Oconee is about 2.5 hours and Table Rock is about three hours from Atlanta. Hikers get a neat patch, a membership with the Foothills Trail Conference and a subscription to Backpacker Magazine. Nice article! Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. After taking a 45 minute pontoon ride across Lake Jocassee to the trail connector - we lumbered off on our 3.5 hour hike. Heartbreak Ridge Curtis Creek Road, Old Fort, NC, 28762 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! This presented the perfect opportunity to make the hike to Lower Whitewater. 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 is just under three miles long, beginning at the Old Fort picnic area. Not unlike the AT, the Foothills Trail is more challenging at one end. So beautiful! . Its entirely plausible to hike the Foothills Trail in any season, though late-spring to early summer and fall are most popular. Terrain: Easy to moderate on the western/southern part of the trail, with occasional short, steep climbs. Experience this 30.4-mile point-to-point trail near Sunset, South Carolina. The Catawba Falls trail is closed until spring of 2023. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 14.2 mile spur trail to Ceasars Head State Park, volunteers who provide shuttle service from trail sections, Outdoor Research Aspire Super Stretch Jacket Review, Backpacker Radio #189 | Christine Reed on POTS, Hiking with Grief, and Her Book: Alone in Wonderland, Getting to Campo: PCT Southern Terminus Shuttle To Run for Second Year, 10 Trek Bloggers You Should Be Following This Winter, The Best Backpacking Stoves for Thru-Hiking of 2023, Top Stoves, Filters, and Power Banks on the Appalachian Trail: 2022 Thru-Hiker Survey, Sierra On Track for Record Snowfall This YearHere's What It Means for PCT Hikers, 8 Classic Pieces of Backpacking Gear Hikers Love (And Why), The Best Headlamps for Thru-Hiking of 2023. The consistent signage makes finding the trailheads easy, and the mileage makes section hiking attainable. Good views at spots along the trail as well. Cross the bridge and turn left at the Laurel Valley Lodge sign. Cloudflare monitors for these errors and automatically investigates the cause. My girlfriend and I backpacked this trail last night. 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. I have to proceed cautiously on those stretches; my legs are not what they once were. Head West on The Foothills Trail towards Lake Jocassee. Great camping areas. Elevation is 3,165, Mail me We took a quick break at the falls to enjoy the view and snap some pics and then pushed on towards bad creek. This trail is in South Carolina and North Carolina. On top of Heartbreak Ridge, we heard 4 large birds . The southern/western portion of the trail is fairly gentle, but dont let that fool you. There was a nice campsite, but I still had a couple of hours before dark so I pushed on. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. It is very close to civilization but seems like you are in the middle of nowhere when on it. I was so overheated and exhausted at this point that I was having dry heaves. The last 2.5 hours were just wonderful hiking through quiet woods - sometimes up and sometimes down - as we crossed from ridge to ridge. Turn right into the parking area and pay your nominal parking fee. a And they were indeed smoky this morning. This middle section of trail bumps along at low elevations and sports spectacular runoff that forms beautiful waterfalls. The trail is clearly marked throughout. Until we meet again. What were the generally areas where you made camp each night? This has been by far my favorite hike Ive done in recent years. 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. I tackled the Foothills Trail during a three day two night fastpack in early January. 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. 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. The park also has a store and gift shop with limited groceries to fuel your post thru hike hunger. Hikers can expect to find blue line trout waters, suspension bridges, wildflowers, and star-filled nights from peaceful campsites which are numerous enough to . Devil's Backbone This ridge-top trail between Baldy Notch and the summit of Mount Baldy is probably LA's greatest ridge hike, with incredible views over the San Gabriel Mountains and the Mojave Desert. 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. The Florida Trail is a point-to-point backpacking route spanning 1,500 miles. What I had failed to realize it that the next mile of the trail is know as Heart Break Ridge. The Foothills Trail Conservancy website lists local shuttle services. From there we pushed on towards Laurel Valley. There are many bridges and water crossings, including several long suspension bridges. Thru hiked with a buddy and my dog. 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.". About an hour later we put the packs back on and headed toward the Cliffs. All orders over $60 receive FREE shipping! 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. The Guidebook rated these sections as moderate to easy, I assume because of the short distance. 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. We ended at a lovely falls and were met by our pontoon boat for a ride back to Devils Fork State Park. I began at the southern terminus, Oconee State Park in Mountains Rest, South Carolina. Happy hiking! To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Trail is well maintained - thanks. We made quick work of the rest of the section and had made it to Upper Whitewater Falls a little after noon. The trail is not heavily used by long-distance hikers, regardless of season. Day 4 was going to be all back tracking since we had to hike back to Bad Creek to meet my friend. Crossing the Toxaway River and Ascending Heartbreak Ridge - 12.30 Miles - From Campsite at mile 47.6 To Campsite at mile 59.9 - We were up at 6:40 am. We were on the trail by 10am on Day 6 and we enjoyed the half mile warm up along the shore of Jocassee before we started to ascend the infamous Heartbreak Ridge. 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. We camped at the site right next to the Laurel Valley parking lot. We counted down the miles as we moved down the mountain towards the nature center. instead, 91 South Catawba Avenue, Old Fort, more. What an experience! In early April 2022, gistrailblazer and I thruhiked the Foothills Trail eastbound, from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park. Experienced hikers and bikers can enjoy some pretty spectacular views on this 26+ mile trail! There were no bugs and it got down to the low 40s one night After a brief rain during the 65 degree weather. The FTC could improve their map by adding to it some trails that intersect or at least some labels/notes regarding the other trails. Performance & security by Cloudflare. The Foothills Trail is accessible, challenging, but not difficult, and logistically easy to hike. Easy and downhill. We were on the trail by 8:05, not bad! One of the classic mountain bike descents in Pisgah is one of the most infamous hiking climbs in Pisgah when paired with the Star Gap Trail. Flowers, and other Flora abound, birds aplenty, There are even plants that only exist in this part of the world. This was one of the few instances I saw wildlife along my hike. Thx It was very strenuous and not for the out-of-shape. Thankfully volunteers have put steps into the dirt and rock to enable hikers to negotiate the steep trail. Additional troubleshooting resources. If not, then I will assess what my body tells me it will do. I got to meet several interesting and nice people that were making the short hike to Lick Falls. Scott Lynchs pocket guide, Hiking South Carolinas Foothills Trail, is another popular option. (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. The Star Gap Trail is a great short trail for hikers and bikers alike! 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). 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. Lots of Stairs. 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. Did the 5 day plan. 6.6 - 13.6 miles 2,350 feet: 34.266172,-117.62684: 740 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. 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. Often one can hike for an entire day and not encounter another person. . As hard as our Colorado hike minus elevation. Moderate to strenuous on the eastern/northern portion of the trail. Day 5s goal was to get to Canebrake and finish the section. Hopefully I will get a good nights rest and be ready to go in the morning. Photos (139) Directions. This alleviates the headache of spotting cars or finding rides back to original trailheads after completing sections. 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. We briefly paused at bald rock to take in the spectacular views and snap a few more pics. Though technically a four-season trail, the heat and humidity from May through September can be oppressive. I can usually will myself to keep going but not in this case. Well maintained trail. Really cool to se that engineering out in the wilderness and seamlessly blend it in. We finished up with 9.4 miles for the day. And for those who like to get wet, there are frequent swimming opportunities, waterfalls, lakes, and unspoiled riversincluding the Chattooga River, where some of the famous movie Deliverance was filmed. The Foothills Trail is a fun, challenging hike through classic Southern Appalachian terrain. Log In. Length 11.0 miElevation gain 3,188 ftRoute type Out & back. This trail is awesome . Foothills Trail Conservancy PO Box 3041 Greenville SC 29602. info@foothillstrail.org. Great campsites, I went off roading Sunday and I left my Sony nex-6 camera. We hiked during the week (6 days actually) and most of the time we were the only people on the trail! . Bald Knob (mile 72.5): Expansive view of upstate South Carolina from knees of Pinnacle Mountain. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. People love campfires. Absolutely beautiful with all the waterfalls.But you earn the views. Hikers can fly into Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. Fee camping is allowed only in designated areas in Oconee and Table Rock state parks. To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. Camping on a sandbar along the Chattooga River is a backpacker favorite. This trail is awesome . Meet at the Devils Fork boat ramp at 9:00 a.m. Bring snacks, lunch, water and appropriate footwear and clothing. For safety's sake, you can almost always get a cell phone signal with Verizon also. I can usually will myself to keep going but not in this case. 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. Hard 4.4 (195) Pisgah National Forest. Laurel Fork Falls (mile 54.3): A scenic cascade with several streamside campsites just one-tenth of a mile to the east. The tread on most of the trail is largely free of rocks and roots, except for a few limited areas, making for pleasant hiking. We completed this section then broke for lunch at Laurel Fork Falls. 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. It is my favorite trail for many of the reasons you noted. 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. Thru hiked with a buddy and my dog. 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. Jurisdiction: The Foothills Trail crosses land managed by the U.S. Forest Service, state parks, and Duke Energy. Day 4 was a short 3 miles but much of it was uphill. 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. Cross Bear Creek campsite is nice but you have to hang your own bear line. If you enjoyed the Foothills Trail you should check out http://www.ultimatehike.org. 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. Thru-hikers start at the Eastern Terminus at Table Rock State Park near Pickens, SC, or the Western Terminus at Oconee State Park very near the Georgia and North Carolina borders in the far western tip of South Carolina. It offers multiple distance choices with a challenging hill climb and scenic views of surrounding . 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. I actually JUST FINISHED the Bartram Trail. I have participated for the last 4 years great event!! Hikers should plan ahead for shuttle transport. Id like to make that connection to the Bartram and hike it to the AT sometime. Today I am climbing Heartbreak Ridge! 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. Oh, and theres the little matter of more than 500 steep steps up Heartbreak Ridge as you leave 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. Primitive trail connects Woods Mountain & Armstrong Creek Trails. 4/8-10/22. I started my hike on Sunday February 16th from Oconee State Park. At mile 28.9 there is a side trail to Whitewater Falls, at mile 30.1 Corbin Creek Falls, a small waterfall at mile 35.5 and a blue blaze to Hillard Falls at mile marker 36.5. 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. Wandering Monk Hikes Day 5 on the Foothills Trail | Climbing Heartbreak RidgeHello everyone welcome! First . 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And headed toward the Cliffs the time we were the only people on the eastern/northern portion the.
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