Hiking Trail

Chau Ram County Park

(Oconee County)

Description: From the parking area, begin these often steep, rugged, and challenging, hiking-only trails that traverse the hillsides, ridges, and rocky banks along the Chauga River.

Cross the suspension bridge to access these trails.

Upper Loop Trail - 1.2 miles - Blue-blazed, steep, challenging loop winds along the river, ascends wooden stairs and climbs a rugged dirt slope.

Lower Loop Trail - 0.9 mile - Orange-blazed, occasionally challenging, loop along scenic river shoals, and up a steep, wooded slope.

Lower Loop Spur Trail -0.4 mile - White-blazed, challenging, steep, connecting loop through less-traveled, pine and hardwood forest.

Old Scout Cabin Trail - 0.3 mile - Red-blazed, short, mostly-level, spur trail with a loop at the end.

Upper Connector - 0.2 mile - Double red-blazed, short, steep, connector.

Turn left (toward the camping area) before the first bridge to access these trails.

Upper Trail - 0.4 mile - Blue-blazed, steep, easy-to-follow, out-and-back, trail that descends to the Chauga River.

River Trail - 0.3 mile - Red-blazed, rugged, challenging, hard-to-follow, out-and-back trail that crosses boulders in mid-stream.

Middle Loop Trail - 0.3 mile - White-blazed, short, out-and-back trail through woods.

Restrooms are located across from the office. Insect repellent is recommended in warm weather. Pets are permitted on a leash.

Length: Approximately 4.0 miles of trails.

Fees: $2:00

Directions: From Westminster, drive west on US 76. Keep right at the fork with US 123 and drive another 2.5 miles. Turn left onto Chau Ram Park Road and continue to the park entrance at the end of the road. You can park on the right, or follow the park road loop to the lower-level parking area.

Hours: 7 a.m. to dusk (gate is locked after hours).

Camping: Check with the park for campsite availability.

Information: 0conee County Parks, Recreation and Tourism, 1220 Chau Ram Park Road, Westminster, SC, 29693, Telephone: 864-647-9286. (Office hours: Sunday thru Thursday, and holidays, 11:00 a.m. to noon.) Friday and Saturday 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., and 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.