Lake Glenville Cabins
A 70-foot terraced waterfall cascading into a shallow pool in Sumter National Forest near Mountain Rest, SC. Captured on a clear spring day, the photo features lush greenery, exposed rock, and fallen logs at the base of the falls. Keywords: King Creek Falls, South Carolina waterfall, Sumter National Forest, spring hike, waterfall trail, Blue Ridge Mountains, outdoor adventure, nature photography Location: King Creek Falls, Sumter National Forest, Oconee County, South Carolina, USA

A Peaceful Hike to King Creek Falls

Posted on by Katie

Just 30 minutes from the cabins, King Creek Falls is a stunning waterfall at the end of an easy-to-moderate trail. The hike takes about an hour round trip—longer if you linger at the falls—making it a great 2-3 hour outdoor excursion.

Getting There

  1. Head south on NC-107 for about 17 miles, passing through Cashiers and crossing the NC–SC state line.
  2. Turn right onto Burrells Ford Road (a gravel road).
  3. Drive 2.3 miles to reach the Burrells Ford parking area on the left.

Facilities: The parking lot is spacious and includes a vault toilet.

Note: Cellular service is very limited or nonexistent in this area. Plan your route in advance.

Trail Overview

From the parking area:

  • Start down a wide gravel road (also the entrance to Burrells Ford Campground).
  • Pass the campground on your right.
  • The trail to King Creek Falls is just beyond the campground on the left, before the creek.

The trail follows King Creek through a beautiful rhododendron thicket and crosses the creek via a footbridge. Part of the hike overlaps with the Foothills Trail, but the falls trail branches off to the left and continues along the creek.

  • Trail Length: 0.7 miles one way (1.4 miles round trip)
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • Conditions: Can be muddy, with stairs, minor rock scrambling, and occasional fallen trees

Tip: Wear hiking boots for comfort and traction.

The Waterfall

King Creek Falls is a 70-foot cascade flowing over a terraced rock face into a shallow pool. Logs and debris at the base hint at the power of the creek after heavy rain.

Some rocks just past the pool make a perfect place to relax, sketch, or paint the peaceful scene.

Quick Summary

  • Distance from cabins: ~30 minutes
  • Hike time: ~1 hour (plus time at the falls)
  • Trail length: 1.4 miles round trip
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate
  • What to bring: Hiking boots, water, camera/sketchbook
  • Cell signal: None—plan ahead

Ready for a short adventure? King Creek Falls is a peaceful spot to reconnect with nature, stretch your legs, and experience one of the Upstate’s most beautiful waterfall hikes.