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ForestMatters, LLC

Ellicott Rock Wilderness Trail

Sumter National Forest, South Carolina · 3 min read

Distance
4 mi
Elevation Gain
400 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
March through November
Est. Time
2-3 hours
Dog Friendly
Yes
Kid Friendly
No
Difficulty Score
5 / 10

Trailhead Amenities

Restroom
Vault Toilet
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Ellicott Rock: a stone marking the point where South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia share a common boundary
  • Ellicott Rock Wilderness: 9,012 acres of old-growth cove hardwood forest in three states
  • Chattooga River crossing on a footbridge near the rock
  • Historic significance as a surveying landmark identified by Andrew Ellicott in 1811
  • Old-growth tulip poplar, white oak, and Eastern hemlock in the cove forest
riverold growthhistoric sitewildlife

Overview

The Ellicott Rock Wilderness Trail reaches one of the most historically and geographically interesting points accessible by trail in the Southeast: the stone marker where South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia share a common boundary, deep in the old-growth forest of the Chattooga headwaters. The 4-mile round trip is not long, but the destination is genuinely compelling, and the cove hardwood forest through which the trail passes is among the finest accessible in the region.

The trail begins on the Chattooga River Trail at Burrells Ford and branches off into the Ellicott Rock Wilderness about 1 mile from the trailhead. A footbridge crosses the Chattooga to reach the rock itself.

The parent forest for this South Carolina portion is Sumter National Forest. No permit is required. No cell service; download an offline map before arrival.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1: Chattooga River Trail section. The trail shares the first mile with the Chattooga River Trail, following the river upstream through cove hardwood forest. At mile 1, a signed junction directs right into the Ellicott Rock Wilderness.

Miles 1 to 1.8: Wilderness entry and Chattooga crossing. The wilderness trail climbs slightly away from the main river before descending to the Chattooga crossing on a footbridge. The footbridge is the critical infrastructure for this hike; verify current status with the ranger district in early season. After crossing, the trail enters what is now North Carolina.

Miles 1.8 to 2: Approach to the rock. A short final section through old-growth tulip poplar leads to the rock itself, marked with a small sign indicating the state boundaries. The forest here is genuinely old, with trees reaching 80 to 100 feet in height and trunk diameters over 24 inches common.

Return by the same route.

When to Hike

March and April: Spectacular wildflower season in the cove forest. Trillium, hepatica, trout lily, and wild geranium bloom in succession. The forest is at its most lush in May.

June through August: Shaded and relatively cool. The Chattooga runs clear and cold. Insects are present near the river.

September and November: Fall color peaks in mid to late October in the upper Chattooga watershed. The hardwood canopy turns yellow, orange, and deep red.

What to Bring

Many hikers carry 1.5 liters of water for this round trip. The river is a nearby source but requires treatment. Waterproof footwear is useful if the footbridge is flooded or if creek crossings are running high.

Trailhead Access

Same as the Chattooga River Trail: Burrells Ford Campground on SC-107, 14 miles north of Walhalla.

Nearby

Combine with the King Creek Falls Trail for a full morning at Burrells Ford. For the full Chattooga River experience, the Chattooga River Trail continues past the wilderness junction. See the full Sumter National Forest guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles in this designated wilderness.

Trailhead Parking

Burrells Ford Campground trailhead off SC-107 north of Walhalla. Gravel parking. No fee. The trail begins on the Chattooga River Trail and branches into the wilderness.

← Back to Sumter National Forest

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Chattooga River Trail

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An 11-mile one-way route along the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River in Sumter National Forest, through old-growth cove forest and river canyon with one of the Southeast's most storied whitewater rivers.

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Winding Stairs Trail

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ellicott Rock and why is it significant?
Ellicott Rock is a chiseled stone marking the 35th parallel north latitude, identified by surveyor Andrew Ellicott in 1811 to establish the boundary between North Carolina and Georgia (and by extension South Carolina). The stone sits at the point where all three states meet in the Chattooga headwaters. It is one of the oldest surveying landmarks in the southern Appalachians.
How difficult is the Chattooga River crossing to reach Ellicott Rock?
A footbridge crosses the Chattooga River near the rock. The crossing does not require wading in normal conditions. In very high spring water, the bridge may be underwater; check with the ranger district for current conditions before planning a spring visit.
Am I in South Carolina, North Carolina, or Georgia when at Ellicott Rock?
All three, simultaneously. The rock sits at the common corner of all three states. You can stand with a foot in each state, if the terrain allows. The wilderness area itself is split among all three, managed jointly by Sumter, Nantahala, and Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests.