Ellicott Rock w/ Kings Creek Falls and Spoonauger Falls

Ellicott Rock Wilderness Area consists of 8,274 acres located in the States of Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. In 1811, surveyor Andrew Ellicott determined the starting point for the North Carolina-Georgia state line and chiseled an inconspicuous mark on a rock on the east bank of the Chattooga River. After continued dispute, two years later, commissioners from SC and NC re-surveyed the area and marked another rock just 10 - 15 feet away as the border between the three states. This "commissioners rock" is commonly referred to as Ellicott Rock and is the official border between the three states.

In the Ellicott Rock Wilderness area the mountainous regions of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia converge and straddle the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River. This is the only Wilderness area lying in three states. Rugged terrain, tall peaks, and the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River are the hallmarks of this Wilderness. Clear perennial trout streams that occasionally drop over small waterfalls scour the numerous steep-walled gorges. Unusual rock formations hover above some of the streams, and several threatened or endangered plants have been identified. Deer, squirrels, grouse, and wild turkeys are common sights in the Wilderness area, along with the more elusive black bear and raccoon. Dense stands of white pine and hemlock occupy the lower coves and areas along streams, upland hardwoods thrive on slopes, and scrub oaks and pitch pines grow on dry ridges. The region lies just south of the area that receives the highest rainfall in the eastern United States; so it's possible we could have some wet weather.

Hike:

We will begin our hike from the Burrells Ford parking area by going south for a short distance along the Chattooga River Trail to make a visit to Kings Creek Falls, which is a scenic waterfall approximately 70 feet high. After a short stop at the falls, we will then hike north on the CRT until we reach a short side trail leading to Spoonauger Falls, which is another waterfall of approximately 50 feet in height. After a short stop at this waterfall, we will continue on the CRT closely following the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River. In a little under 4 miles, we will then reach Ellicott Rock, the boundary between GA, SC, and NC. At this point we will take some time to locate the rock (some say it's tricky to identify), take photos, try to stand in 3 states at the same time, and have a lunch break. After lunch, we will then continue along the CRT until we reach the Bad Creek trail. We will then hike the Bad Creek trail which will lead us up about 600 feet out of the gorge along a ridge line to the Fork Mountain trail. We will continue a short distance along the Fork Mountain trail until we reach an area where there used to be an old logging road.  We will then head down the ridge line until we reach the confluence of Bad Creek with the Chattooga river.  This section of the hike will be approximately 1 mile, will be "off-trail", and may require a little bushwhacking.  After we reach the Chattooga River, we will then return to Burrells Ford by means of the CRT.

Disclosure: Your TLs, who also enjoy exploring new places (to them, anyway) have not hiked these trails. By all accounts most of these trails are well-marked, we have studied the guide books / maps, and will have these materials in hand as well as a GPS. There will be a short section (about a mile) where there will be no trail.  Nevertheless, please have a sense of adventure and be in sufficient physical condition to hike a little extra mileage if we miss a turn somewhere, have to go around obstacles, or have to backtrack on any trails.

Note: As you might expect, Ellicott Rock is located in the middle of the river, because the river is the boundary between GA and SC.  So, to my knowledge, if you wish to stand on the rock, you should plan to at least get your feet wet.