Chattooga River Trail (SC side) landscape

Photo: Photo by Avery Cocozziello on Unsplash

Chattooga River Trail (SC side)

~2 days · 15 mi · easy · Point-to-point

Quick facts

Distance15 mi
Days out2
Elevation gain2,034 ft
Gain / mile136 ft
High point2,231 ft

What the Chattooga River Trail (SC side) is known for

The South Carolina bank of the Chattooga Wild & Scenic River for about 15 miles, from Russell Bridge on SC 28 upstream to Ellicott Rock where SC, GA and NC meet; the middle miles are shared with the Foothills Trail.

Route map & campsites

Route map of the Chattooga River Trail (SC side) on OpenStreetMap terrain Open in Planner →

Route shape from OpenStreetMap geometry. Start · End · Camp

Elevation profile

Elevation ranges from 5,210 ft to 7,244 ft over 15 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).

  • Uphill 7.2 mi · 48%
  • Downhill 4.9 mi · 33%
  • Flat 2.8 mi · 19%

Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does the Chattooga River Trail (SC side) take?

Most backpackers hike the Chattooga River Trail (SC side) in about 2 days (1 nights out) over its 15 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.

How much elevation gain is on the Chattooga River Trail (SC side)?

The Chattooga River Trail (SC side) climbs roughly 2,034 ft total — about 136 ft per mile, topping out near 2,231 ft.

Related trails

Sources & attribution

Route geometry and stats derived from OpenStreetMap (© OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL) — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.

Plan the Chattooga River Trail Plan Free →