Click on the photo to enlarge.

This is one sweet little hike that has something for everyone. There’s plenty of rhododendron tunnels, pine needle padded paths, some rock scrambles, ups and downs, and a big payoff at the end with one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area: King Creek Waterfall. We were surprised by its 70 foot high size. The hike is easy and family friendly with lots of natural flora. Go now to see the mountainsides of rhododendron in bloom! 

King Creek Falls Trail is a 1.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Mountain Rest, South Carolina, good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is accessible year-round. One hiker told me that he makes sure to visit these falls during each of the four seasons. Dogs are also welcome on this trail though there are some places where they will need to be picked up and carried over “blow downs.”

It seems that many of the waterfall hikes we enjoy are located along the Foothills Pathway, which is near SC Highway 107. See my directions at the end.

This well-maintained trail has foot bridges and strategically placed rocks over super wet areas. It had rained for a couple of days before we hiked the trail and there was plenty of ways around the natural springs that flow over or beside the trail. Roots and rocks are slippery, so just go slow enough to enjoy your trek!

We saw plenty of rhododendron! Pink and White.

In fact, there was a forest of rhododendron. This is just a section looking over and out from the path.

Very few wet path crossings on this trail until you get closer to the falls and then there’s water everywhere.

This area is near the Chattooga River and if you are familiar with the Bull Sluice area, this looks like a smaller version. This is where we had a few rock scrambles.

Click on the photo to enlarge it.

King Creek Falls! We were surprised and had it all to ourselves for about 15 minutes! That was enough time to set the camera up on the tripod and rip off a few photos. Then it was like a gate was opened and we had groups of people around. One guy who reminded us of our friend Lamar, offered to take our photo and we turned the camera over to him.

I had to balance between a bunch of slippery rocks. Thus the weird pose! LOL!

The rhododendron was gorgeous! But I know ours in the southern states is nothing compared to the ones in England. These were white and pink.

There was also plenty of native hydrangea lining the path.

Directions from northeast Georgia: Take Hwy 123 to Westminster, SC. Take Hwy 28 to Walhalla. Follow SC 28 west for 8.1 miles and bear right onto SC 107 north.

Follow SC 107 for 10.1 miles and turn left onto Burrell’s Ford Road (FS 708). This road is paved for the first 0.3 mile. Drive 2.3 miles to Burrell’s Ford Campground parking area on the left. The trail begins at the far end of the parking lot. It follows an old gravel roadbed. The trail turns off to left and is pretty well marked. You will be hiking on the Foothills trail. King Creek Falls trail turns off of this. It is a heavily traveled path, so you will see it easily. At an intersection of the path to King Creek Falls and the Foothills Trail, you want to turn left. It is marked. Follow the path to the falls.

Here’s a link to the waterfalls in Oconee County, South Carolina. King Creek is NOT listed and it may be located just outside this county. But others are listed and offer some pretty fun adventures

Plus, here’s the title of the book that I use to find these fantastic waterfalls: Waterfall Hikes of Upstate South Carolina. You can find it on Amazon. I have  used it over and over to find some pretty amazing waterfalls that I never knew existed!

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