South Carolina is filled with hidden gems that provide endless opportunities to explore the great outdoors in breathtaking surrounds. When it comes to scenic trails, whether you're seeking something to occupy the entire day or just a quick escape, you're sure to find it here!
Over in the northwestern portion of the state, the little-known King Creek Falls towers over the end of a short and sweet 0.8 mile trail.
The waterfall stands an impressive 70 feet high and pours water down a cascading steep stack of rock ledges to a plunge pool below that's lined with golden hues of soil.
advertisement
The trail is rated easy and should take less than 20-30 minutes each way.
A slight elevation gain of a little more than 200 feet is easily conquered. However, recent reports note a large tree has fallen over the trail just before you get to the waterfall. Expect to climb over it if you want to get a look at King Creek Falls.
Just head to the parking lot at Burrells Ford Campground off Burrells Ford Road. (Here's a link that will steer you to the parking lot.) Park your vehicle, walk past the red gate and continue a short distance down the gravel road until you see the trail marker.
advertisement
What do you think? Is this a weekend meant for chasing waterfalls?
South Carolina’s many natural wonders mean endless opportunities to explore for those of us who enjoy a good adventure. But with all of the natural wonders, namely waterfalls, dotted across the state, we’re likely to inadvertently overlook at least a few – like this hidden gem waterfall in South Carolina. Tucked along a scenic trail, the tumbling cascade is better known by locals, and it’s well worth a visit if it’s just popped up on your radar.
advertisement
Even if you don’t have a whole lot of time, you’ll probably be able to fit in a journey along the King Creek Falls Trail, an easy trek that usually takes around 40 minutes to complete. The 1.5-mile out-and-back trail’s easy rating makes it doable for kiddos and leashed pups. However, as with any trail, you may face a few obstacles of which you should be aware.
Sturdy shoes are recommended on the well-maintained trail that has some rocky areas and roots jutting up out of the ground. The area around the waterfall is particularly rocky and can be slippery, so definitely keep an eye out if you’re hiking with little ones. While the waterfall is even more enchanting after it rains, the trail usually gets incredibly muddy. Grab some water; lather on the bug spray, and you’re ready to go.
The trailhead for King Creek Falls Trail is right near the parking lot, where you’ll also find bathrooms. Stroll along the path that’s narrow in spots and features a gradual slope. The slope isn’t difficult enough, though, to snag the trail a moderate rating. As you make your way to King Creek Falls, you’ll hike on a dirt tree-lined path, which provides ample shade in the summer, and over a fairy-tale footbridge. Patches of wildflowers and mushrooms sit alongside the trail during the warmer months.
You can walk to the base of the 70-foot King Creek Falls, which drops into a small pool. This is where waterproof shoes come in handy if you want to get super close to the cascade and snap photos.
Find more information about Sumter National Forest, the home of King Creek Falls, on the official USDA Forest Service website.
Have you been to this hidden gem waterfall in South Carolina? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments. Get out there and explore some more on this South Carolina waterfalls road trip. Before you slip behind the wheel and set off, though, check out our road trip packing essentials list.
Let's face it: There are certain times of the year when we're all craving an awesome outdoor adventure. If you enjoy the outdoors, your favorite time to explore may vary, but there is always time for a fun hike. For hiking enthusiasts, few places inspire the kind of awe found at the foot of a 100-foot, free-falling, rainbow-infused waterfall. As far as family outings go, this one is sure to foster memories to last a lifetime. Rainbow Falls Trail in South Carolina will lead you to one such natural wonder.
advertisement
The waterfall, appropriately named, "Rainbow Falls," is found at the end of an out-and-back trail beginning in Jones Gap State Park in Marietta, SC. And while that view from the base of this colossal waterfall is definitely gorgeous...
... it's certainly not the only pretty thing you'll gawk at on this hiking excursion. The trail, among other things, is spiked with high adventure, including fairy tale foot bridges surrounded by moss-covered boulders and trees. (You may seriously think you know how it would feel to be walking through Tolkien's Middle Earth.)
So the Rainbow Falls Trail difficulty isn't too hard to overcome, and the rewards are amazing.
Speaking of water crossings, one of the most striking rivers in the state runs through Jones Gap State Park. Once you cross over the Middle Saluda River a few times you'll see why this boulder-laden, babbling brook is so often photographed by professionals.
The trail is well-traveled but not overcrowded. The rangers at this state park see to it that once the parking area is filled, anyone wishing to enter the small parking lot has to wait until someone else leaves. It's a good system that keeps the number of people on the trail to a minimum, in the long run. Just be sure to arrive very early to get a parking spot, or you could find yourself waiting a while for your adventure to begin.
But oh, what an adventure it is! Arrive at just the right time and you'll witness the sun illuminating the waterfall in the colors of the rainbow. In short, the minerals found in the rocks here are responsible for the multi-color effect at certain times of the day.
We suggest giving yourself at least 3-5 hours to enjoy the spoils of this forest paradise. There are plenty of places to sit and relax for a bit before heading back; maybe even bring a picnic lunch (just be sure to take everything with you when you leave).
For a link to the map found above, as well as Rainbow Falls Trail reviews, head to AllTrails. You can also try AllTrails+ for follow-along maps and more trail info.
Rainbow Falls Trail in South Carolina is located inside Jones Gap State Park. The park is open year-round, although some trails close for weather-related safety in the winter. Have you spent any time in this beautiful state park? Tell us about your favorite trail in the comments.
If you need a little more help finding good hiking trails in South Carolina, we can certainly help. Take a look at our extensive trail guide to many of the best hiking trails in SC.
