Sumter National Forest Hunt Camp Road System
Forgotten CCC camp roads through wild Chattooga country
Deep in Sumter National Forest’s Andrew Pickens Ranger District, a spider web of old hunting camp roads winds through hardwood hollows where wild turkey calls echo off granite outcrops. These forgotten forest service roads once served Depression-era CCC camps and later hunting clubs, leaving behind a maze of technical routes that cross Chattooga River tributaries like Crane Creek and wind past crumbling stone foundations of mountain homesteads. The main artery follows an old logging grade that dead-ends at Burrell’s Ford, where the Chattooga runs wild and clear.
This is moderate terrain demanding high-clearance 4WD for the creek crossings and muddy bottoms after rain. Tires get tested on loose shale climbs, and low-hanging branches will find every antenna and light bar. Spring through fall works best when water levels stay manageable. No permits needed, but dispersed camping opportunities abound along ridgelines. Come for solitude and the kind of woods driving that reminds you why South Carolina’s mountains still hide secrets worth finding.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Technical 4x4 |
| Surface | Dirt |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 18 mi / 29 km |
| Duration | Full day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 2100 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Mountain Rest, SC |
| Land manager | US Forest Service |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | fs.usda.gov |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
No recent condition reports. Be the first to post one.
Log in to post a condition report.
Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Tacoma or 4Runner handle this trail, or do I need a lift?
A stock high-clearance 4WD like a Tacoma or 4Runner will get through, but low-range is mandatory for the creek crossing approaches and rutted clay sections. A lift helps but isn't required — aired-down tires and mechanical lockers will do more for you than lift height on this one.
When does the trail close, and what happens to it after heavy rain?
The trail is generally accessible April through November. After heavy rain, the clay surface turns into a greasy mess that'll suck you in — crossings also rise fast in the Chattooga watershed, so check rainfall for the 48 hours prior. Winter access is possible in dry stretches but ice and saturated ground make it sketchy.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp here?
No permit required for driving or dispersed camping on Sumter National Forest land. Camping must follow the 14-day stay limit and Leave No Trace rules — no fees, no reservations, just don't light fires during burn bans, which USFS enforces.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually be ready for?
The creek crossings are where people get into trouble — water depth is variable and the rock bottoms are slick. The rutted clay climbs after wet weather are the second issue, with off-camber side-slope sections that'll challenge stock suspension. Nothing here is extreme, but it's honest moderate terrain that punishes overconfidence.
There's zero cell service out there — how far is the nearest gas and how should I plan water?
Mountain Rest is the last stop for gas before the trailhead and it's small, so fill up in Walhalla or Westminster to be safe — they're about 20 minutes out. Bring all your water; the creek crossings are not a reliable drinking source without serious filtration, and there are no services or bailout points once you're in.
Trail track
No GPX track for this trail yet. If you've driven it and have a track, contribute below.
Log in to contribute a GPX track.