South Carolina

Oconee County

Fork Mountain Trail

Hiking trail along Fork Mountain and the Chattooga River

This moderately difficult. 6.4-mile trail starts in South Carolina at the Sloan Bridge Picnic Area and ends in North Carolina where it joins the Bad Creek Trail in the Ellicott Rock Wilderness Area. From here, the trail eventually becomes the Chattooga Trail and continues southwest to Burrells Ford. The hike plunges almost immediately into a dense canopy of mountain laurel and rhododendron, where you'll stay cool and shady 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 some distance apart. Since the trail is lightly used, fallen trees and occasional undergrowth may present some problems. At the junction with the Bad Creek Trail, you can return or extend your hike approximately 1.3 miles to Ellicott Rock.

Length: 10.9 miles

Difficulty: 6