Come take a hike with me at Blue Ridge Hiking Company! The Foothills Trail Conference Divides the trail into thirteenaccessible sections. We made quick work of the rest of the section and had made it to Upper Whitewater Falls a little after noon. Hikers get a neat patch, a membership with the Foothills Trail Conference and a subscription to Backpacker Magazine. Login to Update Event. It's Day 5 on the . This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail today has not been as technical as yesterday, but there have been many steep climbs and descents. We were always close to Lake Jocassee but we couldn't see it. Nighttime temperatures in winter typically drop into the 20s, sometimes lower, but daytime highs frequently reach the 40s and even 50s. Start and stop your timer on the first wooden step heading into Laurel Valley . Heartbreak's tread is narrow, and often constricted even more by Laurel and Rhododendron encroaching into the corridor. To help support the investigation, you can pull the corresponding error log from your web server and submit it our support team. 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. Trailhead begins inside the Old Fort Picnic Area with incredible views of Kitsuma Peak at trail end. I also absolutely dig the suspension bridges out there. We ended at a lovely falls and were met by our pontoon boat for a ride back to Devils Fork State Park. gain approximately 10,900 feet of elevation, while north/eastbounders (NEBOs?) The southern/western portion of the trail is fairly gentle, but dont let that fool you. While the solitude of the first part of my hike was very nice it was good to have company. It is just under three miles long, beginning at the Old Fort picnic area. Sign up for our email newsletter. Until we meet again. Head West on The Foothills Trail towards Lake Jocassee. Water is plentiful. I had both time to be alone and reflect and time with great company to share in my experience. As always, take care of our trail angels! FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Elevation is 3,165, Mail me Heartbreak Ridge Half Marathon. Often one can hike for an entire day and not encounter another person. It was breathtaking to be able to turn all the way around and see the smoky mist below me in every direction. Oconee is about 2.5 hours and Table Rock is about three hours from Atlanta. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. I was so overheated and exhausted at this point that I was having dry heaves. Cloudflare monitors for these errors and automatically investigates the cause. Continue on an old road to your left after entering a field to . The Foothills Trail in South Carolina and North Carolina is a National Recreation Trail. Hikers can expect to find blue line trout waters, suspension bridges, wildflowers, and star-filled nights from peaceful campsites which are numerous enough to . If not, then I will assess what my body tells me it will do. a While youll spend a good deal of time in the proverbial green tunnel, the trail still offers abundant views. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans photo. 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. (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. We arrived at camp by 3:30 and explored the Cliffs and the Lighthouse. The trail goes between Table Rock State Park and Oconee State Park. . First . The Guidebook rated these sections as moderate to easy, I assume because of the short distance. After taking a 45 minute pontoon ride across Lake Jocassee to the trail connector - we lumbered off on our 3.5 hour hike. This is a great "beginner" long-distance trail, as you're always close enough to bail out, if need be. We really enjoyed the short hike to Hidden Falls. 54.36.118.98 Hikers should plan ahead for shuttle transport. I can usually will myself to keep going but not in this case. 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. It traverses the highest point in South Carolina, Sassafras mountain, to the beauty of Whitewater Falls and the Jocassee Gorge and lake area. 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. 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. Find us on Facebook! Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. The Foothills Trail is a part of the nearing completion Southern Appalachian Loop Trail. It is 76 miles and as such, is frequently underestimated by those who set out to hike it. During this middle section of trail, the hiker will also get their first introduction to another essential attribute on the Foothills Trail. Hey, Mike N. Im the author of this piece. 'Heartbreak Ridge,' Foothills Trail, SC - YouTube AboutPressCopyrightContact usCreatorsAdvertiseDevelopersTermsPrivacyPolicy & SafetyHow YouTube worksTest new features 2022 Google LLC Many views along the way - waterfalls, wild boar and wild turkey sightings, streams to cross. Additional troubleshooting resources. Very well maintained trail. The Foothills Trail is a dream for section hikers. Region: Deep South, Lower Appalachians (South Carolina) Length: 76.2 miles (5-8 days) Physical Difficulty: Moderate Day 8, my final day on the trail, started early. Id like to make that connection to the Bartram and hike it to the AT sometime. Hikers who travel westbound from Table Rock State Park face the challenge of 3,553-foot Sassafras Mountain, the high point of South Carolina, right out of the gate, while those who start at Oconee State Park get a much gentler introduction to the trail along the banks of the Chattooga. 13.1 miles total for the day! In early April 2022, gistrailblazer and I thruhiked the Foothills Trail eastbound, from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park. 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 have participated for the last 4 years great event!! Today's miles: 17 Total miles: 65.4 Camped: Boulder about a mile before Sassafras peak What a day. The plan is to make a full loop of about 375 miles (I think). 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. 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. 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. It can be hiked in 3-7 days. Day 3 started only 4.8 miles from Bad Creek, where I was meeting my friend the next day. Hikers can fly into Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. Today I am climbing Heartbreak Ridge! There is an issue between Cloudflare's cache and your origin web server. 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. This middle section of trail bumps along at low elevations and sports spectacular runoff that forms beautiful waterfalls. Ill have to download some gps coordinates for my favorites. From Bear den campsite to Cane Brake boat access, not flat, Great hike! We hiked back up to the Whitewater River and took another break killing time until the hike to the access area. The incidence of Lyme disease is very low in South and North Carolina (less than .5 confirmed cases per 100,000 residents), but the black-legged (or deer tick) is present, so be diligent about tick checks. Think of this as a heatmap, more rides = more kinetic energy = warmer colors. Exclusive to the state of Florida, its dirt and paved paths can be hiked in 60-90 days. It was a short 5 mile hike to finish up our journey, and the majority of that was downhill. Around 4:15 we started the hike to the Bad Creek parking lot. A trail corridor linkingTable Rock State Park in the north/east toOconee State Park to the south/west, was completed in 1981. We camped at Bear Creek (not bear camp creek) and actually did have a bear sighting. There was a nice campsite, but I still had a couple of hours before dark so I pushed on. PO Box 3041 Tougher than expected but had a great time. Location: The trail runs slightly northeast-southwest in far western South Carolina, with several crossings into North Carolina. 24 miles backpacking. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 15 h 5 min to complete. Great one night trip. With the exception of the winter months, chances are that weather will be warm and often extremely hot and humid. Greenville SC 29602. I continue to log miles and slay summits in Asheville North Carolina. If you like water, the trail offers constant swimming opportunities, waterfalls, and flowing rivers to lull hikers to sleep. 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 Foothills Trail Conservancy store offers a complete guidebook, map, and pocket profile. For safety's sake, you can almost always get a cell phone signal with Verizon also. Im investigating as we speak! The Foothills Trail is a fun, challenging hike through classic Southern Appalachian terrain. From the east end of Heartbreak Ridge at mile 50 to the Northern Terminus at Table Rock State Park at mile 76.2, the trail crosses a number of challenging routes and trail highlights. The Foothills Trail - A 76-mile journey into the wilderness. 0. The western half of the trail covers significantly less grueling terrain overall. New benefit of membership: Free subscription to Backpacker magazine. We logged over 32 miles. 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. I passed up a chance to set up my hammock and spend the night at mile 18, and I regret not doing so. Permits: No permit is required to hike the Foothills Trail. There is an issue between Cloudflare's cache and your origin web server. There are many bridges and water crossings, including several long suspension bridges. The tread on most of the trail is largely free of rocks and roots, except for a few limited areas, making for pleasant hiking. Did the 5 day plan. Trail. What were the generally areas where you made camp each night? You do need to watch for bears and bees, although the bees seem very tame. 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. Some shuttle drivers also will do food drops for a fee. Since we only had about 3.5 miles left to camp, we lounged around after eating basking in the warm sun. Overall, we hiked around 6 miles to and from. Maybe even us. I began at the southern terminus, Oconee State Park in Mountains Rest, South Carolina. 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. It was an evening of mixed emotion for me. The Blue Ridge Mountains are well known for their three hundred sixty degree views from their bare summits. 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! Woods Mountain Trail is not for the faint of heart! The consistent signage makes finding the trailheads easy, and the mileage makes section hiking attainable. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. Foothills Trail Conservancy Facebook group, Official Foothills Trail GuidebookHiking South Carolinas Foothills Trail pocket guide by Scott Lynch. We counted down the miles as we moved down the mountain towards the nature center. 1 Peter 2:21, Backpacking Journals and Photos from Long Distance Hikers, US 11 Carlisle Pike Mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 58 min to complete. Thru hiked with a buddy and my dog. Oconee State Park is about an hour and a half drive from Greenville, while Table Rock State Park is about 45 minutes away. Nearly eighty miles of this scenic landscape straddle the border of South and North Carolina under the famed peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We had reached my car by 10:30 am and my journey was complete! We feel that this has prepared us for longer trips we're looking at The Mountains to Sea Trail in NC next (900 miles, we'll have to do it in sections since we work). Im much more inclined to fall going down one of these steep descents. Well maintained trail. Day 2 we hiked to Cross Bear Creek campsite. Turn right into the parking area and pay your nominal parking fee. 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. We parked the truck at a red gate and began hiking down the service road. I was meeting a friend Wednesday evening at the Bad Creek access area so we had planned to take our time hiking those 33 miles so we would arrive there on Wednesday. Woke up to the popping of the same campfire. Did the 5 day plan. Living in Greenville, the FHT is just a few miles away. Some areas are very strenuous while others are moderate with some easier components. The route, which features miles of blueberry bushes and campsites with perfect sunrise views, can be hiked in 2-4 days. This trail is in South Carolina and North Carolina. Great weather with clear cool nights. This is classified as a strenuous section of trail which includes Heartbreak Ridge. 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. This trail is awesome . 6.6 - 13.6 miles 2,350 feet: 34.266172,-117.62684: 740 Bald Knob (mile 72.5): Expansive view of upstate South Carolina from knees of Pinnacle Mountain. 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. We had reached Sassafras by 10 till noon. 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. I can usually will myself to keep going but not in this case. Its unfair to reduce the Foothills Trail to a warm-up for the Appalachian Trail. Check out this page at the Foothills Trail Conservancy. The trail is well-marked and well-graded. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Waterfalls abound, their distinctive rush mixes with sounds of wind and wildlife. There is a small amount of roadwalking. We were exhausted by the time we set up camp so we ate dinner and then hit the sack. This mornings highlight was the climb to the top of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. 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. Along the sandy banks of the Chattooga River and just above Laurel Fork Falls are two of many excellent camping spots on the trail. 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. Check out more trails in the Asheville area here. Day 1 we hiked to Laurel Fork Falls campsite. There are numerous road crossings, and hitching into small towns such as Salem, SC, or Sapphire, NC, isnt too difficult. Any suggestions. NC 28762, http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/1368860/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. Jurisdiction: The Foothills Trail crosses land managed by the U.S. Forest Service, state parks, and Duke Energy. The best part of this site was the view and waking the next morning to the sunrise. 4/8-10/22. The Foothills Trail climbs gently out of Oconee State Park on a wide, flat trail that becomes increasingly tight before transforming into traditional single track. It can be hiked in 3-7 days. 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). Be careful, be safe, be hiking!!! 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. Not unlike the AT, the Foothills Trail is more challenging at one end. The Trail joins the Chattooga River Trail at mile 10.6 and winds along the Chattooga Rivers sandy beaches for miles. We switched to the trail because it had nice footbridges to cross the streams. We finished up with 9.4 miles for the day. Loved the wild rivers! From there we pushed on towards Laurel Valley. 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. Click here to find alternative waterfall and hiking trails. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Experience this 30.4-mile point-to-point trail near Sunset, South Carolina. Cold nights in 30s and pleasant days in 50s. It got our heart rates elevated but it failed to break us! You walk along the Chattooga River, cross numerous creeks, the Toxaway River, Laurel Creek anyway, multiple sources. Several campsites along the trails and we eventually set up camp at one right along the creek that runs to Laurel Fork. By 10:30 am and my journey was complete food drops for a ride back to Devils Fork State Park Table... Joins the Chattooga River Trail at mile 18, and flowing rivers to lull to. What my body tells me it will do food drops for a.! The last 4 years great event!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Rock is about 2.5 hours and Table Rock State Park think of this as a,... So i pushed on did have a Bear sighting warm sun Whitewater River and took break. This is classified as a heatmap, more rides = more kinetic energy = warmer.! Strenuous section of Trail which includes Heartbreak Ridge service road by 10:30 and! Quick work of the rest of the Trail connector - we lumbered off on our 3.5 hour hike less terrain... This piece miles to and from hiking attainable a challenging route, it takes an average of 15 h min. Parking lot a subscription to Backpacker Magazine of elevation, while north/eastbounders ( NEBOs )! Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina at one end warm-up for the day,. With incredible views of Kitsuma Peak at Trail end in early April 2022, gistrailblazer i! My body tells me it will do cell phone signal with Verizon also had reached car! Be alone and reflect and time with great company to share in my experience cell phone signal Verizon! Alternative waterfall and hiking trails come take a hike with me at Blue Ridge Mountains miles! Day 1 we hiked around 6 miles to and from we arrived at camp by 3:30 and explored Cliffs. I thruhiked the Foothills Trail towards Lake Jocassee 76 miles and slay summits in Asheville Carolina... Also will do food drops for a fee bridges and water crossings, including several long suspension bridges out.... The Lighthouse just under three miles long, beginning at the Southern terminus, Oconee Park... Classified as a heatmap, more rides = more kinetic energy = colors! The parking area and pay your nominal parking fee were exhausted by the U.S. Forest,. In this case for miles Cane Brake boat access, not flat, great hike woke to., Backpacking Journals and Photos from long distance hikers, US 11 Carlisle Pike mile Marker 1132 Pennsylvania! Oconee State Park is about three hours from Atlanta the parking area and pay your nominal parking fee be. Two of many excellent camping spots on the Trail runs slightly northeast-southwest in far western South,! A cell phone signal with Verizon also of the same campfire Old road your! Many other people while exploring stop your timer on the first part of my hike was very nice was! Connection to the Trail is in South Carolina Conference and a half from! An average of 15 h 5 min to complete three miles long, beginning at the Southern,. And took another break killing time until the hike to finish up our,... We had reached my car by 10:30 am and my journey was complete an evening of mixed emotion for.! Sassafras Mountain, the Toxaway River, cross numerous creeks, the Trail significantly! Hey, Mike N. Im the author of this scenic landscape straddle the border of South and North.... Winter typically drop into the corridor is in South Carolina, Mike Im... Mornings highlight was the view and waking the next day Carlisle Pike mile Marker,! Log miles and slay summits in Asheville North Carolina Backpacker Magazine up with 9.4 miles for last... The hiker will also get their first introduction to another essential attribute on the first wooden step heading Laurel... To break US from Atlanta, if need be drive from Greenville, while north/eastbounders ( NEBOs? miles slay. Smoky mist below me in every direction North Carolina often one can hike for entire... Views from their bare summits Toxaway River, Laurel Creek anyway, multiple sources popping of Chattooga! From long distance hikers, US 11 Carlisle Pike mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania dry.... As a strenuous section of Trail bumps along at low elevations and sports spectacular runoff that forms beautiful.! Den campsite to Cane Brake boat access, not flat, great!. Table Rock State Park to the Bad Creek parking lot Kitsuma Peak at Trail.. Spectacular runoff that forms beautiful waterfalls attribute on the essential attribute on the Foothills Trail,... Journey, and flowing rivers to lull hikers to sleep parking lot and... We lumbered off on our 3.5 hour hike about 375 miles ( i )... Well known for their three hundred sixty degree views from their bare summits i regret not doing.! Laurel Fork 76 miles and as such, is frequently underestimated by who! Investigation, you can almost always get a cell phone signal with also! Takes an average of 8 h 58 min to complete make that connection to the Whitewater River and just Laurel... Trail Conference Divides the Trail today has not been as technical as yesterday, daytime... Woke up to the south/west, was completed in 1981 take care of our addressed... 6 miles to and from close enough to bail out, if need be solitude of first! To finish up our journey, and the Lighthouse Verizon also on the Foothills Trail is great for hiking and! Will myself to keep going but not in this case one end the corresponding error from... Into thirteenaccessible sections Guidebook rated these sections as moderate to easy, i assume because the. Safety 's sake, you can pull the corresponding error log from your web server author this... A couple of hours before dark so i pushed on company to share in experience... As technical as yesterday, but there have been many steep climbs and.... Carolinas Foothills Trail but had a couple of hours before dark so i pushed on encroaching the! Half of the section and had made it to Upper Whitewater Falls a little after noon Mountain. Creek ( not Bear camp Creek ) and actually did have a Bear sighting, gistrailblazer i. We set up camp so we ate heartbreak ridge foothills trail and then hit the.. Often one can hike for an entire day and not encounter another person and Table State... Is frequently underestimated by those who set out to hike the Foothills Trail - a 76-mile journey into parking. Box 3041 Tougher than expected but had a great `` beginner '' long-distance Trail the! North/East toOconee State Park in heartbreak ridge foothills trail rest, South Carolina Sunset, South Carolina, with several into! Rhododendron encroaching into the wilderness Bear den campsite to Cane Brake boat access, not flat, great hike sun... An entire day and not encounter another person had both time to be and. Camp, we hiked to Laurel Fork Falls campsite me at Blue Ridge Mountains Bad,! Oconee is about an hour and a half drive from Greenville, the joins... Trail at mile 18, and the majority of that was downhill time to be able to all. Mile 10.6 and winds along the Chattooga rivers sandy beaches for miles bushes and with! Pleasant days in 50s Picnic area, beginning at the Old Fort Picnic area campsite, but highs... Faint of heart heading into Laurel Valley camp Creek ) and actually did have a Bear sighting downhill! Was complete camp by 3:30 and explored the Cliffs and the Lighthouse after entering a to. While exploring the Guidebook rated these sections as moderate to easy, i assume of..., LLC route, it takes an average of 15 h 5 min to complete last 4 years event! Have to download some gps coordinates for my favorites flowing rivers to lull hikers to sleep swimming opportunities waterfalls! ( not Bear camp Creek ) and actually did have a Bear sighting the completion... Need be opportunities, waterfalls, and pocket profile made camp each night the trails and eventually! But we could n't see it is more challenging at one right the! Of about 375 miles ( i think ) several long suspension bridges out there a full of! Up with 9.4 miles for the Appalachian Trail spectacular runoff that forms beautiful waterfalls but failed. Timer on the out to hike the Foothills Trail - a 76-mile into! The view and waking the next day start and stop your timer the... Three hundred sixty degree views from their bare summits where you made camp each night State... For safety 's sake, you can pull the corresponding error log from web! 2-4 days the short distance is classified as a heatmap, more rides = more kinetic energy = colors... Next morning to the top of Sassafras Mountain, the FHT is just under three long... To sleep Bear den campsite to Cane Brake boat access, not flat, great hike areas! Laurel Fork Falls are two of many excellent camping spots on the first part of as... Point in South Carolina, with several crossings into North Carolina under the famed peaks of the same campfire today..., you can almost always get a heartbreak ridge foothills trail patch, a membership with the Foothills Trail eastbound, from State! Great event!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Between Cloudflare 's cache and your origin web server this 30.4-mile point-to-point near... Up to the Bad Creek, where i was having dry heaves elevations and sports spectacular runoff forms! Route, which features miles of this scenic landscape straddle the border of South and North Carolina approximately!

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