Overview
King Creek Falls is the most popular waterfall destination in Sumter National Forest, and the 2-mile round trip from Burrells Ford is one of the most straightforward waterfall hikes in South Carolina. The falls drop 70 feet over a wide granite face into a quiet pool surrounded by cove hardwood forest, a genuinely beautiful destination that rewards even the brief effort to reach it.
The trail gains 200 feet, with most of the elevation change on the return from the falls. The descent to the falls takes about 30 minutes at a comfortable pace. No permit is required. Dogs are allowed on leash. Cell service is absent; download an offline map before leaving Walhalla.
The Route
Miles 0 to 1: Descent to the falls. The trail begins at the day use parking area near Burrells Ford Campground and follows King Creek downstream. The path is well-maintained, wide enough for comfortable footing, and clearly signed. Creek crossings are on stepping stones or footlogs, typically dry-foot except during very high spring water.
The trail descends steadily for 1 mile as King Creek drops toward its confluence with the Chattooga River below. The forest is cove hardwood: tulip poplar, sweet birch, and American beech create a canopy that keeps the trail cool and shaded.
The falls come into view suddenly at mile 1, at the bottom of the descent. The 70-foot drop is wide, spreading across a curved granite face before plunging into the pool. The viewing area allows close approach to the pool edge.
Return by the same route; the 200-foot climb back to the trailhead is the only sustained uphill on the hike.
When to Hike
March and April: Peak wildflower season and highest waterfall flow. The cove hardwood understory blooms with trillium, hepatica, and trout lily in March, and wood anemone and phlox in April.
May through August: The falls remain active. Summer heat makes this a good early morning hike. Insects are minimal in the forested canyon.
September through November: Comfortable temperatures and fall foliage color peaking in late October. The falls are at their most photogenic with autumn leaf color in the frame.
December through February: The falls run reliably in winter. Ice formations occasionally appear on the rock face after freezing temperatures, creating a different kind of visual interest.
What to Bring
This is a short hike and gear requirements are minimal. Many hikers carry 1 liter of water. Waterproof shoes or boots help if the stepping stone crossings are running high in spring. A camera is the most worthwhile item to bring.
Trailhead Access
Burrells Ford Campground is 14 miles north of Walhalla on SC-107. The parking area is at the campground entrance. From Walhalla, take SC-28 north to SC-107 north; the drive is about 30 minutes on winding mountain road. Cell service is intermittent along SC-107 and absent near the campground.
Nearby
The Chattooga River Trail begins at the same trailhead and provides an 11-mile option for those wanting more. The Ellicott Rock Wilderness Trail is accessible from the same campground with a trail junction within the first 2.5 miles of the river trail. The full Sumter National Forest guide has the complete Andrew Pickens trail overview. Follow Leave No Trace principles around the waterfall pool, which is easily impacted by visitor concentration.