Ellicott Rock
Explore the historic Ellicott Rock in Mountain Rest, South Carolina. This significant landmark marks the borders of Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina, offering a unique opportunity to stand in multiple states at once.
Nearby Places to Explore
Nearby Events
Location & Map
Find this place on Google Maps and get turn-by-turn directions before you go.
Google Reviews
Brian NashThe "Ellicott Rock" currently has a fallen tree over it, but can be found. It is marked by an orange ribbon around a tree at the spot where you can access the river from the trail, then look for another orange ribbon downstream a few yards that marks where the NG inscription can be found.
Jun 12, 2025 · Google Review
Keith Jacksonvisited April 2025 Although this rock isn't well marked, you'll find it if you look for the famous tri point where the states meet. The trail to this rock is moderate difficulty if you're capable of walking 5 miles. There may be some slippery rocks, ankle deep stream crossings, and downed trees to go over/under. Overall the trail is very manageable for normal hikers. Note that there are two parking areas. The lower one is closer to the trail, and is likely less used. Would certainly go again.
May 14, 2025 · Google Review
John SmithWas a wonderful hike, beautiful trails and well maintained.
Mar 4, 2025 · Google Review
Chris McLaughlinBeautiful trail (we came up from the south), my son and I hiked it on vacation 2 days before Christmas 2024. Temps were 30s and the trail was well maintained and clear, even after the storms this year. Some trees but not strenuous. We have hit 7 prior "tri-state points" and as I'm a land surveyor and history buff familiar with Ellicott I was excited to see Andrew Ellicott's inscriptions but we COULDN'T FIND THEM! The storms changed the landscape of the shoreline and trees that people use to reference the rocks, so we didn't even know where to begin. We searched 3 groups of rocks on the shore that were in proximity of the GPS location on the AllTrails app and Google Maps and used signs of access down the slopes by people like us, but I think the rocks were covered by fallen trees. I think we'll study it more and make another trip in the future haven experienced the site and the trip. Aside from the rocks the trail was remarkable and fairly easy for a good hike/walk. We didn’t run into ANYBODY but one trout fisherman and didn't see any wildlife, just the sound of the river and a nice time with my boy...
Dec 27, 2024 · Google Review
Ashley HabermanMost of the trail has been cleared of Hurricane debris. There are still quite a few trees over the path about 3m in. Beautiful hike and well worth climbing over a few logs.
Nov 15, 2024 · Google Review
James SharpOne of my favorite places. I twice (2020 & '21) tried reaching Ellicott Rock from downstream via the Chattooga River Trail. Unsuccessfully both times. I finally made it in early-2023 by hiking from Bull Pen Rd via the Bad Creek Trail. Luckily, the third time, I met a fellow hiker at the trailhead who had been to the rock before. I can't imagine finding it on my own, since it is not marked. Viewing the rock doesn't require a long climb/scramble; but it is not easy. You will need to get dirty and it calls for root grabbing. In December 2023, I hiked it again. This time, I was able to find both Ellicott Rock (1811) and Commissioner's Rock (1813). Commissioner's Rock was even more difficult to get to. And it is not marked either. Something that everyone who wants to see these landmarks should know: They are both etched into rocks in the side of the bank. So you cannot look down to find them. In other words, you will not be looking at the top of a flat rock. They are etched into vertical, not horizontal surfaces. You need to climb down the bank, almost to the water, then look into the bank. You may be lucky enough to find them marked with flagging tape. Above Ellicott Rock, on the trail, is a tree with a South Carolina metal survey disk nailed to it. The disk is about the size of a quarter and about 4-5 feet above ground on the east side of the trunk. The rock is right there. However, the tree is dead, so it won't be there forever. The hike back out on Bad Creek Trail is quite strenuous. It's at least a mile of steady switchbacks. Then it levels out for a bit before climbing again, even more steeply, without switchbacks. Bottom line: It's an incredibly beautiful and fascinating place. Just don't be too bummed out if you can't find the rocks.
Dec 21, 2023 · Google Review
Dustin Phamrock
Dec 9, 2021 · Google Review
Ross BowerReally good fishing and hiking along the river as well as some really great campsites
Sep 20, 2021 · Google Review
John D. CInteresting place.
Sep 5, 2020 · Google Review
Mr Nink.I love how this rock sits on the border of 3 states
Feb 4, 2020 · Google Review