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Ellicott Rock Wilderness

Nantahala National Forest, North Carolina · 4 min read

Distance
5 mi
Elevation Gain
800 ft
Difficulty
moderate
Route Type
Out-And-Back
Best Season
April through November
Dog Friendly
Yes
Difficulty Score
5 / 10
Trailhead Amenities
Restroom
None
Parking
Free
Cell Service
No Signal
Water
Nearby
Camping
Dispersed
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Conditions, regulations, and fees change frequently. Verify with the local ranger district before your trip. Full disclaimer

At a Glance

  • Historic tri-state boundary marker on the Chattooga River
  • Federally designated Ellicott Rock Wilderness
  • Old-growth hemlocks and cove hardwoods along the river
  • Crystal-clear Chattooga River corridor
  • One of the few old-growth riparian sections in the Southeast

Overview

The Ellicott Rock Wilderness spans the tri-state corner where North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia meet along the Chattooga River. The designated wilderness is divided among three national forests: Nantahala in NC, Sumter in SC, and Chattahoochee in GA. The 5.0-mile out-and-back to Ellicott Rock follows the North Carolina approach through Nantahala National Forest, descending through old-growth cove forest to the Chattooga River and then tracing the riverbank upstream to the historic boundary stone.

The destination itself is modest by visual standards: a granite boulder on the riverbank inscribed "NC" and "1813," placed during Andrew Ellicott's survey of the state boundary. But the route there is the real draw. The Chattooga corridor in this section has some of the finest old-growth riparian forest remaining in the southern Appalachians. Eastern hemlocks, some over 200 years old, overhang the river. The water is gin-clear over flat granite slabs. The wilderness designation means no vehicles, no bikes, and very few other people.

This trail offers a fundamentally different Nantahala experience compared to the AT-corridor peaks or the Joyce Kilmer tour. It is quiet, historically grounded, and ecologically unusual.

The Route

Miles 0 to 1.0: Descent to Chattooga River. The trail descends from the Bull Pen Road trailhead through mixed hardwood forest, losing elevation steadily to reach the Chattooga River corridor. The tread is good with some rocky sections.

Miles 1.0 to 2.0: Chattooga River upstream. The route turns upstream along the Chattooga, following the east bank through old-growth hemlock and cove hardwood forest. The river is visible and audible throughout. The trail surface is irregular in this section with root and rock crossings.

Miles 2.0 to 2.5: Ellicott Rock approach and rock. The trail continues upstream to Ellicott Rock at approximately mile 2.5. The rock is on the east bank of the river, at or very near the water's edge depending on river level. The inscription "NC" and "1813" is faint but visible on the upper face of the rock. Look upstream from the rock for the actual state line.

Return: Retrace the route to the trailhead.

When to Visit

Spring (April through May): The cove forest wildflowers are at their best in April. River levels may be higher than in summer. The old-growth hemlocks and the spring canopy create an atmospheric combination.

Summer (June through August): The river is at its clearest and lowest in summer. The old-growth canopy provides deep shade that keeps the Chattooga corridor cool even in July.

Fall (October through November): Fall foliage in the cove hardwoods is excellent. Low river levels and clear water make this a fine season for the downstream views.

Winter: The trail is hikeable in most winter conditions. The old-growth hemlocks retain their needles through winter and the corridor has a distinctive winter character.

What to Bring

Many hikers on this route carry:

  • Sturdy footwear with grip (the river section is rocky and can be slippery)
  • 1-2 liters of water (individual needs vary)
  • Insect repellent in spring and summer
  • Camera (the old-growth Chattooga corridor is photogenic)
  • Trekking poles for the rocky river section
  • Downloaded offline map (no cell service; the tri-state area can be confusing for navigation)

Practical Details

No restroom at the trailhead. Wilderness area; practice Leave No Trace human waste disposal per the LNT guide.

The trail is in federal wilderness. No mechanized equipment. Maintain minimum-impact practices throughout.

Dispersed camping is permitted in the wilderness. Camp at least 200 feet from the Chattooga River.

Cell service is absent in this area. Download maps before departure.

Black bears are present throughout this area. For overnight trips, follow bear canister requirements.

Getting There

From Cashiers, NC, take US 64 east about 4 miles, then turn south on Bull Pen Road. Follow Bull Pen Road approximately 4 miles to the Ellicott Rock Wilderness trailhead pullout on the left. The road is narrow and unpaved for portions; a standard passenger vehicle can handle it in dry conditions.

From Highlands, NC, take US 64 west toward Cashiers, then turn south on Bull Pen Road.

Download the USFS Nantahala visitor map and the Chattooga Wilderness map before your trip. Contact the Highlands Ranger District at fs.usda.gov/nfsnc for current conditions.

Trailhead Parking

Bull Pen Road trailhead near the NC/SC/GA border; free, no fee as of 2026. Small pullout lot for 10-15 vehicles.

← Back to Nantahala National Forest

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ellicott Rock?
Ellicott Rock is a granite boulder on the east bank of the Chattooga River, inscribed with 'NC' and '1813' to mark the surveyed boundary of North Carolina during the 1813 survey by Andrew Ellicott. The actual state boundary runs across the river at this point, making this a tri-state convergence of NC, SC, and GA.
Is the hike to Ellicott Rock difficult?
The trail is rated moderate. The 800-foot gain over 2.5 miles is spread across the route with some steeper sections near the river. The trail is generally well-maintained. The Chattooga River section near the rock is rocky and requires careful footing.
Is swimming allowed in the Chattooga River here?
The Chattooga River is a National Wild and Scenic River. Swimming is not prohibited but the river has strong currents and cold temperatures even in summer. Use your own judgment and be aware of hazards.
Does this trail cross into other states?
The trail approaches through North Carolina but the rock itself is at the NC/SC/GA tri-state junction. Parts of the wilderness area extend into South Carolina (Sumter National Forest) and Georgia (Chattahoochee National Forest). You are likely crossing state lines near the rock.
Are there camping options near Ellicott Rock?
Dispersed camping is permitted in the wilderness area. No established developed campsites exist in the Ellicott Rock Wilderness. Camp at least 200 feet from the Chattooga River and other water sources. No permit required as of 2026.