Ellicott Rock & Spoonauger Falls on the Chattooga - Hike and Swim

Description:

Ellicott Rock Wilderness Area consists of 8,274 acres located in the States of Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina. In 1811, surveyor Andrew Ellicott determined the starting point for the North Carolina-Georgia state line and chiseled an inconspicuous mark on a rock on the east bank of the Chattooga River. After continued dispute, two years later, commissioners from SC and NC re-surveyed the area and marked another rock (Commissioners Rock) just 10 - 15 feet away as the border between the three states. This "commissioners rock" is often incorrectly referred to as Ellicott Rock and is the official border between the three states.

In the Ellicott Rock Wilderness area the mountainous regions of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia converge and straddle the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River. This is the only Wilderness Area lying in three states. Rugged terrain, tall peaks, and the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River are the hallmarks of this Wilderness. Clear perennial trout streams that occasionally drop over small waterfalls scour the numerous steep-walled gorges. Unusual rock formations hover above some of the streams, and several threatened or endangered plants have been identified. Deer, squirrels, grouse, and wild turkeys are common sights in the Wilderness area, along with the more elusive black bear and raccoon. Dense stands of white pine and hemlock occupy the lower coves and areas along streams, upland hardwoods thrive on slopes, and scrub oaks and pitch pines grow on dry ridges. The region is on the southern end of an area that receives the highest rainfall in the eastern United States; so, the area is very lush and green.

Hike:

We will begin our hike from Burrells Ford and hike north on the Chattooga River Trail (CRT).  After a short distance, we will reach a short side trail leading to Spoonauger Falls, which is a waterfall of approximately 50 feet in height. After a short stop at this waterfall, we will continue on the CRT closely following the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River. After approximately 4 miles, we will reach Ellicott Rock, the boundary between GA, SC, and NC. At this point we will take some time to locate the rock (it's very tricky to identify), take photos, try to stand in 3 states at the same time, have lunch, and take a dip in the clear, refreshing, upper Chattooga River. We will spend some time (~1hr+) in this area and not be rushing.  The hike will be at a comfortable 2.5 mph pace so that we can take in the sights, sounds, and scents; again, we won't be rushing. We will probably hike north 1/4 mi. past Ellicott Rock to a nice spot on the river to have lunch. After lunch, we will return to Burrells Ford by means of the CRT.

Note: We will meet right at the Burrell's Ford "Bridge" on the SC side at 10:30. (See directions below for map)

https://goo.gl/ma ps/mRxLsqsXCcq7Qioi8

To make it easy to locate each other, we will meet "right at the bridge" on the SC side (not the CRT trailhead) at 10:30 A.M. There is ample parking along both sides of the road.