Hiking Trail

Fork Mountain

(Sumter National Forest)

Description: This moderately difficult, 6.4-mile trail starts in South Carolina at the Sloan Bridge Picnic Area and ends in North Carolina in the Ellicott Rock Wilderness Area where it joins the Bad Creek Trail and from here, the trail eventually becomes the Chattooga Trail which continues southwest to Burrells Ford. You may want to hike it as an out-and-back. The trail plunges almost immediately into a dense canopy of mountain laurel and rhododendron, where you’ll stay cool and shaded most of the way. The trail also weaves along the northern flanks of Fork Mountain, ascending and descending through numerous coves and ravines. Rust blazes guide you from the trailhead at Sloan Bridge, but be aware that some trail markers are a good distance apart. Since the trail is lightly used, fallen trees and occasional undergrowth may also present some challenges. At the junction with the Bad Creek Trail you can return, or extend your hike approximately 1.3 miles to Ellicott Rock.

Length: 6.4 miles one-way.

Fees: None.

Directions: From Walhalla, drive northwest on SC 28 for 7.5 miles and bear right onto SC 107. Continue on SC 107 for 14.5 miles to the junction of Oconee County S-37-413. The Sloan Bridge Picnic Area is approximately .5 miles ahead on the left. From the parking lot, walk north across the highway culvert that crosses East Fork Creek.

Hours: Dawn to dusk.

Camping: Camping is allowed along the trail (except in the Ellicott Rock Wilderness area), but no facilities are available. Campsites with facilities are at Cherry Hill Recreation Area and Oconee State Park. Primitive campsites are at Burrells Ford Campground. Oconee State Park has 19 cabins (sleep four to eight, $55-$70 per cabin, per night), 140 campsites ($15.40 per site, per night) and 10 tent sites ($7.70 per site per night). Call 864-638-5353.

Information: Sumter National Forest, Andrew Pickens Ranger District, 112 Andrew Pickens Circle, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, Telephone: 864-638-9568.

South Carolina State Trails Program
South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism
1205 Pendleton Street :: Columbia, SC 29201 :: 803-734-0173
Webmaster: bswanson@scprt.com
Updated: October 27, 2004
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