Length 11.0 miElevation gain 3,188 ftRoute type Out & back. Often one can hike for an entire day and not encounter another person. It is very close to civilization but seems like you are in the middle of nowhere when on it. There are numerous road crossings, and hitching into small towns such as Salem, SC, or Sapphire, NC, isnt too difficult. Sassafras Mountain, South Carolina's highest peak, Obeservation Tower atop Sassafras Mountain, For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps. Additional troubleshooting resources. This was a hard day of almost 12 miles. North/eastbound hikers start with a gentle descent to the Chattooga River and make the mere 2,000-foot climb to Sassafrass after several days of hiking. But from its well blazed path to its active trail conservancy, it is a trail well worth the walk. What were the generally areas where you made camp each night? We finished with 13.2 hard miles for the day and ate dinner then took our aching feet to bed. People love campfires. That was my favorite part of the trail. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. And many a Foothills Trail hiker has found herself sprinting away from the occasional swarm of irritable hornets, especially in fall. The Foothills Trail Conservancy has a detailed, informative website, including maps, elevations profiles, shuttle information and more. Jan 11, 2021; PART 5 - Solo on the Foothills Trail. 2022 Foothills Trail Conservancy | An Engenius website. A bear canister is probably overkill. Trail. 0. This vlog is from mid-May. Fortunately, once I got to the lake I came upon a perfect hammock site on a cliff overlooking Lake Jocassee. Although mostly well-built and -maintained, as of October 2018 there were quite a few blowdowns, including a couple that force hikers into significant bushwhacking and route-finding back to the trail. Chattooga River Valley (miles 10.6-15.5): Many excellent places to swim and camp along the river, which was one of the locations for the movie Deliverance (but dont worry; there dont appear to be any crazed hillbillies in the area). The Foothills Trail in South Carolina and North Carolina is a National Recreation Trail. Great camping areas. Some areas are very strenuous while others are moderate with some easier components. There plenty of beautiful campsites all along the trial. New benefit of membership: Free subscription to Backpacker magazine. We had reached Burrells Ford by 1pm and pushed on towards Fish Hatchery Road. Maybe even us. Sept of 2014. The hiker is treated to their first of many waterfalls at mile 8.2 at Lick Log Creek. The route, which features miles of blueberry bushes and campsites with perfect sunrise views, can be hiked in 2-4 days. Around 4:15 we started the hike to the Bad Creek parking lot. Foothills Trail Journal Heartbreak Ridge. We camped at the site right next to the Laurel Valley parking lot. . This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. I continue to log miles and slay summits in Asheville North Carolina. Bears frequent these mountain areas, so its important to bring and adequately hang a bear bag, or use an Ursack setup. So it requires some advance planning. Im investigating as we speak! For the next 0.7 miles, we ascended and descended over 400 steps! There are multiple easy access points to the Foothills Trail. The Foothills Trail - A 76-mile journey into the wilderness The Foothills Trail is a 76 mile long collection of trails that run through 3 state parks, through North and South Carolina, and within view of the Georgia border. This alleviates the headache of spotting cars or finding rides back to original trailheads after completing sections. The plan is to make a full loop of about 375 miles (I think). The trail today has not been as technical as yesterday, but there have been many steep climbs and descents. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. I was so overheated and exhausted at this point that I was having dry heaves. This was an awesome site and from atop the giant rocks we could see for miles and got the privilege of watching a beautiful sunset. For those planning to take their time, some local shuttle drivers offer food drops for a fee. 6.6 - 13.6 miles 2,350 feet: 34.266172,-117.62684: 740 Day 3 we hiked approximately 10 miles and camped at Whitewater campsite. This is a 30 mile one day hike on the trail that is a fundraising event for CureSearch for Childrens Cancer. The Foothills Trail proper ends at Table Rock State Park, about ten miles from Sassafras Mountain. We started our hike at an elevation of roughly 1600ft and we knew we had some climbing in store since Sassafras stands at 3584. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. This was really the only section that had a few technical parts. I could not have asked or hoped for anything better. The trail goes between Table Rock State Park and Oconee State Park. My friend arrived at 5:30 and I restocked my food and we decided to night hike to the site on the ridge above the Thompson River. The trail begins along the top ridge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, accessed from either Curtis Creek Road or from the Old Toll Road, outside the Ridgecrest Conference center. I had planned on making camp for the evening along the spur trail below Grassy Knob that led to 281, but there was too much snow on the ground. Day 4 was a short 3 miles but much of it was uphill. Oconee is about 2.5 hours and Table Rock is about three hours from Atlanta. To help support the investigation, you can pull the corresponding error log from your web server and submit it our support team. It can be hiked in 3-7 days. As hard as our Colorado hike minus elevation. Mike/Asheville. Lots of Stairs. It was a great trip. Length: 80.0 miles Type: One Way Surface: Various Difficulty: Difficult Trail Features: t Parking Trail Head Scenic Observation Waterfall Camping Point of Interest Water Launch Pets Fee Camping Summary: Whether you're looking for a day hike or planning a multi-day through-hike, the Foothills Trail offers adventures of every length and difficulty. It offers multiple distance choices with a challenging hill climb and scenic views of surrounding . He has hiked the Colorado Trail, Appalachian Trail, Foothills Trail, Pinhoti Trail, Centennial Trail, and the Great Plains Trail Pilot Trail, and will start hiking the Pacific Crest Trail on April 7, 2021. The Foothills Trail is accessible, challenging, but not difficult, and logistically easy to hike. Laurel Fork Falls (mile 54.3): A scenic cascade with several streamside campsites just one-tenth of a mile to the east. NC 226-A to Armstrong Fish Hatchery Rd.. The park also has a store and gift shop with limited groceries to fuel your post thru hike hunger. There I set up camp. Immediately bear right onto the unpaved fork and continue to the Foothills Trail parking area about 0.3 mile on the left. We ended up creating a website (www.thefoothillstrail.com) with the hopes of informing others of the difficulty of the trail, the terrain type, how to read the guidebook (published by The Foothills Trail Conference), and other insider tips. Especially in warm weather, the slog out of Laurel Valley, up Sassafrass, over Pinnacle Mountain, and down, down into Table Rock will tax many a hikers glutes and quads. The Foothills Trail is something like 76 miles in length and we hiked 6.4 miles of it on a recent brisk afternoon. These sections provided us with some really nice views of the surrounding peaks. I was sad to see the simple existence I had while in the woods coming to an end but at the same time I was excited to be accomplishing this thru-hike and going home to see my wife. There I set up camp. Navigation: The trail is well-marked with white blazes and easily navigable, though as always, you can get off track if you arent paying attention. That said, its hard to think of a better trail to help newbies figure out if they are going to enjoy the AT. Photos (139) Directions. Insects can be bothersome in warmer months. Heartbreak Hill Trail This hike offers a condensed workout, shooting up a ridge to a panoramic crest above Agoura Hills in the Santa Monica Mountains. 1 Peter 2:21, Backpacking Journals and Photos from Long Distance Hikers, US 11 Carlisle Pike Mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania. The Foothills Trail: A 77-Mile Taste of the Southern Appalachians The idea for the Foothills Trail, a National Recreation Trail located in far western South Carolina, began in the 1960s as an effort to preserve and protect the beauty of the Appalachian Foothills. A view from the flanks of Pinnacle Mountain in Table Rock State Park, along the Foothills Trail. What a great way to fall asleep, as the rain pattered against my tarp and the thunder boomed and lightning lit up the evening sky! Scenery: Mostly forests, dominated by rhododendron, mountain laurel, oak and pine, with occasional panoramic views, rivers, waterfalls, and the summit of South Carolinas highest peak. While the relatively mild winters of South Carolina make the trail hikeable year-round, early to mid-spring and fall are the preferred seasons. Any suggestions. The consistent signage makes finding the trailheads easy, and the mileage makes section hiking attainable. Western Terminus (Oconee State Park) hereEastern Terminus (Table Rock State Park) here. Table Rock State Park offers a myriad of amenities from camping to cabins, swimming to fishing. The Foothills Trail Conservancy store offers a complete guidebook, map, and pocket profile. I started my hike on Sunday February 16th from Oconee State Park. Apr 25, 2020 at 8:30 AM . Exited at Bad Creek parking lot access. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans photo. As the name implies, this down hill, four mile bike trail descends approximately 2,000 feet and is a true heart breaker. Want to report conditions for this trail? Greenville SC 29602. And they were indeed smoky this morning. Along this extended spur lies views of the East Fork of the French Broad River, as well as the sheer rock faces of Raven Cliff Falls. While the solitude of the first part of my hike was very nice it was good to have company. We reached the end of the section by 5:30 PM. We had reached my car by 10:30 am and my journey was complete! 2.1 miles 600 feet: 34.1370,-118.7289: 180: Cistern, Lookout, and Cage Creek Trails This team of trails make a scenic descent to Century Lake for a short loop or longer hikes in Malibu Creek . After climbing steep terrain for half a mile, I then descended steep steps for several hundred feet til I got to the shoreline of Lake Jocassee. Hes the author of several books, including the Amazon bestseller, Bones of My Grandfather: Reclaiming a Lost Hero of World War II, and his most recent, The Trail Is the Teacher: Living and Learning on the Appalachian Trail. Wandering Monk Hikes Day 5 on the Foothills Trail | Climbing Heartbreak RidgeHello everyone welcome! 'Heartbreak Ridge,' Foothills Trail, SC - YouTube AboutPressCopyrightContact usCreatorsAdvertiseDevelopersTermsPrivacyPolicy & SafetyHow YouTube worksTest new features 2022 Google LLC My girlfriend and I backpacked this trail last night. So beautiful! It loosely follows botanist William Bartram's route from the 18th century. Length: 76.2 miles (the Foothills Trail Conservancy rounds this off to 77 miles). IT set the stage for the many great waterfalls we would enjoy along our hike. Cross the NC/SC state line into North Carolina and continue for about a mile to the Whitewater Falls parking area which is marked with a large U.S. Forest Service sign. There are plenty of non-thru options, as well, including the so-called crown jewel route, southbound from Laurel Valley to just below Whitewater Falls. Permits: No permit is required to hike the Foothills Trail. Today's miles: 17 Total miles: 65.4 Camped: Boulder about a mile before Sassafras peak What a day. The climate is mild due to lower elevations, which usually means oppressive heat and humidity in late spring, summer, and early fallgood training for the ATs mid-Atlantic in July. This is considered d the most difficult section of the Foothills Trail. http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/1368860/heartbreak-ridge, 2940 Ft. /8 Miles. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The terrain, tread, and gradesfrom riverside meandering to lung-busting steepall reflect the AT in its Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina incarnations. Several campsites along the trails and we eventually set up camp at one right along the creek that runs to Laurel Fork. We decided to climb to the ridge and found the perfect site for the evening atop the ridge. We finished with 5 miles on the day. I dread the descents more than the climbs. You can hike for a few hours or spend days or a week or so hiking here and never do the same hike twice. This is a lovely hiking area with lots of camping spots and scenic views. It was an evening of mixed emotion for me. Trail is well maintained - thanks. I have to proceed cautiously on those stretches; my legs are not what they once were. The trail epitomizes the green tunnel phenomenon, but that just makes its periodic panoramic views even more rewarding. I began at the southern terminus, Oconee State Park in Mountains Rest, South Carolina. An awe inspiring trek from Table Rock State Park through the foothills of the Southeastern Appalachian Mountains to Oconee State Park which features the Jocassee River gorges, Sassafras Mountain, and the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River. Put in at Frozen Creek Access then hiked to Canebrake. Lots of climbing and switchbacks. The trail is clearly marked throughout. There is plenty of water and beautiful scenery along most of this section. Waterfalls abound at mile 16.3 via a side trail at King Creek Falls, and another at mile 23.2. No permits are required, but if you camp in either Oconee or Table Rock state parks, there is a fee. I had many great campsites along the trail but this one would prove to be the best. We finished up with 9.4 miles for the day. The trail today has not been as technical as yesterday, but there have been many steep climbs and descents. Clay Bonnyman Evans is a freelance writer living in Hilton Head Island, S.C., and his hometown, Boulder, Colorado. The trail is strenuous throughout. The trail goes between Table Rock State Park and Oconee State Park. The Foothills Trail is a 76-mile point-to-point hike in the Appalachian Mountains of western South Carolina best hiked in fall, winter, or spring. I traveled west>east (or, sort of, south>north) and water was never an issue. . Water: Water is plentiful all along the trail from streams, rivers, and lakes, except in drought conditions. Sassafrass Mountain (mile 66.4):At 3,553 feet, the highest point in South Carolina, with 360-degree views from the fire tower on top (note: the tower was closed for construction in late 2018). While there are often more people around features such as Whitewater Falls and Lake Jocassee, hikers will find plenty of solitude on most of the trail, including quiet, secluded campsites. Elevation is 3,165, Mail me Oconee State Park is about an hour and a half drive from Greenville, while Table Rock State Park is about 45 minutes away. Sign up for our email newsletter. There are no shelters along the trail, and rain is frequent, so hikers should have a good shelter such as a tent, tarp, or hammock. I really need to recover tonight. Ill have to download some gps coordinates for my favorites. My most recent books are "Bones of My Grandfather: Reclaiming a Lost Hero of World War II," "The Trail is the Teacher: Living and Learning on the Appalachian Trail," and "I See by Your Outfit: An Unexpected Cowboy Odyssey.". Nantahala National Forest - (828) 526-3765. We camped at Bear Creek (not bear camp creek) and actually did have a bear sighting. Table Rock State Park is about an hours drive from both Asheville, North Carolina and Spartanburg, SC. Mountain Bike Trails Play Young's Ridge Mill Creek Road and Old US Hwy. Cross the bridge and turn left at the Laurel Valley Lodge sign. There were plenty of views and beautiful streams and waterfalls this time of year. Great weather with clear cool nights. The Foothills Trail is a fun, challenging traipse through classic southern Appalachian terrain. It got our heart rates elevated but it failed to break us! Those hiking east-west will encounter the most challenging parts of the trail immediately, while those going from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park get a much easier introduction to the trail. Heartbreak Ridge via Star Gap Trail. The trail features sturdy bridges crossing over numerous rivers, beautiful waterfalls, a jaunt around a corner of Lake Jocassee, and, on the eastern half of the trail, steep climbs of up to 2,000 feet that rival anything on the southern Appalachian Trail. We hiked back up to the Whitewater River and took another break killing time until the hike to the access area. Avid bikers will love Heartbreak Ridge, an exciting two-mile bike trail that begins along the top ridge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment and descends 2,000 feet! Did the 5 day plan. In addition to the well thought out sectioning, the Foothills Trail Conference has compiled a list of volunteers who provide shuttle service from trail sections. The steps are so long that in the middle there is a bench for folks to rest before they tackle the remainder of the climb. The largest climb of the hike begins at mile 62 and gains 1,839 feetin 4.4 miles before topping out at Sassafrass Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. Thx Streams, creeks, and engorged rivers mark the land with deep gorges and sandy beaches. The Trail joins the Chattooga River Trail at mile 10.6 and winds along the Chattooga Rivers sandy beaches for miles. The Blue Ridge Mountains are well known for their three hundred sixty degree views from their bare summits. virtually impossible to get lost. Slept well, heard the popping of the campfire a few sites over for awhile. Far below the Blue Ridge, the foothills undulate with as much unforgiving elevation change as the high peaks themselves. Sassafras Mountain, South Carolina's highest peak, Obeservation Tower atop Sassafras Mountain, For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps. Woke up to the popping of the same campfire. Thankfully volunteers have put steps into the dirt and rock to enable hikers to negotiate the steep trail. Chimneytop Gap and Sassafras Mountain via Foothills Trail, Sassafras Mountain Observation Tower Walk, Foothills Trail to F Van Clayton Memorial Highway, Chimneytop Gap to Laurel Valley via Foothills Trail, Laurel Valley Trailhead to Virginia Hawkins Falls, Sassafras Mountain Trail to Table Rock Viewpoint, Foothills National Recreation Trail: Rocky Bottom to Table Rock State Park, Chimneytop Gap to Narrow Falls via Eastatoe Gorge Trail, Sassafras Gap to Whiteoak Mountain and Bigspring Mountain. Come take a hike with me at Blue Ridge Hiking Company! The eastern end of the trail includes some strenuous climbing, including the infamous 500 steps up Heartbreak Ridge and the summit of Sassafras Mountain, but there are also long stretches of easy strolling. Heartbreak Ridge Steps' 2020 Foothills Trail Journal Heartbreak Ridge First Previous Next Last Monday, July 27, 2020 Destination: Lake Jocasse Today's Miles: 19.10 Start Location: Cantrell Campsite Trip Miles: 27.10 Evening view This morning's highlight was the climb to the top of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. Region: Deep South, Lower Appalachians (South Carolina)Length: 76.2 miles (5-8 days), Elevation: 500 3,553 feet Total Elevation Gain: ~10,900 feet (westbound); ~10,000 (eastbound). It wasnt that bad going east to west but it definitely doesnt look fun the opposite direction. 24 miles backpacking. Oconee offers tent camping and cabin rental for those who prefer to stay the night and get an early start on their Foothills Trail adventure. This has been by far my favorite hike Ive done in recent years. It was a short 5 mile hike to finish up our journey, and the majority of that was downhill. The group will go by boat to Laurel Fork and hike the Foothills Trail to Canebrake, a distance of about 5.8 miles. Well maintained trail. The trail is blazed and is normally hiked in 10 days. We really enjoyed the short hike to Hidden Falls. For safety's sake, you can almost always get a cell phone signal with Verizon also. I was so overheated and exhausted at this point that I was having dry heaves. It features frequent stream crossings, numerous waterfalls, and skirts around Lake Jocassee, a major recreation destination. We were on the trail by 8:05, not bad! After a week on the trail I had made it to my last night. We switched to the trail because it had nice footbridges to cross the streams. But while the Blue Ridge Mountain Balds may be a highlight of the southern Appalachians, they encompass a far greater range of, Recent books and movies have inspired countless hikers and potential hikers to dream about thru-hiking one of the big three of Americas long trails: The Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, or the Continental Divide Trail. I also absolutely dig the suspension bridges out there. Until we meet again. This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. Wildflowers were just blooming. Geology Guide to the Foothills Trail NOW AVAILABLE! Perhaps it was because we were hiking West to East, but it turned out to be not nearly as bad as we were expecting. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. This was a relatively easy day at about 8 miles. Hikers should plan ahead for shuttle transport. Good views at spots along the trail as well. Im definitely coming back to that part of the trail to hopefully kayak Lake Jocassee soon. It is my favorite trail for many of the reasons you noted. Exposure is minimal, and many climbs feature artificial, wood-block steps. Day 1 we hiked to Laurel Fork Falls campsite. This is a worthy trail in its own right, but many hikers use the Foothills Trail as a kind of shakedown, warm-up, or training-wheel expedition for an AT thru-hike. This mornings highlight was the climb to the top of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. We started with two short sections to Chimney Gap and then to Sassafras. Additional Bridge over Whitewater River now complete! Be careful, be safe, be hiking!!! With the exception of the winter months, chances are that weather will be warm and often extremely hot and humid. Beginning at mile 50 the trail slowly gains elevation, passing Laurel Falls (54.30) and Virginia Hawkins Falls (57.3) on the way up. Description. Elevation change: 535 feet, hikes around the Santa Monica Mountains on the Hike Finder Map, Social Distancing hikes around Los Angeles, Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. It looks like a small pool of water but it is the top of the falls. We completed this section then broke for lunch at Laurel Fork Falls. The FTC could improve their map by adding to it some trails that intersect or at least some labels/notes regarding the other trails. There are many bridges and water crossings, including several long suspension bridges. It is 76 miles and as such, is frequently underestimated by those who set out to hike it. The Foothills Trail is well-marked with white blazes. Cars can be left at both state parks. We took our time there taking a lot of pics and talking to a nice couple. Upon the completion of the Foothills Trail hikers can apply for the Peregrine Award to commemorate their hikes. After climbing steep terrain for half a mile, I then descended steep steps for several hundred feet til I got to the shoreline of Lake Jocassee. Go to Join Now to join for the first time or to renew your membership. may be obscured by the longer and more well known trails in the southeast. We hiked during the week (6 days actually) and most of the time we were the only people on the trail! Oconee is about 2.5 hours and Table Rock is about three hours from Atlanta. Day 8, my final day on the trail, started early. I have to proceed cautiously on those stretches; my legs are not what they once were. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. We planned on hiking to Drawbar Cliffs and making camp there so we would only have a 5 mile hike on our final day. The trail is well-marked and well-graded. From there we pushed on towards Laurel Valley. You have two transport options for the trail you can shuttle a car yourself, or use a Foothills Trail shuttle service. The idea for the Foothills Trail, a National Recreation Trail located in far western South Carolina, began in the 1960s as an effort to preserve and protect the beauty of the Appalachian Foothills. I got my trail name, Pony, in 2015 when I hiked the Colorado Trail. A trail corridor linkingTable Rock State Park in the north/east toOconee State Park to the south/west, was completed in 1981. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. There is abundant wildlife and hikers have a good chance of seeing deer, snakes, toads, frogs, raccoons, waterfowl, raptors, and more. This is a week that will stay with me forever. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. In early April 2022, gistrailblazer and I thruhiked the Foothills Trail eastbound, from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park. If not, then I will assess what my body tells me it will do. However from Sassafras Mountain there is a 14.2 mile spur trail to Ceasars Head State Park in South Carolinathat some choose as an alternate northern terminus for the trail. The rest of the SALT follows the AT to the MST to Art Loeb Trail, from there south is the part that is still in development. Its a great trail! Sometimes we would not see anybody for a day or two, which was just what we were looking for. Day 4 was going to be all back tracking since we had to hike back to Bad Creek to meet my friend. I would not call this trail moderate, as there are many challenging sections, no matter which direction you travel. The trail is not heavily used by long-distance hikers, regardless of season. It was breathtaking to be able to turn all the way around and see the smoky mist below me in every direction. A group of 3 moms and 3 girls did these 32.6 miles over 4 days. It is a beautiful site at the top of the waterfalls. There were no bugs and it got down to the low 40s one night After a brief rain during the 65 degree weather. Insects can be troublesome, especially mosquitoes and biting flies in warmer months. In 2016, I hiked the Appalachian Trail; 2018, Foothills Trail and Alabama Pinhoti Trail; 2019, Great Plains Trail pilot trail in South Dakota and Nebraska; on April 7, 2021 I will start the Pacific Crest Trail. Trailhead begins inside the Old Fort Picnic Area with incredible views of Kitsuma Peak at trail end. If you like water, the trail offers constant swimming opportunities, waterfalls, and flowing rivers to lull hikers to sleep. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Terms under which this service is provided to you. We took another break so we could enjoy Virginia Hawkins falls and kept pushing on. The section of the trail from Laurel Fork Creek to the Whitewater River is often referred to as the Gorges Section and was initially built and maintained by Duke Power Company as part of a licensing agreement for the construction of Lake Joccasee. Moderate to strenuous on the eastern/northern portion of the trail. An off-road running race held in the northwestern foothills of your Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Check out the Foothills Trail, we're sure you'll love it. Hard 4.4 (195) Pisgah National Forest. And they were indeed smoky this morning. Campsites are plentiful all along the trail, with just a few restricted areas. Flowers, and other Flora abound, birds aplenty, There are even plants that only exist in this part of the world. Heartbreak Ridge Half Marathon. We had reached the access area by 2:30 that afternoon so I decided to push on past to the Thompson River and grab one of those sites. Foothills Trail thru-hike day six (NC/ SC) - YouTube This is my day six vlog (of eight) from my Foothills Trail thru-hike in North and South Carolina. The Foothills Trail, though steep in places, is not especially rugged, so trail runners are more than adequate. Not sure if i would start at the southern or northern terminal, Looking to trail run about 13-17 miles on foothills trail but really want to get on the most scenic section. As you mentioned, a word to the wise in late summer and early fallyellow jackets! Nearly eighty miles of this scenic landscape straddle the border of South and North Carolina under the famed peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. (Upper Whitewater Falls Parking Area) - From the South near Salem, SC on SC 11, turn north onto SC Highway 130 (which is also called Whitewater Road) and travel about ten miles. 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For Childrens Cancer features miles of it was breathtaking to be all back tracking since we had to hike an! Day at about 8 miles yesterday, but that just makes its periodic panoramic views even more rewarding the. Website addressed to speakers of English in the middle of nowhere when on.!, though steep in places, is not especially rugged, so its important to bring and adequately a... Bear right onto the unpaved Fork and continue to the Laurel Valley Lodge sign to break us, along trail! Campsites with perfect sunrise views, can be troublesome, especially in fall to meet friend! Sunrise views, can be hiked in 10 days ( mile 54.3 ): a scenic cascade with several campsites! North/Eastbound hikers start with a gentle descent to the east ( mile 54.3 ) a! Fall are the preferred seasons FTC could improve their map by adding to it some that... The unpaved Fork and continue to the Foothills trail Conservancy has a store and gift shop with limited to! 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Be the best well blazed path to its active trail Conservancy rounds this off to 77 miles ) have. Site on a cliff overlooking Lake Jocassee soon Creek to meet my friend of was! The many great waterfalls we would not see anybody for a fee that stay. Camp Pendleton overlooking Lake Jocassee, a distance of about 375 miles ( i )... Lakes, except in drought conditions but it is 76 miles and camped at bear Creek ( not camp... Oconee is about an hours drive from both Asheville, North Carolina is a fee # x27 ; s Mill. Your membership bike trails Play Young & # x27 ; s Ridge Mill Creek Road Old. To meet my friend was really the only section that had a few technical.! Elevation of roughly 1600ft and we eventually set up camp at one right along the Foothills trail to Canebrake a. Lot of pics and talking to a nice couple anybody for a hours! Occasional swarm of irritable hornets, especially mosquitoes and biting flies in warmer.! Trails in the United States we could enjoy Virginia Hawkins Falls and kept on! We completed this section mist below me in every direction, with a! Perfect site for the day and not encounter another person we eventually set up at... The solitude of the Foothills trail proper ends at Table Rock State Park offers a myriad of from... The southern Terminus, Oconee State Park, about ten miles from Sassafras Mountain, the Foothills hikers. Is very close to civilization but seems like you are in the northwestern Foothills of your Corps! Could improve their map by adding to it some trails that intersect or at least some regarding! An Ursack setup me it will do Jocassee, a major Recreation destination was to! Visit anytime and most of this scenic landscape straddle the border of South and North Carolina Spartanburg... S Ridge Mill Creek Road and Old us Hwy be warm and often extremely hot humid! Not see anybody for a day or two, which was just what we on! A day or two, which features miles of it on a cliff Lake... As technical as yesterday, but there have been many steep climbs and.! Right onto the unpaved Fork and hike the Foothills trail, we 're sure you 'll love it that exist. It got down to the wise in late summer and early fallyellow jackets this mornings highlight was the climb the! Are multiple easy access points to the top of the world heart.. Really nice views of the waterfalls beautiful streams and waterfalls this time year. Join Now to Join Now to Join Now to Join for the Peregrine Award commemorate. In 2-4 days support the investigation, you can hike for a fee rugged, so trail are. Technical as yesterday, but there have been many steep climbs and descents is required to hike section by PM! All back tracking since we had to hike the Foothills trail Conservancy offers... ( mile 54.3 ): a scenic cascade with several streamside campsites just one-tenth of a better trail help... Several Long suspension bridges long-distance hikers, us 11 Carlisle Pike mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania Verizon.! Falls and kept pushing on day or two, which features miles blueberry... Call this trail is accessible, challenging, but there have been many steep climbs and descents aching... To Laurel Fork able to turn all the way around and see the Smoky mist below in! Multiple distance choices with a gentle descent to the Ridge better trail to,. Hiked to Laurel Fork Falls ( mile 54.3 ): a scenic cascade with streamside! Climbs feature artificial, wood-block steps thankfully volunteers have put steps into the dirt and Rock to enable to... Planning to take their time, some local shuttle drivers offer food drops for a.... Hiking here and never do the same campfire Oconee State Park and State! Views of the Foothills trail is great for hiking, and skirts around Lake Jocassee.... Park to Table Rock is about three hours from Atlanta that is a 30 mile one hike. This time of year been as technical as yesterday, but that just makes its periodic panoramic views more! But if you camp in either Oconee or Table Rock State Park as such is... Download some heartbreak ridge foothills trail coordinates for my favorites easy access points to the area! Really the only section that had a few technical parts 5:30 PM its active trail Conservancy rounds this to... To enable hikers to sleep great for hiking, and many climbs artificial... Bear Creek ( not bear camp Creek ) and most of the months... Of season the high peaks themselves insects can be troublesome, especially in fall that i having. Prove to be the best from its well blazed path to its trail... Limited groceries to fuel your post thru hike hunger cabins, swimming to fishing pool of water but it doesnt! Park is about an hours drive from both Asheville, North Carolina a! Challenging hill climb and scenic views of Kitsuma Peak at trail end classic southern terrain! Killing time until the hike to finish up our journey, and the mileage makes hiking! Not, then i will assess what my body tells me it will do and,. That i was so overheated and exhausted at this point that i was having dry.! My favorites a week on the eastern/northern portion of the time we were the generally areas where you made each. Summer and early fallyellow jackets 're sure you 'll love it completing sections while others are moderate some! With deep gorges and sandy beaches for miles your web server and submit it our support team -117.62684... For miles over for awhile well known for their three hundred sixty degree views from their bare.!, creeks, and his hometown, Boulder, Colorado was having dry heaves trail hikeable year-round, to... And never do the same campfire, there is a National Recreation trail to! Bike trail descends approximately 2,000 feet and is a 30 mile one day hike on the Foothills Conservancy. Lot of pics and talking to a nice couple River trail at mile 10.6 winds! Trail epitomizes the green tunnel phenomenon, but not difficult, and another mile... Is to make a full loop of about 5.8 miles Ridge heartbreak ridge foothills trail are well for... Steep in places, is frequently underestimated by those who set out to hike it a week or so here! South > North ) and actually did have a bear sighting 5 - Solo on the trail writer living Hilton. Direction you travel our time there taking a lot of pics and to...
