Kings Creek Falls
South Carolina • 70 ft
By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026
LiDAR & 3D terrainDifficulty
Easy
Trail Length
1.5 miles
Trail Type
Out And Back
About Kings Creek Falls
Kings Creek Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in the Sumter National Forest in South Carolina. It features a cascading drop surrounded by lush greenery, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.
The Setting
Kings Creek Falls sits at 2,175 feet within Sumter National Forest, fed by the Chattooga River, in the hills of South Carolina. The falls drop 70 feet.
Height: 70 feet
Trail & Hike Details
The Approach
The easy hike follows King Creek Trail (#528), a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. The trail is developed (Class 3).
USFS Trail
KING CREEK TRAIL #528
Trail Class
Developed
Surface
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
0.47 miTrail Description
The trail to Kings Creek Falls is a relatively short and easy hike through a forested area. It follows Kings Creek and features a well-maintained path with minimal elevation gain. The trail ends at a viewing area near the base of the waterfall.
What to Expect
The falls drop 70 feet. Dogs are welcome.
Accessibility
The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.
Frequently Asked Questions
🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Kings Creek Falls?
✅ Dogs are allowed
Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?
🆖 No fees required
🏊 Is There Swimming at Kings Creek Falls?
❌ Swimming is not allowed
When to Visit
Spring and early summer are ideal times to visit, as the waterfall flow is typically strongest after seasonal rains.
Seasonal Access
The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Winter access may be limited. Check with Sumter National Forest for seasonal road closures.
Safety Information
The trail may be slippery after rain, so exercise caution. Stay on the designated trail to avoid damaging the environment or getting lost.
Current Water Conditions
46 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Lower than usual for this time of year
0.79 ft
Water depth at gauge
63°F
CoolRefreshing for swimming
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
Flow is lower than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is a refreshing 63 degrees F, good for a quick swim.
About This Gauge
7-Day Flow Outlook
Based on the USGS gauge CHATTOOGA RIVER AT BURRELLS FORD, NR PINE MTN, GA (1 km away).
Today
Low
46 cfs
6/10Tomorrow
Low
46 cfs
6/10Mon
Low
44 cfs
6/10Tue
Low
46 cfs
6/10Wed
Low
48 cfs
6/10Thu
Low
45 cfs
6/10Fri
Moderate
41 cfs
5/10Best window: Today — low flow, sunny (trip score 6/10).
Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early January to early February, peaking in February.
How we calculate this
This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.
Know when to go.
Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Cashiers hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.
Weather Forecast
The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR
Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.
1-meter lidar measures about 227 feet of descent through Kings Creek Falls, a steep tiered drop rather than a single free fall. That is more than the listed 70 feet because the gorge keeps dropping below the falls themselves. The brink sits at about 2,165 feet above sea level.
The whole reach is steep: about 190 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 82 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.
Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.
- Ground elevation
- 2,165 feet
- Measured by 1-meter lidar
- Drop at the falls
- About 227 feet
- Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
- Faces
- Northwest
- Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.
A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading northwest).
Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.
Location & Access
Getting There
Kings Creek Falls is located near the town of Mountain Rest, South Carolina, within the Sumter National Forest. The trailhead can be accessed via Burrells Ford Road, which is a gravel road off Highway 107.
Get Directions on Google MapsParking
Parking is available at the Burrells Ford Campground parking area, which is free of charge. The trailhead to Kings Creek Falls is a short walk from the parking lot.
Elevation
2,175 feet above sea level
Coordinates
34.966200° N, -83.111262° W
Land Management
Managed by USFS
Visitor Tips & Gear
Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may be muddy after rain. Bring insect repellent during warmer months. Arrive early to secure parking, especially on weekends.
Where to Stay
Spectacular Mountain Views With Your Own Private Hot Tub!
Foxhunt at Sapphire Valley
The Wells Cashiers
Red Top Tree House
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
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Nearby Campground
West Fork Campground (Clayton, GA)
5.4 miles away · 5 sites
Overview All Campsites at West Fork Campground are reservation only, you must reserve through recreation.gov or by calling 877-444-6777Visitors to this 5-site campground marvel over the picturesque bird's eye view of the world renowned Chattooga Wild and Scenic River. Situated along the west fork of the river, this area offers isolation and adventure all in one. Visitors often comment they feel as though they've been swept back in time and are looking out onto the great frontier of the past when
Book on Recreation.govAdditional Information
Nearby Attractions
Nearby attractions include Burrells Ford Campground, Ellicott Rock Wilderness, and Spoonauger Falls.
Wildlife
The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, deer, and small mammals. Be cautious of snakes during warmer months.
Cities near Kings Creek Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
Other waterfalls named Kings Creek Falls
1 other waterfall shares this name across the U.S.
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