Cherry Hill Campground Beauty 5 Privacy 4 Spaciousness 5 Quiet 4 Security 4 Cleanliness 5 Cherry Hill is South Carolina''s finest Upcountry campground. KEY INFORMATION CONTACT: Andrew Pickens Ranger District, Sumter National Forest, 864-638-9568; www.fs.usda.gov/scnfs OPEN: April-October SITES: 29 EACH SITE HAS: Picnic table, fire pit, lantern post WHEELCHAIR ACCESS: Yes ASSIGNMENT: First come, first served and by reservation (877-444-6777; recreation.gov) REGISTRATION: Self-registration AMENITIES: Hot showers, water, flush toilets PARKING: At campsites only FEE: $15 ELEVATION: 2,250'' RESTRICTIONS: PETS: On leash only FIRES: In fire pits only ALCOHOL: At campsites only OTHER: 6 people/site; 14-day stay limit Cherry Hill Campground is the focal point for the Cherry Hill Recreation Area. And as one of the best national forest campgrounds in the Southern Appalachians, it is a fine place to be. The campground, in the shallow upper valley of West Fork Creek, lies covered with an abundant understory beneath a towering forest of hardwood and pine.
Just off SC 107 is the entrance to the campground. Immediately to the left is a circular turnaround, known as the overflow area. It once was home to a settler, whose chimney still stands just off the loop; a short path leads to the ruins. Four campsites have been carved into the woods there, but you must park on the loop and carry your belongings a few feet to these sites. The main campground lies beyond the overflow area on a short spur road that descends to tranquil West Fork Creek. Just past the self-service pay station are two sites isolated on their own miniloop. A water spigot is nearby. Three other sites are off the spur road before you reach the main loop, which makes a large oval beside the West Fork.
All the sites along the West Fork are shrouded in rhododendron and are ideal for campers who like deep, lush woods. Four relatively open sites are on the inside of the main loop and offer a generous amount of space for even the most gear-laden camper. The sites away from the West Fork back against a hill beneath more open woods. Three water spigots are situated throughout the main loop. A clean, well-kept comfort station is at the north end of the loop; it has warm showers and flush toilets. There are no electric hookups. Near the comfort station, a small circular drive splits off the main loop. It holds four campsites with large parking areas, apparently designed for RVers, who were the only campers I saw at that spot during my visit.
The circle has its own water spigot. A campground host is stationed at Cherry Hill and keeps the place immaculate and safe. This only adds to the relaxing atmosphere of the area. Just as you get really comfortable, a notion will strike you to venture beyond your folding chair to explore more of the beauty of Sumter National Forest. And you don''t even have to leave Cherry Hill to walk some of the area trails. For starters, try Cherry Hill Nature Trail. It leaves the campground and makes a 0.5-mile loop among the ferns and brush of the white-pine forest.
Winding Stairs Trail also leaves from the campground. Follow it down as it switchbacks through an oak forest along the south side of the West Fork. This gentle switchbacking led to the Winding Stairs name. After a mile, you''ll come to Miuka Falls, as West Fork Creek has picked up some volume on its way to merge with Crane Creek. After the fall, Winding Stairs Trail veers south to Crane Creek, passing Secret Falls after 2.3 miles, then returns to West Fork only to end at 3.5 miles on Forest Service Road 710. If you want bigger water, the Chattooga, a Wild and Scenic River, is only a stroll away on Big Bend Trail.
The trail starts just across SC 107 from the campground and leads 2.7 miles west into the protected corridor of the Chattooga 0.8 mile upstream of Big Bend Falls. From there, trails lead along the river in both directions for miles. Either way you go, you''ll soon understand why this border river between South Carolina and Georgia is protected. The flora, fauna, and tumbling white water are yours to appreciate. The fishing''s good too. Cherry Hill is a great campground in an attractive forest setting.
Get all your supplies back in Walhalla because, once you''re at Cherry Hill, you won''t want to spoil your vacation with an early return to civilization. GETTING THERE From I-85, take Exit 1, and head north on SC 11. Go 19.7 miles, and turn left on SC 28. Go 9.4 miles to SC 107; then turn right. Follow SC 107 for 8.5 miles.
The entrance to Cherry Hill Campground will be on your right. GPS COORDINATES: N34° 56.560'' W83° 05.280''.