Fork Mountain Trail - Hiking trail near Walhalla, South Carolina, United States - Description

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.

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-413. The Sloan Bridge Picnic Area is approximately .5 mile ahead on the left. From the parking lot, walk north across the highway culvert that crosses East Fork Creek.