2020 - Ellicott Rock Loop Hike - 18.9 Miles

In addition to my day hiking book, I have another book, Backpacking Overnights: North Carolina Mountains and South Carolina Upstate, by Jim Parham. I've been wanting to get out for some shorter (2 or 3 day) hikes, and this is one of the ones listed in that book. It follows some familiar territory of the Foothills Trail and also the Chatooga River Corridor. The Ellicott Rock is rock in or by the river marking the juncture of three states: North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. It is a relatively easy hike, and good one for anyone who just wants to have a good time in the wilderness.  

Monday, Oct. 19, 2020 - Sloans Bridge Access to Chattooga River Campsite - 8.7 miles. 
The trail begins off of Hwy 107 just south of Cashiers, NC. I drove down on Monday morning, and found the Sloan Bridge picnic area, with Foothills Trail access just off the parking lot. I parked my car at the end of the parking lot, hoping that it would be safe for the few days I am hiking. I started down the trail, looking for familiar benchmarks. I had preciously hiked this section of the Foothills Trail on my AT year 5 recovery hike. I remembered seeing small waterfalls along the way, and even having lunch next to one!

Leaving My Car at the Sloan Bridge Parking Area

How Far?

Little Waterfall

The trail is fairly even as it travels down a narrow valley towards the Chattooga River. It runs parallel to a creek until reaching Fish Hatchery Road. Along the way I encountered, and had a conversation with a Foothills Trail Thru-hiker. I asked him about the trail conditions and campsites as I headed west. I crossed the road, and saw my second hiker, who appeared to be waiting for someone. 

White Blazes On the FH Trail

Sign At Fish Hatchery Road

Beyond Fish Hatchery Road, the trail climbs and descends over several summits. I looked for the place I had previously camped on the ridge before the the last descent to the Chattooga River Valley. I crossed Burrels Ford Road, and reached the intersection with the Chattooga River Trail, which I took the right. I passed many large, well apportioned campsites along the river.  There were people camped in the vicinity, so I kept going for another mile or two to hopefully get away from the crowds. 

Crossing a Small Bridge along the Chattooga

Entering the Ellicott Rock Wilderness Area

Spin Auger Falls

It was a pleasant hike along the river. I took a brief side excursion to Spin Auger Falls, and passed several possible campsites before deciding on a nice big one right next to the river. I made camp, got water from the river, cooked supper and enjoyed the cool evening. I am grateful to have such a great campsite to myself.    

My Great First Campsite

Camping Along the Chattooga River

Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2020 - Chattooga River Campsite to Campsite on Fowler Ridge - 7.8 miles

It was a somewhat cool night in my tent, but I slept well, enjoying the sound of the river close by.  It was a clear morning, and took my time getting up. My goal this morning is to find the actual Ellicott Rock marking the intersection of three states. I hoped to camp somewhere on the Fowler Mountain Trail, on the other side of my big loop hike. Before breaking camp and hitting the trail, I took a little video my campsite. 

I started hiking around 9, and continued right along the river for some time. The trail would occasionally climb away from the river but would always return. I came to an intersection with the East Fork Trail, but continued straight on the Chattooga River Trail towards Ellicott Rock. I crossed a wooden bridge over a creek and around an occupied campsite. 

Continuing Along the Chattooga River

Bridge Crossing

The trail became gradually more obscure until I came to an obvious campsite, with a small stone fire place and places to sit. There was a little downhill access to the river. Looking back on it, I think the Ellicott Rock was here somewhere. I thought it might still be ahead of me, so went back to the campsite and ate lunch. 

Campsite Lunch Spot

After lunch I continued up the trail. It climbed up and away from the river. I crossed paths with a day hiker coming down the trail.  He was looking to find the Ellicott Rock, and asked me where to look. I had to plead ignorance, which is when I realized I had missed it myself. Oh, well - a good reason to return. I was on the Ellicott Rock Trail, which continues to an access area. 

The Way Back

I made a sharp right turn on the Fowler Mountain Trail. It was not marked, but there is a sign indicating the mileage to Sloan Bridge, where I had left my car. The trail continues right along the NC/SC state line. The trail goes up the mountain skirts along the ridge for some ways. Not many campsites were indicated in my guide, so I kept my eyes peeled for any suitable stopping point. 

State Line

There is a confusing spot at a creek crossing, and I had to back track to find the trail. It said 'Fork Mountain Trail', which was not in my guidebook or map, but I had to assume was correct. I continued down until I reached the next stream crossing, where I set-up camp in a pleasant little grove to the right of the trail.  

View From Inside My Tent

I laid in my tent minus the rainfly,  reading my book, and enjoying the trees and the breeze. Later, I hung a bear bag and cooked supper. Tomorrow is a short hike to the parking lot, and drive back home. 

Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2020  - Fowler Ridge Campsite to Sloan Bridge Parking - 2.4 miles

It was a nice, calm evening. The Fork Mountain Trail is obviously not as well-used and/or maintained as the connecting trails. There were blowdowns and covered areas, but not TOO difficult to negotiate. I have a routine, where I place my empty pack against a tree or log, and gradually gather all my color-coded gear and bags around it before loading. The very last thing I normally do is fill up with water. 

My Leaf Covered Campsite

My Pack 'Staging Area'

I headed down the trail, which at this point was at a lower elevation, bordering a stream. There were rhododendron thickets along much of the route almost all the way to the end.  

Brush Covered Trail

Much of the Trail Like This

The trail emerged from the woods at Hwy 107, just a short distance from my car, where I closed the loop. This was a refreshing, relatively easy little hike. I hope to get out for a few more like this whenever I can, and before jumping back on the AT.  

Sign at the Fork Mtn Trailhead

My Car At Last!