Adventure Out

Adventure Out Spoonauger Falls and Ellicott Rock

By Peter McIntosh

On this adventure we’re going to visit Spoonauger Falls, a small but charming cascade, followed by an easy to moderate hike to Ellicott Rock, a regional landmark that denotes the junction of the Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina state lines and the centerpiece of the Ellicott Rock Wilderness. Keep in mind that Ellicott Rock itself is no grand monument, so this hike is about a pleasant trip alongside a beautiful river. We begin our hike (about 3.2 miles each way) at the trailhead on the left side of Burrells Ford Road, 100 yards east from where the road crosses the Chattooga River. The trail descends gently for less than a quarter mile before coming to a small stream crossing. Immediately after the stream you’ll see a sign on your right for the 200 yard side trail, up a few switchbacks to Spoonauger Falls. It’s nothing spectacular as waterfalls go but well worth the short side trip. Any waterfall is a good waterfall in my opinion. Back on the main trail you’ll come to a sign saying “Ellicott Rock” and “Walhalla Fish Hatchery” and soon after, the trail makes its way to within view and earshot of the Chattooga River. There will be numerous primitive campsites with fire rings as this portion of the river as it is a favorite destination for trout fishermen and car campers. There are countless side trails leading to openings along the river so do give yourself plenty of time for some nice riverside lollygagging. About one mile in, the trail turns to the right and leaves the river temporarily. Soon enough you’ll come to what just may be the nicest trail bridge anywhere. It spans the east fork of the Chattooga River

Peter McIntosh is an accomplished professional photographer. His photography is displayed in collections across the country. His passion for nature and the outdoors is what fuels his column. His work is available as fine art prints. Peter offers one on one and small group instruction on camera operation and photography. To see more of Peter’s photos, or if you have a question or comment, visit Peter’s website: www.mcintoshmountains.com

and is referred to by some as the “$40,000 Dollar Bridge.” I doubt you could build a bridge this nice for that price today. After crossing the bridge and ascending some steps you’re soon back paralleling the Chattooga. As you hike along, you’ll notice that at times the river is energetically coursing between boulders and over rocky shoals and at other times meandering slowly with no sense of urgency whatsoever. The reflections in the still waters can be mesmerizing, especially in the fall when the bright autumn leaves give the river a fiery glow. The trail gets a little bit tougher from this point but it’s still not too difficult. Take your time, be careful and enjoy the hike. About a half a mile up from the bridge you’ll reach Bad Creek and another stream crossing. When water levels are low, this creek is easy to traverse via stepping stones. If water levels are high, getting from one side to the other may involve wading. A better choice might be just to turn back at this point. Continuing on, you’ll finally come to a small yellow sign pointing down to Ellicott Rock. This rock is named for Andrew Ellicott, a surveyor commissioned in by the Georgia governor to determine the state boundaries. He completed his survey in 1811 by chiseling an “N” and a “G” on a rock on the east side of the Chattooga. Ten feet downstream is Commissioner’s Rock, inscribed by another set of surveyors in 1813. It reads “LAT 35, AD 1813, NC/SC” To see either of these rocks, you’ll need to scramble down the riverbank and get wet in the process. If this is your choice, it wasn’t mine, please remember to be extremely careful, the Chattooga River can be dangerous at any water level. Happy hiking.

Relax my friends, have no fear, here’s my poem for the end of the year: A nice little cascade and a riverside stroll, Some time in nature to restore your soul. Myriad beauty spots where the river comes into view, A great way to say “adieu twenty-two.”

Getting there: From US 441 and Warwoman Road. Follow Warwoman Rd. until it dead ends into Hwy 28. Turn right and go 2 miles to Burrells Ford Road on left. Stay on Burrells Ford Road (a well maintained Forest Service Road) until you cross the Chattooga River. The Ellicott Rock trailhead is just up from the bridge on the left.

If you want to see more of Peter’s photos or if you have a question or comment, visit: www.mcintoshmountains. com