November 2, 2021
Burrell's Ford to Ellicott Rock
near Mountain Rest, SC
This was a mixed hike today with the first two-thirds of the hike up to Bad Creek pretty easy with well maintained trails. However, after crossing Bad Creek with a bit of rock-hopping, the trail became mostly narrow and wet with numerous obstructions from downed trees, washed out ledges and slippery rocks. This made the trail less enjoyable, but passable. We did make it to the Ellicott Rock and were able to find both it and the Commissioner's Rock with the guidance of some of our more experienced hikers and a little rock scrambling. My thanks to all our hikers for their willingness to press on despite the trail conditions. Our hike, however, was rewarded with some nice fall colors in the trees and bushes along the trail as well as the pleasant sound and views of the Chattooga River. We were also fortunate the previously reported downed tree on the bridge across the East Fork of the Chattooga River had been cleared. Some of us took a side hike up to Spoonauger Falls which was well worth the effort.This was a mixed hike today with the first two-thirds of the hike up to Bad Creek pretty easy with well maintained trails. However, after crossing Bad Creek with a bit of rock-hopping, the trail became mostly narrow and wet with numerous obstructions from downed trees, washed out ledges and slippery rocks. This made the trail less enjoyable, but passable. We did make it to the Ellicott Rock and were able to find both it and the Commissioner's Rock with the guidance of some of our more experienced hikers and a little rock scrambling. My thanks to all our hikers for their willingness to press on despite the trail conditions. Our hike, however, was rewarded with some nice fall colors in the trees and bushes along the trail as well as the pleasant sound and views of the Chattooga River. We were also fortunate the previously reported downed tree on the bridge across the East Fork of the Chattooga River had been cleared. Some of us took a side hike up to Spoonauger Falls which was well worth the effort.
The route
7.5 mi · 564 ft climbing · 5h 52m out, 4h 13m walking · 1.8 mph moving
Elevation
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- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
One photo is shown on the map where it was taken — click it to see it full size.
Photos (19)
Fall colors beginning to show along the Chattooga River Today's Hikers (L-R): John, Gary, Jim, Gerald, Jenny, Vic, Renee, Edwin, Ray, Inna, Mike, Jean, Dick, Linda & Christine Getting organized at the start The first two-thirds of the trail was not too bad . . sorta like this most of the way. We did have to cross three main tributaries into the Chattooga River. This was the first . . . not too bad. Scenes along the way. The second water crossing. We were lucky the bridge over the East Fork of the Chattooga Rive had been cleared. The second water crossing Scenes up and down the East Fork of the Chattooga Rive from the bridge. Geeze, do we really want to cross Bad Creek? Really, Mike ??? But we did cross Bad Creek . . . way to go folks !!! Inna is in the lead in this photo. Just when we thought we had it made, there were trail obstructions, one after another. Do we go under, over or through? But then we made it and after a bit of rock scrambling, found Commissioner's Rock. John Cape pointed out the location of the original Ellicott Rock. Mission accomplished ! A stop at "Big Rock" for lunch on the way back. Sorry Dick! Crossing Bad Creek on the way back. A nice view toward the end of the hike. Lots of fall color when you can take your eyes off the trail. View of Spoonauger Falls at the end of the hike.