While most South Carolinians have barely heard of the 300-mile Carolina Thread Trail that extends into both North and South Carolina, many end up hiking shorter segments of the larger group of trails that are pieced together via greenways and blueways.

In the case of the Rocky Creek Trail in South Carolina (a part of the Carolina Thread Trail), outdoor enthusiasts can either hike or paddle this 2.3-mile scenic pathway on the outskirts of Great Falls, South Carolina.

AllTrails/Julie Gamble Eichler

Duly named, Rocky Creek flows along the town’s border and eventually drops into the Great Falls Dearborn Reservoir on the east side of town.

Google/Isaac McInerney Along the course of the trail, the creek is marked with shards of huge rocks that coat the bottom of the creek and massive smooth rocky outcroppings that run along the banks.

Located in the Piedmont of the Palmetto State, Rocky Creek turns a regular few hours of hiking into a fun-filled adventure.

AllTrails/Robert Riede In the summer, a sandy beach with a wide berth provides hours of fun in the sun and water.

As the trail passes under Highway 21 south of Great Falls, a scenic spot for a picnic unfolds.

AllTrails / Scott Chisolm

There’s also a short spur off the trail that leads to a surprisingly tall (for this part of the state!) 40-foot waterfall!

Google/JC RXN Talk about a perfect spot for a picnic!

For the Piedmont, the Rocky Creek Trail is one of the most scenic waterside hikes in the state.

AllTrails/Vlad Pchelinsky

Make the trek right after a heavy rainfall and enjoy how the water turns a beautiful shade of rusty red as the clay in the soil gets turned up by the rushing water.

AllTrails/Gary A

The sleepy town of Great Falls is a fantastic place to explore via the Rocky Creek Trail.

AllTrails

Add this one to your bucket list – and enjoy it any time of the year. Bring the dog, too… as long as it’s on a leash. Learn more about the hike with a visit to our friends at AllTrails.com. Of note, the 2.3 mile distance of this trail is out and back. One way, it’s barely over a mile. So take your time and enjoy the sights!

AllTrails/Julie Gamble Eichler

Google/Isaac McInerney

Along the course of the trail, the creek is marked with shards of huge rocks that coat the bottom of the creek and massive smooth rocky outcroppings that run along the banks.

AllTrails/Robert Riede

In the summer, a sandy beach with a wide berth provides hours of fun in the sun and water.

AllTrails / Scott Chisolm

Google/JC RXN

Talk about a perfect spot for a picnic!

AllTrails/Vlad Pchelinsky

AllTrails/Gary A

AllTrails

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Address: Carolina Thread Trail-Rocky Creek Trail, 1030 Chester Ave, Great Falls, SC 29055, USA