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Rocky Gap/Willis Knob Horse Trails
The Rocky Gap Trail in South Carolina and the Willis Knob Trail in Georgia combine to offer some of the most scenic horseback riding in the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains. Winding across deeply dissected ridges, the trails descend into the beautiful Chattooga Wild and Scenic River corridor. The Rocky Gap has several loops, while the Willis Knob Trail is designed as one large continuous loop. Each trail crosses several gravel roads.
Click here for a printable guide and trail map.
At a Glance
| Open Season: | All year |
|---|---|
| Busiest Season: | Summer and fall |
| Restrictions: | Organized or advertised rides require a special use permit and route approval by the District Ranger.Within the Chattooga River Corridor in South Carolina, horseback riding is restricted to the Rocky Gap Trail. Earls Ford, Sandy Ford, and other fords downstream are closed to horse use. Motorized vehicles are prohibited on the trail. |
General Information
Directions: From Walhalla, go north six miles on State Highway 28. Turn left onto Whetstone Road for about five miles. Go straight at the four-way stop, and drive about 1.5 miles. The pavement will end, and a gravel road will begin. The day-use parking area and trail head will be on the right.Activities
Day Hiking
Rocky Gap (SC): 19 miles of trail with several loops. Willis Knob (GA): one 15-mile loop. Several access points allow for trips of various lengths, with trails on both sides of the river.
Horse Riding
Rocky Gap (SC): 19 miles of trail with several loops. Willis Knob (GA): one 15-mile loop. Several access points allow for trips of various lengths, with trails on both sides of the river.
Alerts & Warnings
- Woods Ferry Recreation Area temporarily closed
- Sumter Nat'l Forest opens several more areas today (10/31)
- Closures on Francis Marion Nat'l Forest (Litchfield/Lottie bridges
- Candy Branch Rifle closed until further notice
- Emergency Bridge Closure off Forest Service Rd. 251H
- Long Cane district office reopening in new location
- Check the Call Before You Haul hotline before riding our OHV trails
- FSR 376 Asias Branch Road closed on Enoree Ranger District
- FSR 374 (Hunting Fork Rd) closed
- America the Beautiful passes unavailable at Supervisor's & Long Cane offices
- Damaged bridges along the Enoree Passage of Palmetto Trail; exercise caution
- Please be aware of open well hazards on Sumter National Forest
- Enoree Ranger District Rifle Range Cleaning Schedule
Related Links
Highlights
Location
