King Creek Falls
Photo credit: Paul Finke
This deceptively tall 70-foot tumble on King Creek is just a short trip away from Burrells Ford campground and Ellicott Rock Wilderness. After a moderate 30-minute hike, you will reach a spot where you can relax and enjoy the spray from the falls. If a longer trip is what you seek, you can access the Foothills Trail and Chattooga River Trail nearby too.
Trail description:OPTION 1- From Burrells Ford Parking Area, hike 0.3 miles on the road to the campground. This is Burrells Ford Trail and is an EASY downhill hike.
- Near the campsites there’s a signpost for King Creek Falls Trail. This is an EASY 0.2-mile hike to the intersection with Foothills Trail.
- King Creek Falls Trail and Foothills Trail are combined for the next 0.1 miles. Cross the foot bridge and it’s an EASY hike to the intersection where the trails split, King Creek Falls Trail goes left and Foothills Trail goes right.
- There are 15 steps to ascend on the Kings Creek Falls Trail. It is a MODERATE 0.3-mile hike to the base of King Creek Falls. Along the way you will notice several 5 to 10-foot falls as the trail follows King Creek.
- From Burrells Ford Parking Area near the road there’s a sign on the opposite side of the parking lot from the toilet. This is the access to the Foothills Trail. It is a 0.4-mile MODERATE hike to Kings Creek Falls Trail.
- King Creek Falls Trail and Foothills Trail are combined for the next 0.1 miles. Cross the foot bridge and it’s an EASY hike to the intersection where the trails split, King Creek Falls Trail goes left and Foothills Trail goes right.
- There are 15 steps to ascend on the Kings Creek Falls Trail. It is a MODERATE 0.3-mile hike to the base of King Creek Falls. Along the way you will notice several 5 to 10-foot falls as the trail follows King Creek.
Foothills Trail has blazed white paint on trees. King Creek Falls Trail has blazed orange paint on trees.
General Information
- Watch your step! Wet leaves, logs, rocks, and wood used for the bridge, and steps can be slippery.
- Stay on the trail to protect you and to protect plants and stream banks.
- Cellular service is NOT available at the parking area or along the trails. Closest cellular service is at the intersection of SC-107 and Burrells Ford Road.
Getting There
Elevation
Approximately 2,200 feet at waterfall and parking area
Directions
From Walhalla, drive northwest on SC 28 for approximately eight miles and bear right (north) onto SC 107. Drive 10.4 miles and turn left onto Burrells Ford Road (FS 708, paved for the first 0.3 mile). Drive approximately three miles to the parking area on the left. King Creek Falls Trail can be accessed at the parking area. Additional parking is available 0.3 miles down the road.
To access King Creek Falls Trail from Burrells Ford, go past the gate and down the gravel road for 0.3 mile. The trailhead is on the right side of the trail just past the pit toilet north of King Creek. Take the first left (east) by the north bank of the creek. Proceed 250 yards and cross the bridge. Turn left (east) onto the trail to the waterfall. Climb the wooden steps, and follow the trail to the waterfall.
Facility and Amenity Information
Accessibility
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
Recreation Opportunities
Outdoor Science and Learning
Hiking
Viewing Scenery
Day Hikes