If you are looking for an easy, kid-friendly but equally AMAZING waterfall in upstate South Carolina, then this is your hike. King Creek Falls is only one of a few hikes in the area that I have done multiple times!
King Creek Falls is hands down one of the best hikes and that is a BIG label because there are tons of waterfalls in upstate South Carolina.
This trail, albeit short and sweet, rewards hikers with stunning views of a picturesque 70-foot waterfall.
🥾Length: 1.4 miles
🗺Type: Out & Back
⛰Elevation gain: 216 feet
🟢Difficulty: Easy
🌲Time: ~30 minutes
🐻Traffic: Light
🐾Dogs: Yes
💰Fees: None
⛺️Camping: Primitive
💩Restrooms: Located at Burrell’s Ford parking
View my interactive map of King Creek Falls: >> HERE <<
King Creek Falls is located about 1 1/2 hours from Greenville, SC and about 1 hour from Clemson, SC. It is in Mountain Rest which is about 30 minutes outside of Walhalla, if you are familiar with the area.
From Walhalla, you will start on SC 28 towards Mountain Rest. About 8 miles up SC 28, you will take a right onto SC 107 and go another 10 miles or so.
Be on the look out for Burrell’s Ford Road to your left (there will also be a large sign pointing you towards King Creek Falls).
Burrell’s Ford Road starts off paved but quickly turns into a gravel road. It can easily be navigated with a small sedan so no need to worry about that. However, you will have to drive about 3 miles on this road before you reach the parking area on your left.
Once you have located the parking area you will start walking down the gravel road that is gated off on the far end of the parking lot. This is technically considered the Chattooga Trail.
To read recent trail reviews and for exact GPS directions, here is the Alltrails link!
There are a two intersections that you will come across on the King Creek Falls trail. One being where the Chattooga Trail runs into King Creek Falls and the other where King Creek Falls splits from the Foothills Trail.
For both of these intersections, you will stay left on the way in and then right on the way out. You can also expect to cross a bridge and climb a few stairs but nothing strenuous.
As a part of the Burrell’s Ford Campground, there are a few primitive tent camping sites at the Chattooga Trail and King Creek Falls intersection. These sites are equipped with food storage and fire rings.
As with most waterfalls, the BEST time to visit King Creek Falls is after a fresh rain. It makes this already impressive waterfall, that much more impressive.
This trail is becoming more popular and well-known so I do recommend visiting during non-peak times. For example, during the week and/or early in the morning.
We visited early on a Friday afternoon and had the waterfall all to ourselves for quite some time.
There are just a few things to think about when planning your King Creek Falls hike: Winter is cold, Spring is rainy, Summer is hot, Fall is PERFECT! 😉
As with many upstate South Carolina waterfall hikes, this trail can be muddy and slippery so be prepared with appropriate footwear.
Be prepared with a light waterproof or water-resistant jacket due to the mist that comes off of the waterfall. It can be pretty chilly especially in the colder months.
I also recommend some sort of GPS device or downloaded map due to limited cell phone service in this area.
The trail is extremely shaded so not much sun protection is needed but I always recommend to at least apply sunscreen before you leave, just to be on the safe side.
Within just a few miles of King Creek Falls, you will find Spoonauger Falls. This would be the perfect waterfall hike to add on to your day at King Creek Falls, as it is also easy and kid-friendly.
Also not far from King Creek Falls is the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery. It is located off of SC 107 and is a great stop for young kids. Along with the outdoor fish hatchery where you can view the fish, they have walking trails and fishing spots.
Please remember to follow ♻️ LEAVE NO TRACE ♻️ principles when recreating!
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I'm a micro-wedding and elopement photographer in Upstate, South Carolina. My style is documentary—I love capturing the in-between, unposed moments between you and your love. I strive to know you and capture you at your most authentic.