Two Waterfalls at Camp Creek State Park

There are two fine waterfalls at Camp Creek State Park in Mercer County that are easy to get to. One is Campbell Falls, which is well known and often photographed. The other, Mash Fork Falls, is not as popular but to me is more interesting. To reach Camp Creek State Park take Interstate 77 to Exit 20, the Camp Creek exit. Turn right off the exit road onto US 19 South and then take the first right off US 19, which is the road to Camp Creek State Park. After less than two miles you’ll enter the park.

To reach Campbell Falls, drive to the Blue Jay Campground parking area. The road is gated beyond the campground, but it’s only 0.3 miles up the road to Campbell Falls. The falls descend about 15 feet in a series of four or five shelves, into an oval pool, which is a favorite fishing and swimming hole in the summer. This is a very picturesque waterfall and sports several good camera angles. 

  

Campbell Falls

Campbell Falls

To find Mash Fork Falls, take the road to the Mash Fork Campground. But instead of turning left to cross a bridge into the campground, continue on a gravel road that runs along the side of Mash Fork. After a quarter of a mile, you’ll reach a gated bridge, a parking area, and the falls of Mash Fork.

 Mash Fork Falls

To be sure, the falls are rather plain if there’s little water flowing, but after some summer rains it’s fine. Although the falls of Mash Fork only sit about six feet high, a couple of deeply undercut sandstone ledges make these falls really stand out. Attractive camera angles abound on both sides of the falls. Fortunately, a bridge across Mash Fork provides easy access to the opposite side of the creek. There’s much to explore here and plenty of opportunity for fine photographs and a good time.

Mash Fork Falls