July 29, 2025
Spoonauger & King Creek Falls Loop
near Mountain Rest, SC
While still warm and humid, the 70°F to 82°F temperatures were slightly cooler than forecast making the hike much more enjoyable. We hiked on both the Foothills and Chattooga River Trails. These trails were well marked, mostly dry, and in very good condition showing ongoing maintenance. Both waterfalls had a good amount of water flowing over them to provide a nice show and a cool breeze. While the section of the Chattooga River we walked along did not have showy rapids, it was nonetheless a pleasant sight. There were a few mid-summer wildflowers in bloom sporadically along the trail. There was also a fair amount of poison ivy along the path following the Chattooga River. This was an easy hike with mostly gentle inclines and good trails.
Today's hikers: Terre Pratt, Angela Evans, Jane Voss, Daren Voss, Matt Henderson, Lynn Steele, Betty Smith, Don Pratt, Joan Carrillo, Renée Corbett, Heather Wall, Beth McDonald, Jenny Bell & Mike Bell.
The route
5.0 mi · 722 ft climbing · 3h 44m out, 2h 46m walking · 1.8 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
19 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (22)
Spoonauger (L) & King Creek (R) Falls. Photos by Jane Voss Today's hikers at Burrell's Ford (L-R) Back:Terre, Angela, Daren, Matt, Lynn, Betty, Don, Joan, Renée, Rene, Heather, Jenny; Front: Jane, Mike & Beth Headed down Burrell's Ford Road to the Foothills Trail. Wow! What a surprise, a Yellow Fringe Orchid along the road as we start our hike. No shortage of trail signs today. And good trail conditions too. A Carolina Lily that most of our hikers walked past without noticing. While not the showiest wildflowers, these Beggar lice (top), Smooth (Wild) hydrangea (LR) and Rattlesnake-plantain (LL) were frequently seen on this hike. Several easy wet crossings today. Upper right photo by Jane Voss. Beth squeezing through a boulder gauntlet in the trail. Nice masses of ferns were a common sight. How about these "clusters of Golden Spindles (Clavulinopsis fusiformis), also known as spindle-shaped yellow coral or golden fairy spindles." Photo by Jane Voss A pleasant view of the Chattooga River shortly after we joined the Chattooga River Trail and headed south. Another view of and down from Spoonauger Falls. More news after the break . . . Jane Voss caught this eye-catching view of Elderberry berries. Shades of lavender toward the end of the hike with Hoary skullcap (Left), Self-heal (LR) & Lobelia (UR) A view up the Chattooga River from Burrell's Ford. A long shot of King Creek Falls and Betty, yes, the logs to get across the creek are still there. A very nice, new bridge toward the end of the hike. Don't forget the Jewelweed. A last uphill to finish the morning.