-345-7275. Unreserved shelters are available on a first-come basis at no shelter charge.

Approach from Highway 81

From Highway 72 in Calhoun Falls, turn north on Highway 81. The entrance is about one mile along, on the left.

Nearby parks toward McCormick

Baker Creek State Park is reached from US 378 west of McCormick. Its trails remain closed after storm damage and logging. Hickory Knob State Resort Park is reached from US 378 and Highway 7. Its boat ramps are closed because of low lake levels. Check available land-based stops before setting out.

Choose a loop, a game or pier fishing

Follow the Cedar Bluff route description for the woodland walk. Continue toward the tennis courts rather than taking the campground spur to finish the loop.

The day-use area has basketball and tennis courts. Fishing requires a valid South Carolina license. Rods and reels can be borrowed at the office. The fishing pier provides accessible access to the lake. Check the activity information before choosing equipment.

A store and day-use Wi-Fi

The accessible park store sells snacks, limited groceries and tackle supplies. Wi-Fi reaches the office and day-use beach, with no campground coverage. Check supplies before relying on the store for a particular item.

A South Carolina lake park

The South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism manages the park. Its lake points provide the setting for outdoor recreation.

Why the name refers to falls

Shoals once occupied the river before the lake covered them. The town took its name from shoals on James Edward Calhoun’s property. The park then took the town’s name. The park’s explanation helps avoid planning a waterfall hike.

Mixed forest by the water

Cedar Bluff crosses mixed pine and hardwood forest beside Lake Russell. Observe from the marked route and keep pets from disturbing wildlife.

Contact

Use the official park page for notices. For shelter reservations, call 866-345-7275.