Overview
The Chattooga River Trail follows the upper Chattooga Wild and Scenic River through Sumter National Forest for 11 miles, tracing the South Carolina-Georgia border through one of the most intact river corridors in the southern Appalachians. This is not the famous whitewater Chattooga of Sections III and IV; this is the upper river, Section I, where the water is calmer and the forest closes overhead in old-growth cove hardwood canopy. The setting is wild, the trail is quiet, and the river is visible throughout most of the route.
A vehicle shuttle is required for the full one-way route. Most groups start at Burrells Ford Campground and end at the Russell Bridge put-in or continue downstream to Long Bottom Ford.
No permit is required. No cell service in the river corridor.
The Route
Miles 0 to 3: Burrells Ford to Ellicott Rock junction. The trail begins at Burrells Ford Campground and heads upstream along the Chattooga's south bank. The river here is 40 to 60 feet wide, clear and cold, running over a gravel and boulder bed. Cove hardwood forest closes in immediately: tulip poplar, white oak, black birch, and eastern hemlock in the shaded coves. The Ellicott Rock Wilderness trail junction appears at mile 2.5; continuing straight on the river trail bypasses the wilderness entry.
Miles 3 to 7: Core river corridor. This is the most remote section of the trail, deep in the river canyon with no road access for several miles. The trail occasionally climbs to avoid bluffs before returning to the river bank. Old-growth tulip poplar trees appear with increasing frequency, some exceeding 24 inches in diameter. The river is entirely South Carolina on one bank and Georgia on the other; fishing regulations from both states may apply depending on which bank you stand on.
Miles 7 to 11: Lower section to Long Bottom Ford. The trail gradually becomes more accessible as it approaches the lower trailhead area. The cove forest character continues throughout. The final mile passes through a section frequently used by anglers accessing the river from the Long Bottom Ford area.
When to Hike
March through May: Peak wildflower season. Trillium, bloodroot, jack-in-the-pulpit, and wild ginger carpet the cove forest floor. The river is high and cold, at its most dramatic. Neotropical migrants arrive in April, with wood thrush, hooded warbler, and Acadian flycatcher filling the forest with sound.
June through August: Hot and humid. The forest's shade helps, but the trail can be warm on calm days. Swimming in designated areas is refreshing. Insects are significant near the water.
September through November: Excellent fall hiking. Humidity drops, temperatures moderate, and fall color peaks in late October through early November. The forest's hardwood composition produces spectacular fall foliage.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 2 liters of water for the full day on this route. The river is a water source throughout but requires treatment. Trekking poles help on the occasional muddy sections after rain. Waterproof boots are useful in spring when the trail can be wet near the river.
Trailhead Access
Start at Burrells Ford Campground on SC-107, 14 miles north of Walhalla. For a shuttle, leave a second vehicle at the Russell Bridge put-in or Long Bottom Ford, accessible from US-76 east of Clayton, Georgia. The drive between trailheads takes about 30 minutes.
Nearby
The Ellicott Rock Wilderness Trail branches off the river trail at mile 2.5 and crosses into the wilderness. The King Creek Falls Trail is a short 2-mile add-on from Burrells Ford. See the full Sumter National Forest guide for all Andrew Pickens District options. Follow Leave No Trace principles along the river corridor.