Where is Ellicott Rock Wilderness?

It spans Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina at the southern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its lands fall within Chattahoochee, Nantahala, and Sumter National Forests, respectively.

What are the main trail access points?

Burrell’s Ford accesses the Chattooga River Trail; Chattooga Picnic Area accesses the East Fork Trail; Sloan Bridge Picnic Area accesses the Fork Mountain Trail. North Carolina has eastern and western Ellicott Rock Trail trailheads on Bull Pen Road.

Where can camping and campfires take place?

Primitive camping is allowed. Camping and campfires are prohibited within 50 feet of streams and trails and within 1/4 mile of any trailhead or road. Do not make new fire rings. Remove evidence of camping and follow Leave No Trace principles.

Are there group-size limits?

Within the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River corridor, groups may have no more than 6 people while camping, 4 while fishing, and 12 while hiking.

Who can help confirm conditions and plan a visit?

Contact Andrew Pickens Ranger District at 864-638-9568, Chattooga River Ranger District at 706-754-6221, or Nantahala Ranger District at 828-524-6441. Confirm weather-dependent access and route conditions before traveling.

Ellicott Rock Wilderness

The corner where three states meet — Chattooga River headwaters and rhododendron-lined trails.

Plan a trip to Ellicott Rock Wilderness

Where on earth

Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Ellicott Rock Wilderness, United States. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.

Region: GA / NC / SC, USA
Country: United States
Biome: Southern Appalachian hardwood (600–1,400 m)
Best season: April – November
Difficulty: moderate

Known for

Backpacking
Hiking
Mountaineering
Canoeing
Fishing

Key takeaways

Biome: Southern Appalachian hardwood (600–1,400 m)
Best season: April – November
Difficulty: moderate
Top activity: backpacking

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Photos of Ellicott Rock Wilderness

Topic summary

The corner where three states meet — Chattooga River headwaters and rhododendron-lined trails.

Key takeaways

Difficulty: moderate
Best season: April – November

Intended uses

backpacking

Climate suitability

Southern Appalachian hardwood (600–1,400 m)

Region

United States

Biome

Southern Appalachian hardwood (600–1,400 m)

Difficulty

moderate

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How to get there

South Carolina approaches begin in Walhalla: follow Highway 28 north for 8.5 miles, then bear right onto Highway 107. Burrell’s Ford Road, Fish Hatchery Road, and Sloan Bridge Picnic Area provide access to different trails. For North Carolina approaches, travel south from Cashiers on Highway 107 for 7 miles, then turn right onto Bull Pen Road for the eastern or western Ellicott Rock Trail trailhead.

Burrell’s Ford
From the Highway 28 fork north of Walhalla, follow Highway 107 for 10 miles, then turn left onto Burrell’s Ford Road, which is often unsigned. Drive 2.5 miles down the gravel road. Park near Burrells Ford Campground along the road or just across the bridge in Georgia. This is an entry to the Chattooga River Trail in the wilderness's southern region.
Chattooga Picnic Area
From the Highway 28 fork north of Walhalla, follow Highway 107 for 11.5 miles. Turn left onto Fish Hatchery Road at the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery sign. Follow the narrow, winding paved road for 2.5 miles to parking at its end for access to the East Fork Trail.
Ellicott Rock Trail – Eastern trailhead
From Cashiers, follow Highway 107 south for 7 miles and turn right onto Bull Pen Road. Continue 2.5 miles along the paved and gravel road. Parking is on the right; the trailhead is on the left.
Ellicott Rock Trail – Western trailhead
From Cashiers, follow Highway 107 south for 7 miles, turn right onto Bull Pen Road, and continue 6.5 miles. Both parking and the trailhead are on the left.

Sources: fs.usda.gov · Wikipedia · Wikivoyage. Confirm road and trailhead conditions with the managing agency before you leave.

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Popular pursuits at Ellicott Rock Wilderness

Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
Mountaineering
Glacier and high-route objectives with real consequence.
Canoeing
Paddle routes, portages, and put-ins.
Fishing
Resident gamefish, seasons, and the water that holds them.

Animals around Ellicott Rock Wilderness

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Maps, GPS & compass for this trip

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GPS picks

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Fishing at Ellicott Rock Wilderness

Planning to fish Ellicott Rock Wilderness, the United States? Fishing licenses, open seasons and catch limits in the United States are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.

Do I need a fishing license at Ellicott Rock Wilderness?

A the United States fishing license is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
Read the current the United States fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
Ellicott Rock Wilderness may add its own fishing rules on top of the United States law — check the managing agency too.

We don't have a verified licensing link on file for the United States yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.

The Fishing Guide — species, best times & gear Wild10 fishing guides, knots & lure planner

Hunting near Ellicott Rock Wilderness

Thinking about hunting Ellicott Rock Wilderness, the United States? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in the United States are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.

Is hunting allowed at Ellicott Rock Wilderness?

Hunting is prohibited or heavily restricted in many national parks, wilderness and protected areas — confirm with the Ellicott Rock Wilderness land manager before planning a hunt, and look to surrounding public land.

What do I need to hunt in the United States?

A the United States hunting license — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.

We don't have a verified licensing link on file for the United States yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.

The Hunting Guide — gear, permits & seasons Wild10 hunting guides & season calendars Best deer hunting broadheads Deer archery season gear list

Three-state wilderness in the southern Blue Ridge

Ellicott Rock Wilderness sits at the southern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains, spanning South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. Its lands fall within Sumter, Nantahala, and Chattahoochee National Forests, respectively. Congress designated the wilderness in 1975 and expanded it in 1984. Hiking and primitive camping are central ways to explore its varied plant and animal communities, with fishing, hunting, swimming, and kayaking also among the area's recreation opportunities. Access choices include the Chattooga River Trail from Burrell’s Ford, the East Fork Trail from Chattooga Picnic Area, and the Ellicott Rock Trail from Bull Pen Road. Choose an entry point to match the trail rather than treating the wilderness as a single roadside destination. The Andrew Pickens Ranger District leads management and can help with trip planning.

Wet-weather planning and trail access

The wilderness is open for use all year, but access varies with weather conditions. It lies near the area with the highest recorded rainfall in the eastern United States, so rain protection belongs in the pack regardless of season. Temperatures are typically ten or more degrees cooler than in nearby Walhalla throughout the year; clothing suitable for town may not be enough on the trail. Carry insulating layers and keep essential gear dry. Potable water is not available, so bring drinking water or equipment to treat natural sources. Road approaches also deserve attention: Burrell’s Ford Road is gravel, Fish Hatchery Road is narrow and winding, and the eastern Bull Pen Road approach includes pavement and gravel. Confirm current conditions with the managing district before setting out.

Camping, river use, and wilderness rules

Primitive camping is allowed, but campsite selection must respect the required setbacks. Camping and campfires are prohibited within 50 feet of streams and trails and within a quarter mile of any trailhead or road. Do not build new fire rings, and remove evidence of camping before leaving. Leave No Trace principles apply throughout the area. Within the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River corridor, group limits are six people for camping, four for fishing, and twelve for hiking. Dogs must remain leashed at all times. Horses, bicycles, wagons, carts, and motorized vehicles are not allowed. Boating the Chattooga River requires a permit; confirm the process and applicable river rules with the Forest Service before a paddling trip. Burrells Ford Campground provides a nearby alternative to wilderness camping.

Route options

Chattooga River Trail from Burrell’s Ford
Enter the southern region of Ellicott Rock Wilderness from Burrell’s Ford. Observe the activity-specific group limits when entering the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River corridor.
East Fork Trail from Chattooga Picnic Area
Access the East Fork Trail from the parking area at the end of Fish Hatchery Road. This provides a separate South Carolina approach into the wilderness.
Fork Mountain Trail from Sloan Bridge Picnic Area
From the Highway 28 fork north of Walhalla, follow Highway 107 for 17 miles and turn left into Sloan Bridge Picnic Area just past the State Road S-37-413 junction. The inconspicuous trailhead is 200 feet north of the parking lot beside Highway 107.
Ellicott Rock Trail from Bull Pen Road
Choose the eastern or western trailhead along Bull Pen Road for a North Carolina approach. Confirm the intended trail itinerary with the Nantahala Ranger District before choosing between the two entrances.

Sample itineraries

Chattooga River Trail day hike · 1 day
Start at Burrell’s Ford and explore the Chattooga River Trail in the southern part of the wilderness. Make this an out-and-back with a turnaround suited to weather and daylight. Carry drinking water; potable water is not available.
East Fork Trail day hike · 1 day
Access the East Fork Trail from Chattooga Picnic Area at the end of Fish Hatchery Road. Plan an out-and-back rather than assuming a loop. Allow care on the narrow, winding approach road, and pack for wet weather.
Ellicott Rock Trail overnight · 2 days
Begin at either Ellicott Rock Trail trailhead on Bull Pen Road. Hike in, use a primitive campsite that meets required setbacks, and return the next day. Confirm trail conditions with the Nantahala Ranger District before choosing the route and campsite.

Seasonal conditions

Spring

Spring; access depends on weather

Prepare for wet conditions in this high-rainfall area. Temperatures are typically ten or more degrees cooler than nearby Walhalla throughout the year. Carry rain protection and layers, and check access before leaving.

Summer

Summer; access depends on weather

Summer does not remove the need for rain gear or extra layers. The wilderness remains cooler than nearby Walhalla. Bring drinking water or treatment equipment; no potable water is available.

Fall

Fall; access depends on weather

Plan around the forecast rather than assuming dry hiking weather. Wet-weather preparation remains important, and temperatures are typically ten or more degrees cooler than Walhalla. Keep spare clothing and overnight gear dry.

Winter

Winter; access depends on weather

The wilderness is available for year-round use, but weather can affect access. Account for temperatures cooler than Walhalla and the area's high rainfall when selecting insulation, shelter, and a turnaround plan.

Season	Window	Conditions
Spring	Spring; access depends on weather	Prepare for wet conditions in this high-rainfall area. Temperatures are typically ten or more degrees cooler than nearby Walhalla throughout the year. Carry rain protection and layers, and check access before leaving.
Summer	Summer; access depends on weather	Summer does not remove the need for rain gear or extra layers. The wilderness remains cooler than nearby Walhalla. Bring drinking water or treatment equipment; no potable water is available.
Fall	Fall; access depends on weather	Plan around the forecast rather than assuming dry hiking weather. Wet-weather preparation remains important, and temperatures are typically ten or more degrees cooler than Walhalla. Keep spare clothing and overnight gear dry.
Winter	Winter; access depends on weather	The wilderness is available for year-round use, but weather can affect access. Account for temperatures cooler than Walhalla and the area's high rainfall when selecting insulation, shelter, and a turnaround plan.

Permits, fees & closures

Boating the Chattooga River requires a permit. Confirm current boating requirements and any other trip-specific requirements with the managing ranger district. Andrew Pickens Ranger District is the lead office: 864-638-9568.

Official source: Francis Marion and Sumter National Forests | Ellicott Rock Wilderness · Verified September 18, 2026

Hazards & regulations

Wet weather: the wilderness lies near the area with the highest recorded rainfall in the East. Protect clothing, maps, and sleeping gear from rain.
Cooler temperatures: conditions are typically ten or more degrees cooler than nearby Walhalla throughout the year.
No potable water is available. Carry enough drinking water or bring equipment to treat collected water.
Access can be difficult to identify: Burrell’s Ford Road is often unsigned, and the Fork Mountain Trail access near Sloan Bridge Picnic Area is inconspicuous.
Fish Hatchery Road is narrow and winding. Drive cautiously on the approach to Chattooga Picnic Area.

What to pack for Ellicott Rock Wilderness

Weather protection

Rain jacket and rain protection for the pack
Insulating layers
Dry storage for spare clothing and sleeping gear

Water and navigation

Drinking water and water-treatment equipment
Trail map and compass
Saved driving directions for unsigned or inconspicuous access points
Headlamp

Primitive camping

Weather-appropriate shelter and sleeping system
Stove and cooking supplies
Trash bags to pack out waste
First-aid kit

Build this list in the gear builder →

Ellicott Rock Wilderness FAQ

Where is Ellicott Rock Wilderness?: It spans Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina at the southern tip of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Its lands fall within Chattahoochee, Nantahala, and Sumter National Forests, respectively.
What are the main trail access points?: Burrell’s Ford accesses the Chattooga River Trail; Chattooga Picnic Area accesses the East Fork Trail; Sloan Bridge Picnic Area accesses the Fork Mountain Trail. North Carolina has eastern and western Ellicott Rock Trail trailheads on Bull Pen Road.
Where can camping and campfires take place?: Primitive camping is allowed. Camping and campfires are prohibited within 50 feet of streams and trails and within 1/4 mile of any trailhead or road. Do not make new fire rings. Remove evidence of camping and follow Leave No Trace principles.
Are there group-size limits?: Within the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River corridor, groups may have no more than 6 people while camping, 4 while fishing, and 12 while hiking.
Are dogs, bicycles, or horses allowed?: Dogs must be leashed at all times. Horses, bicycles, wagons, carts, and motorized vehicles are prohibited.
Who can help confirm conditions and plan a visit?: Contact Andrew Pickens Ranger District at 864-638-9568, Chattooga River Ranger District at 706-754-6221, or Nantahala Ranger District at 828-524-6441. Confirm weather-dependent access and route conditions before traveling.