So many of the trails in the Palmetto State often feel like they’re ripped from the pages of a storybook and the Chattooga River Trail is no different. This eight-mile out-and-back scenic river vistas and fairytale footbridges trail in South Carolina is a must for anyone who loves to hike.

In the heart of the Ellicott Rock Wilderness, the hike takes the average hiker about three hours to complete and has a total elevation change of just 537 feet.
ellicott rock wilderness chattooga river trail
AllTrails/Adriana Lemite
Ellicott Rock Wilderness is cared for by the U.S. Forest Service.
ellicott rock wilderness chattooga river trail
AllTrails/Kathleen Mele
The trail follows along the South Carolina banks of the beautiful Chattooga River and travels all the way to the North Carolina border to the famous Ellicott Rock.
ellicott rock wilderness chattooga river trail
AllTrails
The Chattooga River sets the border between South Carolina and Georgia and was once part of the land belonging to the Cherokee, who had a village they called Chattooga along the banks.
ellicott rock wilderness chattooga river trail
AllTrails/Christian Jones

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Because of the wonderful footbridges, fishing, and back country camping spots, the trail attracts a variety of outdoor enthusiasts so you'll likely encounter others along the path.
ellicott rock wilderness chattooga river trail
AllTrails/John R Harris
As with any trail in the Palmetto State, please observe the standards created by the Leave No Trace movement and be sure to pack out everything you bring into the wilderness.
ellicott rock wilderness chattooga river trail
AllTrails/paul macgregor
You'll have a front row view of one of the wildest and most scenic rivers in South Carolina.
Google/John Hightower
The Chattooga River Trail isn't for everyone. The surface of the trail is not ADA compliant. And the trail is rated as "moderate" by users of All Trails. But the views and those bridges make it worthy of an adventure.
Google/Eric Anthony

Ellicott Rock Wilderness spans more than 8,000 acres in three states: South Carolina, Georgia, and North Carolina and has an extensive trail network. But if you’re seeking to explore one of the prettiest hikes in the wilderness, then this scenic river and fairytale footbridges trail in South Carolina is the perfect choice!

And if you want to explore the Georgia side of the river and wilderness, the Chattooga River Trail in Georgia is a great option, too.

 

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