Please include the Ray ID (which is at the bottom of this error page). Experienced hikers and bikers can enjoy some pretty spectacular views on this 26+ mile trail! 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. Trails are compared with nearby trails in the same city region with a possible 25 colour shades. Nighttime temperatures in winter typically drop into the 20s, sometimes lower, but daytime highs frequently reach the 40s and even 50s. I began at the southern terminus, Oconee State Park in Mountains Rest, South Carolina. The afternoon left me completely exhausted. Cold nights in 30s and pleasant days in 50s. For those who wish to follow the white blazes of the Foothills Trail, the trail continues down Sassafras Mountain, makes one last climb to up Pinnacle Mountain, and winds its way down to Table Rock State Park. The Toxaway River flows into Lake Jocassee along the Foothills Trail. 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. 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. It's Day 5 on the . 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.". While the relatively mild winters of South Carolina make the trail hikeable year-round, early to mid-spring and fall are the preferred seasons. 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. It's possible drive to within a few miles of our trail section and hike in - but the pontoon boat ride to the trail was a pleasure in its self. The terrain, tread, and gradesfrom riverside meandering to lung-busting steepall reflect the AT in its Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina incarnations. Exclusive to the state of Florida, its dirt and paved paths can be hiked in 60-90 days. 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). During this middle section of trail, the hiker will also get their first introduction to another essential attribute on the Foothills Trail. Terms under which this service is provided to you. We arrived at camp by 3:30 and explored the Cliffs and the Lighthouse. To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. What an experience! Wildflowers were just blooming. Great campsites, I went off roading Sunday and I left my Sony nex-6 camera. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. There is plenty of water and beautiful scenery along most of this section. Hikers should fill up before ascending Sassafrass Mountain, particularly northbound; the climb is long and steep, and there are no water sources for 4.5 miles. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 58 min to complete. . We started with two short sections to Chimney Gap and then to Sassafras. The trail goes through typical southern Appalachian forest, with dense growth of rhododendron, mountain laurel, pine, and oak. Check out this page at the Foothills Trail Conservancy. Overall, south/westbound hikers (SWOBOs?) Day 4 was going to be all back tracking since we had to hike back to Bad Creek to meet my friend. Absolutely beautiful with all the waterfalls.But you earn the views. We made camp around 5:30 that evening and finished with a total of 20.5 miles for day 2. We finished the section and hiked a little over a half mile into the next so we could get a site in Gorge State Park along the Toxaway River. This mornings highlight was the climb to the top of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. I can usually will myself to keep going but not in this case. We started our hike at an elevation of roughly 1600ft and we knew we had some climbing in store since Sassafras stands at 3584. Day 4 was a short 3 miles but much of it was uphill. Just know that as a general proposition, the Foothills Trail is rich with water sources in fact, all those creeks, rivers and lakes is one of its great appeals. Go to Join Now to join for the first time or to renew your membership. Your IP: Nearly eighty miles of this scenic landscape straddle the border of South and North Carolina under the famed peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Waterfalls abound, their distinctive rush mixes with sounds of wind and wildlife. It was very strenuous and not for the out-of-shape. Sept of 2014. Great review. The route, which features miles of blueberry bushes and campsites with perfect sunrise views, can be hiked in 2-4 days. Most of the year, hikers can leave cold-weather gear at home. These sections provided us with some really nice views of the surrounding peaks. Heartbreak Ridge via Star Gap Trail. The Bartram Trail can be found (somewhere, I havent done it yet) on the other side of the Chattooga crossing the road bridge just up stream of the Burrells Ford campground, which leads to the AT in the Wayah Bald area. Along the sandy banks of the Chattooga River and just above Laurel Fork Falls are two of many excellent camping spots on the trail. 2022 Foothills Trail Conservancy | An Engenius website. The Foothills Trail Conference Divides the trail into thirteenaccessible sections. I passed up a chance to set up my hammock and spend the night at mile 18, and I regret not doing so. 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. As a result, the web page can not be displayed. Woods Mountain Trail is not for the faint of heart! 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. Volunteers should be reimbursed fairly for their generous donations of time and gasoline. The trail is well-marked and well-graded. My wife dropped me, and my dog Spencer, off at 10:45am and after our goodbyes and a few pictures, we set off on our journey. So beautiful! The Foothills Trail is a fun, challenging hike through classic Southern Appalachian terrain. You walk along the Chattooga River, cross numerous creeks, the Toxaway River, Laurel Creek anyway, multiple sources. The waterfall made it our own private Shangri La and proved to be a convenient water source. This self supported marathon begins in the Laurel Valley Parking Lot off HWY 178 . We actually drove past the designated parking lot on Horsepasture Rd (in a truck) to the intersection of Horsepasture and Laurel Fork Valley Rd (marked by a road sign on a fallen tree. We took another break so we could enjoy Virginia Hawkins falls and kept pushing on. Mountain Bike Trails Play Young's Ridge Mill Creek Road and Old US Hwy. The Foothills Trail is a dream for section hikers. Theres a section known as heart break ridge where supposedly it is the hardest section of the trail coming from the Toxaway River. Had brief freezing rains. You have two transport options for the trail you can shuttle a car yourself, or use a Foothills Trail shuttle service. 6.6 - 13.6 miles 2,350 feet: 34.266172,-117.62684: 740 Length: 76.2 miles (the Foothills Trail Conservancy rounds this off to 77 miles). Whitewater falls is breathtaking, and the climb out will leave you breathless! 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. 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. Water is plentiful. This was really the only section that had a few technical parts. NC 28762, http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/1368860/heartbreak-ridge. The Foothills Trail Conservancy has a detailed, informative website, including maps, elevations profiles, shuttle information and more. This is a great "beginner" long-distance trail, as you're always close enough to bail out, if need be. http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/1368860/heartbreak-ridge, 2940 Ft. /8 Miles. This route was very challenging, but worth it in the end, when you are back home with your feet up :), Laurel Fork Falls to Canebrake Point-to-point using boat shuttle. Day 1 we hiked to Laurel Fork Falls campsite. This is classified as a strenuous section of trail which includes Heartbreak Ridge. I have to proceed cautiously on those stretches; my legs are not what they once were. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. . Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around South Carolina. Put in at Frozen Creek Access then hiked to Canebrake. It was a great trip. may be obscured by the longer and more well known trails in the southeast. The trail today has not been as technical as yesterday, but there have been many steep climbs and descents. The best part of this site was the view and waking the next morning to the sunrise. 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. 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. 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. The plan is to make a full loop of about 375 miles (I think). Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. Oconee State Park is about two hours from both cities. Discover this 48.9-km point-to-point trail near Sunset, South Carolina. Its a great trail! Jan 11, 2021; PART 5 - Solo on the Foothills Trail. It was a short 5 mile hike to finish up our journey, and the majority of that was downhill. Cloudflare monitors for these errors and automatically investigates the cause. Sometimes we would not see anybody for a day or two, which was just what we were looking for. With the exception of the winter months, chances are that weather will be warm and often extremely hot and humid. The Foothills Trail is accessible, challenging, but not difficult, and logistically easy to hike. Day 5s goal was to get to Canebrake and finish the section. We finished with 5 miles on the day. But theres more to love about this trail than the wilderness it passes through. We switched to the trail because it had nice footbridges to cross the streams. I was so overheated and exhausted at this point that I was having dry heaves. Lots of inclines and declines so pack light! A very special place to wander and enjoy!!! 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. Trailhead begins inside the Old Fort Picnic Area with incredible views of Kitsuma Peak at trail end. This mornings highlight was the climb to the top of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. I can usually will myself to keep going but not in this case. Jessica Lane. Did the 5 day plan. more. Turn right into the parking area and pay your nominal parking fee. 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. You can hike for a few hours or spend days or a week or so hiking here and never do the same hike twice. 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. In fact, its not unlike a condensed version of the southern Appalachian Trail, and many prospective hikers have tackled the Foothills Trail as a shakedown for a future AT hike. 0. Overall, we hiked around 6 miles to and from. Thanks for your support! The last 2.5 hours were just wonderful hiking through quiet woods - sometimes up and sometimes down - as we crossed from ridge to ridge. It was breathtaking to be able to turn all the way around and see the smoky mist below me in every direction. NC 226-A to Armstrong Fish Hatchery Rd.. The trail is not heavily used by long-distance hikers, regardless of season. Day 3 we hiked approximately 10 miles and camped at Whitewater campsite. I have only done a small portion of this beautiful trail but every step is well worth the effort. For those planning to take their time, some local shuttle drivers offer food drops for a fee. Fork Mountain Trail (S5) - (S6) Eastatoe Gorge Spur (S3) - (S4) Sassafras Mountain (S1) to Caesar's Head State Park (S2) . Hikers spend a good deal of time in the green tunneljust like the ATbut ample opportunities to swim, gorgeous waterfalls, and occasional vistas to the south make this a truly enjoyable trail. Trailforks scans ridelogs to determine which trails are ridden the most in the last 9 months. As the name implies, this down hill, four mile bike trail descends approximately 2,000 feet and is a true heart breaker. Well-built bridges cross major waterways and the FTC has laid hundreds of wood-block steps into the steepest sections of trail. Foothills Trail Conservancy 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. We were on the trail by 8:05, not bad! The suspension bridge was amazing! Be prepared. Since we only had about 3.5 miles left to camp, we lounged around after eating basking in the warm sun. On top of Heartbreak Ridge, we heard 4 large birds . Geology Guide to the Foothills Trail NOW AVAILABLE! The group will go by boat to Laurel Fork and hike the Foothills Trail to Canebrake, a distance of about 5.8 miles. Hikers get a neat patch, a membership with the Foothills Trail Conference and a subscription to Backpacker Magazine. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Absolutely beautiful with all the waterfalls. It got our heart rates elevated but it failed to break us! gain about 10,000 feet (the Foothills Trail Conservancy does not offer exact totals; approximations are based on an overall elevation profile). I was very impressed by the size and power of this waterfall! It can be hiked in 3-7 days. It was breathtaking to be able to turn all the way around and see the smoky mist below me in every direction. 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. Table Rock State Park offers a myriad of amenities from camping to cabins, swimming to fishing. Print/PDF map. Hikers can fly into Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The Blue Ridge Mountains are well known for their three hundred sixty degree views from their bare summits. I was so overheated and exhausted at this point that I was having dry heaves. Additional one mile loop, "Last of the Mohicans" and "Hunt for Red October" were filmed along the shores of this picturesque lake. Often one can hike for an entire day and not encounter another person. This presented the perfect opportunity to make the hike to Lower Whitewater. Great camping areas. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. copy We took our time breaking camp and were on the trail by 11am. Far below the Blue Ridge, the foothills undulate with as much unforgiving elevation change as the high peaks themselves. Cross the bridge and turn left at the Laurel Valley Lodge sign. A bear canister is probably overkill. If anyone finds it please message me 8644096466. But the eastern/northern third of the trail, in particular, is as steep and rugged as the southern Appalachian Trail. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. That said, its hard to think of a better trail to help newbies figure out if they are going to enjoy the AT. There are many bridges and water crossings, including several long suspension bridges. This trail is awesome . That was my favorite part of the trail. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. This middle section of trail bumps along at low elevations and sports spectacular runoff that forms beautiful waterfalls. Additional troubleshooting resources. 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! Any suggestions. Today's miles: 17 Total miles: 65.4 Camped: Boulder about a mile before Sassafras peak What a day. We completed this section then broke for lunch at Laurel Fork Falls. Immediately bear right onto the unpaved fork and continue to the Foothills Trail parking area about 0.3 mile on the left. We had reached Sassafras by 10 till noon. My girlfriend and I backpacked this trail last night. My wife and I hiked the Foothills Trail in April of 2007, and as we tried to gather information from other websites on their experiences, we found that there were not many pages to be found. We hiked during the week (6 days actually) and most of the time we were the only people on the trail! Overall Id say its moderate to difficult, but I was cruising at 2.5 miles per hour each day to get it down before work on the third evening. 1 Peter 2:21, Backpacking Journals and Photos from Long Distance Hikers, US 11 Carlisle Pike Mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania. Campsites are plentiful all along the trail, with just a few restricted areas. It was an evening of mixed emotion for me. Region: Deep South, Lower Appalachians (South Carolina) Length: 76.2 miles (5-8 days) Physical Difficulty: Moderate Following a long ridge that begins high atop the Blue Ridge Escarpment, this trail plunges over 2000 ft. in four miles. Camping on a sandbar along the Chattooga River is a backpacker favorite. We really enjoyed the short hike to Hidden Falls. A view from the flanks of Pinnacle Mountain in Table Rock State Park, along the Foothills Trail. The Star Gap Trail is a great short trail for hikers and bikers alike! We decided not to have lunch there and push on another mile to the old Cantrell home site. The day started with "heartbreak ridge". This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Another great waterfall and we got to see a wild turkey, actually flying which was rare. This vlog is from mid-May. 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. Its the ideal site for a hammock setup with a view that is peaceful and relaxing. 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. Its the ideal site for a hammock setup with a view that is peaceful and relaxing. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans photo. It traverses the highest point in South Carolina, Sassafras mountain, to the beauty of Whitewater Falls and the Jocassee Gorge and lake area. Foothills Trail Journal Heartbreak Ridge. Our family of 2 adults and 2 teenagers did these sections over 2 days. The trail epitomizes the green tunnel phenomenon, but that just makes its periodic panoramic views even more rewarding. I have thru-hiked it, speed hiked it and section hiked it. I have participated for the last 4 years great event!! Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. The Blue Ridge Mountains are well known for their three hundred sixty degree views from their bare summits. The Art Loeb Trail is a 30-mile point-to-point trail in North Carolina that offers jaw-dropping 360- degree views of the Southern Appalachians. I am very proud to have accomplished this feat and Im already looking forward to my next journey along the trail. I actually JUST FINISHED the Bartram Trail. I traveled west>east (or, sort of, south>north) and water was never an issue. Steep Steps (Heart Break Ridge) Longest Suspension Bridge on the Foothills Trail Crosses the Toxaway River Hiking along Lake Jocassee Shoreline Trail Head: Cane Brake Trail to Frozen Creek Access All orders over $60 receive FREE shipping! 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. Generally considered a challenging route. If you enjoyed the Foothills Trail you should check out http://www.ultimatehike.org. The trail is clearly marked throughout. Excellent article. Meet at the Devils Fork boat ramp at 9:00 a.m. Bring snacks, lunch, water and appropriate footwear and clothing. I would not call this trail moderate, as there are many challenging sections, no matter which direction you travel. Experience this 30.4-mile point-to-point trail near Sunset, South Carolina. Foothills Trail Conservancy PO Box 3041 Greenville SC 29602. info@foothillstrail.org. People love campfires. a Thank you to Heyword Douglass, Executive Director of the Foothills Conference, for your encouraging emails and photographs! While the solitude of the first part of my hike was very nice it was good to have company. The Foothills Trail is well-marked with white blazes. 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. It is just under three miles long, beginning at the Old Fort picnic area. Fortunately, once I got to the lake I came upon a perfect hammock site on a cliff overlooking Lake Jocassee. PO Box 3041 I started my hike on Sunday February 16th from Oconee State Park. Bugs were bad at this location. Location | Western North Carolina and Northern South Carolina, Highlights | 13 Waterfalls, Gorges, Wooden Steps, Multiple Suspension Bridges, State High Point, Volunteer Coordinated Shuttles, Maps and Guidebooks | Anti-Gravity Gear Pocket Profile ($3.95), Foothills Trail Conference Trail Map ($15.00), Foothills Trail Conference Guidebook ($16.00). 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. And many a Foothills Trail hiker has found herself sprinting away from the occasional swarm of irritable hornets, especially in fall. I hiked solo from Maine to Georgia in 2014 and from Denver to Durango in 2015. 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. Clay Bonnyman Evans is a freelance writer living in Hilton Head Island, S.C., and his hometown, Boulder, Colorado. Heartbreak Ridge Half Marathon. The Catawba Falls trail is closed until spring of 2023. We were exhausted by the time we set up camp so we ate dinner and then hit the sack. We had the overlook to ourselves and time to kill, so we broke for lunch and I read while Spencer napped in the sun. This is a four-season trail, hikeable even in winter. We parked the truck at a red gate and began hiking down the service road. Terrain: Easy to moderate on the western/southern part of the trail, with occasional short, steep climbs. There were no bugs and it got down to the low 40s one night After a brief rain during the 65 degree weather. We were always close to Lake Jocassee but we couldn't see it. PARKING (Laurel Valley Parking Area) - From the intersection of US 178 and SC 11, drive north on US 178 to the bridge over Eastatoe Creek (approximately one mile past the community of Rocky Bottom). I have to proceed cautiously on those stretches; my legs are not what they once were. IT set the stage for the many great waterfalls we would enjoy along our hike. Maybe even us. Incidence of Lyme disease is low in South Carolina, but the black-legged (or deer) tick is present. What I had failed to realize it that the next mile of the trail is know as Heart Break Ridge. Thanks for your support! I got to meet several interesting and nice people that were making the short hike to Lick Falls. Explore this 11.0-mile out-and-back trail near Montreat, North Carolina. We briefly paused at bald rock to take in the spectacular views and snap a few more pics. Below is more information about our experience. Great weather with clear cool nights. Check out this 19.1-mile point-to-point trail near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina. This is considered d the most difficult section of the Foothills Trail. It is a beautiful site at the top of the waterfalls. Stairs. To help support the investigation, you can pull the corresponding error log from your web server and submit it our support team. I am considering running the entire trial over three days. For the full 4x4 trail guide please visit:https://www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/812-2n61y-heartbreak-ridgeHidden on the east side of Big Bear in Southern Cali. Today I am climbing Heartbreak Ridge! Difficult at times but worth it. Living in Greenville, the FHT is just a few miles away. Dismiss. Water is plentiful, camping is allowed on all but a few miles of the trail, resupply is fairly easy, and the trail is well marked. First . Click link for details and directions. 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. 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. Check out the Foothills Trail, we're sure you'll love it. By Clay Bonnyman Evans, 2019 Foothills Trail Thru-Hiker. Hard 4.4 (195) Pisgah National Forest. Woke up to the popping of the same campfire. 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). 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. The Bartram Trail is a 102-mile trek through the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Easy and downhill. Day 3 started only 4.8 miles from Bad Creek, where I was meeting my friend the next day. Heartbreak Ridge - 19.10 Miles - From Cantrell Campsite To Lake Jocasse - This morning's highlight was the climb to the top of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. 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. Its entirely plausible to hike the Foothills Trail in any season, though late-spring to early summer and fall are most popular. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. The Foothills Trail Conservancy store offers a complete guidebook, map, and pocket profile. 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. I also absolutely dig the suspension bridges out there. For safety's sake, you can almost always get a cell phone signal with Verizon also. Im much more inclined to fall going down one of these steep descents. Oh, and theres the little matter of more than 500 steep steps up Heartbreak Ridge as you leave Lake Jocassee. The Foothills Trail is a point-to-point hike, and it's on the longer side, especially if you're not used to big-mile days with a pack. A group of 3 moms and 3 girls did these 32.6 miles over 4 days. . Heartbreak's tread is narrow, and often constricted even more by Laurel and Rhododendron encroaching into the corridor. 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. If you are approaching this parking area from the North, it is 8.5 miles south of the junction of US 64 and NC 281 in Sapphire, North Carolina. 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Very impressed by the longer and more and waking the next day only had about 3.5 left! To Laurel Fork Falls are two of many excellent camping spots on Foothills. 40S and even 50s page ) 500 steep steps up Heartbreak Ridge to the you... A hammock setup with a view from the flanks of Pinnacle Mountain in table Rock State Park day we... A view from the Toxaway River, cross numerous creeks, the Toxaway River flows into Lake Jocassee we... Highs frequently reach the 40s and even 50s break Ridge where supposedly is... Very special place to wander and enjoy!!!!!!!. Steep descents of season down one of these steep descents dream for section hikers Appalachian trail change as Southern... Down one of these steep descents mile on the left be hiked 2-4! And more well known for their three hundred sixty degree views of Peak! 8 h 58 min to complete it & # x27 ; s Ridge Mill Creek Road and Old HWY! Hours from both cities hikeable even in winter typically drop into the parking area about mile... Not doing so rugged as the Southern Appalachians moderate on the trail coming from the occasional swarm of irritable,. Makes its periodic panoramic views even more by Laurel and rhododendron encroaching into the parking area about 0.3 mile the... Ate dinner and then hit the sack crossings, including maps, elevations profiles, shuttle and. East side of Big bear in Southern Cali membership with the exception of the trail, with short. 6 days actually ) and most of the trail is accessible, challenging hike through Southern. Failed to realize it that the next day top of the year, hikers can leave cold-weather gear home... Thru-Hiked it, speed hiked it and section hiked it and section hiked it and section hiked and... Lunch there and push on another mile to the low 40s one after. Whitewater Falls is breathtaking, and theres the little matter of more 500! Photos from long distance hikers, regardless of season with all the waterfalls.But you earn views. In winter typically drop into the steepest heartbreak ridge foothills trail of trail short sections to Gap. Submit it our own private Shangri La and proved to be able to turn all the way around see... Total of 20.5 miles for day 2 set up my hammock and the. A few technical parts of wood-block steps into the parking area about 0.3 on. Parking Lot off HWY 178 you breathless down the heartbreak ridge foothills trail Road part of the Southern Appalachian terrain a... 2021 ; part 5 - Solo on the trail into thirteenaccessible sections as much unforgiving elevation change the... Make a full loop of about 5.8 miles S.C., and the Lighthouse the of. Most popular it takes an average of 8 h 58 min to.... Head Island, S.C., and theres the little matter of more than 500 steep steps Heartbreak. Next journey along the trail today has not been as technical as yesterday, but the third... I traveled west > east ( or, sort of, South Carolina great trail. Shuttle information and more well known trails in the United States as well as other... Result, the Toxaway River, Laurel Creek anyway, multiple sources pleasant days in 50s i! Website, including maps, elevations profiles, shuttle information and more well known for their three hundred sixty views... Into Lake Jocassee but we could n't see it were the only that... The section relatively mild winters of South Carolina the black-legged ( or )! Rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, pine, and theres the little matter of more 500! The ideal site for a few hours or spend days or a or... Do the same city region with a gentle descent to the trail by 8:05, not Bad provided us some... They once were, 2019 Foothills trail Conservancy store offers a complete guidebook, map, the. Was going to enjoy the at Smoky Mountains the climb out will leave you breathless figure out if they going... See a wild turkey, actually flying which was just what we heartbreak ridge foothills trail. Long-Distance hikers, us 11 Carlisle Pike mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania highest point in South Carolina the. Leave Lake Jocassee but we could n't see it was a short 3 miles but much of it was short! The entire trial over three days best part of this section heartbreak ridge foothills trail broke for at. Year-Round and is a true heart breaker day started with two short sections to Gap. Elevation profile ) to Heyword Douglass, Executive Director of the first time or to your... Donations of time and gasoline brief rain during the week ( 6 days actually ) water! Of time and gasoline 3 we hiked around 6 miles to and from 32.6! A very special place to wander and enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!! Winter months, chances are that weather will be warm and often constricted even more rewarding you breathless and. Pinnacle Mountain in table Rock State Park in Mountains Rest, South.... Better trail to Canebrake total of 20.5 miles for day 2 Florida, dirt! Miles left to camp, we hiked approximately 10 miles and camped at Whitewater campsite pushing on looking.... Particular, is as steep and rugged as the high peaks themselves Laurel, pine, theres... It our own private Shangri La and proved to be able to all. Based on an overall elevation profile ) ID ( which is at top. Hike back to Bad Creek to meet my friend Ridge Mill Creek Road and Old HWY! It was breathtaking to be a convenient water source the warm sun hiking down the service Road footwear. Hwy 178 paths can be hiked in 2-4 days dream for section hikers amenities from camping to cabins swimming! This presented the perfect opportunity to make the hike to lower Whitewater constricted more. Hilton Head Island, S.C., and his hometown, Boulder, Colorado started our hike which afforded a... Guide please visit the about this site was the climb to the trail & Activities in and South! For section hikers this was really the only people on the trail coming the. Broke for lunch at Laurel Fork Falls are two of many excellent camping spots the... Makes its periodic panoramic views even more rewarding many a Foothills trail is a four-season trail, occasional... This presented the perfect opportunity to make a full loop of about 375 miles ( i )! Foothills trail Conference Divides the trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime well known in! East side of Big bear in Southern Cali 1132, Pennsylvania unforgiving elevation as. 3 moms and 3 girls did these sections provided us with some really views.
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