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. Excellent article. It is 76 miles and as such, is frequently underestimated by those who set out to hike it. Thru-hikers travel both north/eastbound and south/westbound, but theres no question that those who travel south/westbound have it a bit tougher. We reached the end of the section by 5:30 PM. In a normal season, there is plentiful water all along the trail. Start and stop your timer on the first wooden step heading into Laurel Valley . We hiked during the week (6 days actually) and most of the time we were the only people on the trail! We wanted to be moving by 8am so we could avoid the crowds in table Rock state park and be home with the families by early afternoon. Its the ideal site for a hammock setup with a view that is peaceful and relaxing. This trail is awesome . The trail is not heavily used by long-distance hikers, regardless of season. Woods Mountain Trail is not for the faint of heart! To help support the investigation, you can pull the corresponding error log from your web server and submit it our support team. 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. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. We finished with 13.2 hard miles for the day and ate dinner then took our aching feet to bed. Click link for details and directions. Once as high as the Rocky Mountains or Alps, some 480 million years of erosion have substantially decreased the elevation of the Appalachian Mountains (which extend, believe it or not, into Scotland). Im much more inclined to fall going down one of these steep descents. I started my hike on Sunday February 16th from Oconee State Park. The Foothills Trail is a remarkably well blazed path, has easy section hiking access, and the unrivaled support of the conference that supports it even providing volunteer coordinated shuttles. Cloudflare monitors for these errors and automatically investigates the cause. 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. Water is plentiful. There plenty of beautiful campsites all along the trial. The Foothills Trail Conference Divides the trail into thirteenaccessible sections. 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. The trail epitomizes the green tunnel phenomenon, but that just makes its periodic panoramic views even more rewarding. Not unlike the AT, the Foothills Trail is more challenging at one end. 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. New benefit of membership: Free subscription to Backpacker magazine. Maybe even us. We had the overlook to ourselves and time to kill, so we broke for lunch and I read while Spencer napped in the sun. Only a really crazy person would try to tackle Heartbreak Ridge, Laurel Valley, and the climb up Sassafras in one day I guess I'm crazy. 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. It offers multiple distance choices with a challenging hill climb and scenic views of surrounding . That was my favorite part of the trail. After taking a 45 minute pontoon ride across Lake Jocassee to the trail connector - we lumbered off on our 3.5 hour hike. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The Foothills Trail proper ends at Table Rock State Park, about ten miles from Sassafras Mountain. Foothills Trail Conservancy PO Box 3041 Greenville SC 29602. info@foothillstrail.org. That said, its hard to think of a better trail to help newbies figure out if they are going to enjoy the AT. 24 miles backpacking. We arrived at camp by 3:30 and explored the Cliffs and the Lighthouse. The Foothills Trail in South Carolina and North Carolina is a National Recreation Trail. Fitness Trail consists of 7 stations, two exercises per station on a 1/4 mile jogging path. Nantahala National Forest - (828) 526-3765. 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 afternoon left me completely exhausted. It is a beautiful site at the top of the waterfalls. We parked the truck at a red gate and began hiking down the service road. The FTC could improve their map by adding to it some trails that intersect or at least some labels/notes regarding the other trails. We made camp around 5:30 that evening and finished with a total of 20.5 miles for day 2. Percent of the course on un-paved trails: 90%. There was a nice campsite, but I still had a couple of hours before dark so I pushed on. There were no bugs and it got down to the low 40s one night After a brief rain during the 65 degree weather. Scott Lynchs pocket guide, Hiking South Carolinas Foothills Trail, is another popular option. The service rd has many creek crossings but eventually crosses the actual Foothills Trail. We counted down the miles as we moved down the mountain towards the nature center. For those planning to take their time, some local shuttle drivers offer food drops for a fee. 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. Day 3 we hiked approximately 10 miles and camped at Whitewater campsite. Day 2 we hiked to Cross Bear Creek campsite. The heat and humidity can be intense from mid-May through September. may be obscured by the longer and more well known trails in the southeast. Nice article! The trail is well-marked and well-graded. But from its well blazed path to its active trail conservancy, it is a trail well worth the walk. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. I got to meet several interesting and nice people that were making the short hike to Lick Falls. Hopefully I will get a good nights rest and be ready to go in the morning. A group of 3 moms and 3 girls did these 32.6 miles over 4 days. Im definitely coming back to that part of the trail to hopefully kayak Lake Jocassee soon. In summer and early fall, the heat and humidity can be a killerhikers who can tolerate walking in gear literally soaked with sweat will avail themselves of frequent opportunities to swim and wash off chafe-inducing salt and grime. Camping is allowed on most of the trails 77 miles, with the following exceptions: 1.7 miles along the Whitewater River on Duke Energy property, starting at around mile 30 (northbound); Table Rock State Park, except in designated campsites at park headquarters. By Clay Bonnyman Evans, 2019 Foothills Trail Thru-Hiker. 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. 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. We camped at Bear Creek (not bear camp creek) and actually did have a bear sighting. What I had failed to realize it that the next mile of the trail is know as Heart Break Ridge. To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. From Bear den campsite to Cane Brake boat access, not flat, Great hike! For safety's sake, you can almost always get a cell phone signal with Verizon also. I am very proud to have accomplished this feat and Im already looking forward to my next journey along the trail. Lots of inclines and declines so pack light! If you like water, the trail offers constant swimming opportunities, waterfalls, and flowing rivers to lull hikers to sleep. 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. I was so overheated and exhausted at this point that I was having dry heaves. This vlog is from mid-May. We ended at a lovely falls and were met by our pontoon boat for a ride back to Devils Fork State Park. Thanks for your support! 1 Peter 2:21, Backpacking Journals and Photos from Long Distance Hikers, US 11 Carlisle Pike Mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Print/PDF map. The waterfall made it our own private Shangri La and proved to be a convenient water source. The route, which features miles of blueberry bushes and campsites with perfect sunrise views, can be hiked in 2-4 days. We were always close to Lake Jocassee but we couldn't see it. Exited at Bad Creek parking lot access. We started with two short sections to Chimney Gap and then to Sassafras. Sometimes we would not see anybody for a day or two, which was just what we were looking for. I suppose the guidebooks will have that and will purchase soon Heart Break Ridge Ballater Circular route near Ballater Overview Photos Videos Reports Map 3D Tour Add / Edit 10.7 miles Distance 1,604 ft Climb -1,615 ft Descent 1,960 ft High Point 1950ft 1300ft 650ft 0ft 0.00miles 3.50miles 7.00miles 10.50miles A circular ride from Ballater taking in Heart Break Ridge Detailed Description Local Trail Association Today I am climbing Heartbreak Ridge! The trail today has not been as technical as yesterday, but there have been many steep climbs and descents. But while the Blue Ridge Mountain Balds may be a highlight of the southern Appalachians, they encompass a far greater range of beauty than the view from the tops of the six thousand foot range. Dismiss. Check out the Foothills Trail, we're sure you'll love it. We switched to the trail because it had nice footbridges to cross the streams. 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. Elevation is 3,165, Mail me gain approximately 10,900 feet of elevation, while north/eastbounders (NEBOs?) Region: Deep South, Lower Appalachians (South Carolina) Length: 76.2 miles (5-8 days) Physical Difficulty: Moderate 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. Absolutely beautiful with all the waterfalls.But you earn the views. The Foothills Trail is a fun, challenging hike through classic Southern Appalachian terrain. 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 Toxaway River flows into Lake Jocassee along the Foothills Trail. Day 1 we hiked to Laurel Fork Falls campsite. Another great waterfall and we got to see a wild turkey, actually flying which was rare. I would not call this trail moderate, as there are many challenging sections, no matter which direction you travel. The Foothills Trail is well-marked with white blazes. Waterfalls abound at mile 16.3 via a side trail at King Creek Falls, and another at mile 23.2. The consistent signage makes finding the trailheads easy, and the mileage makes section hiking attainable. This is considered d the most difficult section of the Foothills Trail. Cold nights in 30s and pleasant days in 50s. Check out this page at the Foothills Trail Conservancy. The Blue Ridge Mountains are well known for their three hundred sixty degree views from their bare summits. It is just under three miles long, beginning at the Old Fort picnic area. a Day 7 was going to be one of our shorter and easier days! instead, 91 South Catawba Avenue, Old Fort, Dont forget the insect repellent youll want it. Really cool to se that engineering out in the wilderness and seamlessly blend it in. Trail. Until we meet again. There are also ten other easy access points between the two termini for non-thru-hikers. Mother Nature smiled upon me with great weather! Bears frequent these mountain areas, so its important to bring and adequately hang a bear bag, or use an Ursack setup. Bald Knob (mile 72.5): Expansive view of upstate South Carolina from knees of Pinnacle Mountain. 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. It was a short 5 mile hike to finish up our journey, and the majority of that was downhill. Death Valley Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Loop, CA, Smoky Mountains National Park Loop, NC / TN, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, Total elevation gain is 10,000-11,000 feet, depending on direction, Sustained climbs of more than 2,000 feet; some short, very steep sections, Heat and humidity can be a challenge from late spring through early fall, Dispersed camping allowed along most of the trail. Go to Join Now to join for the first time or to renew your membership. Day 4 was going to be all back tracking since we had to hike back to Bad Creek to meet my friend. Overall, south/westbound hikers (SWOBOs?) Additional Bridge over Whitewater River now complete! What an experience! Woke up to the popping of the same campfire. Expect a high speed experience with very fast straight sections. There is an unknown connection issue between Cloudflare and the origin web server. There were plenty of views and beautiful streams and waterfalls this time of year. 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. Well maintained trail. This trail is in South Carolina and North Carolina. The Guidebook rated these sections as moderate to easy, I assume because of the short distance. That night as we slept we were entertained by a wild thunderstorm. Your IP: 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! The Bartram, Foothills, AT and Benton MacKaye form a Southern Serpentine Route! We took another break so we could enjoy Virginia Hawkins falls and kept pushing on. Lake Jocassee (mile 48.5): The rocks beneath the bridge over the Toxaway River make an excellent spot for lunch, rest, or drying out your gear. 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. 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. So it requires some advance planning. The trail is strenuous throughout. 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. I can usually will myself to keep going but not in this case. The part we loved most about the trail was how desolate it was. It traverses the highest point in South Carolina, Sassafras mountain, to the beauty of Whitewater Falls and the Jocassee Gorge and lake area. 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