King Creek Falls Trail Guide

This is King Creek Falls. So beautiful. Being in her mist is magical! So here is what to expect.
The trail is a total of 1 mile, out and back. This is located in the Sumter National Forest in Oconee County, SC. The terrain is dirt, rocks, and roots.

1). Getting There: Arriving here is not difficult, however, your GPS will likely prematurely tell you "You have Arrived." So let's look at this first. In my Google Maps GPS I simply type, "King Creek Falls Trail" and it takes me where I need to go. When you turn down your final road towards your destination off of SC-107 S onto Fs646, it will remain asphalt for a short while then turn gravel. You will drive this gravel road until on your LEFT you see a sign for parking and an open lot called "Burrell's Ford Campground." Park here. There are facilities but are currently closed. Remember to ignore your GPS when she tells you you have arrived...keep going until you see the parking lot on the left.

2.) The Trail: When you are unloaded and ready to go, to the left side of the parking lot (opposite the toilet building) there is a trail kiosk with a map. The map is confusing...it seems like it was printed backwards. This has been witnessed by two other companions I have brought here. Therefore, don't put much stock in it. Use your trail markers/ blazes and posts themselves and you will have no problem at all. BEHIND the kiosk is the start of your trail. You will see a sign for King Creek Falls after a few feet down the trail. The trail has WHITE blazes. It is 1/2 a mile to the falls and 1/2 a mile back. You will eventually cross a creek over a wooden bridge that has rails. This will technically be your second wooden bridge, but the first one is very small and insignificant and has no hand rails...it's hardly worth mentioning. Go left once you cross the big wooden bridge with hand rails. Soon, you will come to a fork in the trail that is very well marked with a wooden sign. Go LEFT towards "King Creek Falls." The blazes will now turn ORANGE. You are about .25 of a mile away from the falls now! This is where things get more steep, edgy, logs to cross, rocks to step up...still not hard but harder- more technical. A 2 year old can do it and will probably love the adventure! Just want you to be fully prepared.

(Top two photos are the start of the trail.)

 (Above is the "insignificant" bridge in which a tree has recently fallen. See note at bottom.*) 

 (Here is the bridge with handrails that you will turn Left after crossing over.)

(Above is the fork in the trail with sign telling you to venture left (up the steps.))

 (Once you turn Left after the sign, you are now following orange blazes to the falls.)

(Tip: Double blazes means to stop, or trail ends, or does not continue this way. So what we see here, is a literal clear sign that our white trail has come to an end and we are now starting something new as we go Left. Always pay attention out there. Also, remember this sign is on your left and to go RIGHT when you head BACK. Just pay attention and you will be fine)

This trail is easy to me, moderate to some. But, I believe this trail is doable for most all hikers! If you are not a seasoned hiker, just take your time and take breaks for water and breaths and you will be fine. You can do this. And the falls will be so rewarding for you!

3.) The Falls: These falls are really captivating. One of the top 5 in the entire Oconee County I believe. There are plenty of rocks to sit on for a pic-nic. There are both shady and sunny areas. The water is more shallow here but great for wading and splashing.

4.) Heading Back out: Again, this trail is an out and back so you will exit the way you arrived. However, I have a little secret! If you are tired, I know a shortcut. It is still an uphill climb at the end but it is easier for those who are possibly pretty exhausted. Here is how you access it. As you head back and cross over the wooden bridge again, look LEFT and you will see the ORANGE blazes and a very obvious wide dirt trail. If you turn left to take this instead of continuing straight, you will exit out onto a gravel road. Go RIGHT onto the gravel road. You will see the campground sites on your LEFT. You will just walk up this gravel road until you find yourself at a gate that enters directly back into the parking lot! Voila! (Technically you can hike in this way as well, but the forest is just so beautiful!)

(The view of the shortcut on the left after crossing back over the bridge with hand rail.)

(The gravel road back to the parking lot)

*A Noteworthy Point: As of 7/7/2020, there is a tree down on the small un-railed wooden foot path early on into the trail. This does not in any way affect the trail, just simply walk past it through the dirt.