The Ellicott Rock Wilderness area is a beautiful and scenic area and well worth the drive to see. This area was once clear cut by the logging companies, but thanks to the US Congress, it has been designated as a National Wilderness area and preserved for future generations. The Wilderness Area now consists of over 9000 acres, including lands in North and South Carolina and Georgia.

The Ellicott Rock Wilderness is rich in history. A Major Cherokee trading trail passes through the wilderness. The area has had relatively little disturbance by humans. Farming by native Americans as well as settlers was limited. Timber harvesting occurred on most of what is now the Ellicott Wilderness before the land was purchased by the Forest Service in the late 1940's. However the second-growth forests are now reaching an impressive size and natural appearance

The wilderness takes it's name from Andrew Ellicott, who surveyed the 35th parallel that forms the boundary between Georgia and North Carolina, in 1811. His inconspicuous mark, along with a nearby inscription "NC SC LAT 35 AD 1813", made 2 years later, are on the Chattooga's east bank.

The Bad Creek Trail begin at the Fowler Creek parking area off of Bull Pen road in North Carolina. The easiest way to find the trail head is to cross the NC/SC state border heading north on hiway 107, and turn left on the 1st road you come to, Bull Pen Road. You'll drive about 5 miles until you come to the trailhead.

There are 3 trails that lead to the Ellicott Rock; Bad Creek, Ellicott Rock and the Chattooga River Trail. If you simply want to get to Ellicott Rock, the Bad Creek Trail is the easiest trail.

The trail begins as a leisurely stroll through a hardwood forest, but quickly drops into the Chattooga gorge. The elevation drops about 800 feet in the last 2 miles, so you should not underestimate how tired you are before you turn around and head back up the trail.

Once you reach the wild and scenic Chattooga river (most famous for the filming location of the movie Deliverance), you will forget the climb back up the mountain that awaits. The river here is very beautiful and even in the summer provides a nice place to cool down. Of course, who can forget the prize that everyone comes here for; to find the famous Ellicott Rock?

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