Fortunately, once I got to the lake I came upon a perfect hammock site on a cliff overlooking Lake Jocassee. Sign up for our email newsletter. 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. Cloudflare monitors for these errors and automatically investigates the cause. We had gotten to the more strenuous sections of trail and it was quite noticeable. 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. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Lots of Stairs. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Apr 25, 2020 at 8:30 AM . I tackled the Foothills Trail during a three day two night fastpack in early January. 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 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. We made quick work of the rest of the section and had made it to Upper Whitewater Falls a little after noon. Absolutely beautiful with all the waterfalls.But you earn the views. 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. Water is plentiful. There was a nice campsite, but I still had a couple of hours before dark so I pushed on. Most of the year, hikers can leave cold-weather gear at home. 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. We took our time there taking a lot of pics and talking to a nice couple. NC 226-A to Armstrong Fish Hatchery Rd.. Far below the Blue Ridge, the foothills undulate with as much unforgiving elevation change as the high peaks themselves. 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 was a good call since it kept us on the trail longer and we ended up with another awesome site. I continue to log miles and slay summits in Asheville North Carolina. Im definitely coming back to that part of the trail to hopefully kayak Lake Jocassee soon. The Foothills Trail is something like 76 miles in length and we hiked 6.4 miles of it on a recent brisk afternoon. On our first day we hiked 8.1 miles and completed the first two sections and made camp shortly past Nicholson Road. 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). Additional troubleshooting resources. Day 7 was going to be one of our shorter and easier days! I have thru-hiked it, speed hiked it and section hiked it. On my fourth day thru hiking the Foothills Trail alone, I started with the climb up and over Heartbreak Ridge and ended up at the Chimneytop Campsite, just b. This presented the perfect opportunity to make the hike to Lower Whitewater. 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. The Toxaway River flows into Lake Jocassee along the Foothills Trail. 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. We had reached Burrells Ford by 1pm and pushed on towards Fish Hatchery Road. There were plenty of views and beautiful streams and waterfalls this time of year. Woods Mountain Trail is not for the faint of heart! I traveled west>east (or, sort of, south>north) and water was never an issue. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Day 8, my final day on the trail, started early. Scenery: Mostly forests, dominated by rhododendron, mountain laurel, oak and pine, with occasional panoramic views, rivers, waterfalls, and the summit of South Carolinas highest peak. Cloudflare monitors for these errors and automatically investigates the cause. 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. Bald Knob (mile 72.5): Expansive view of upstate South Carolina from knees of Pinnacle Mountain. Overall, we hiked around 6 miles to and from. Be sure to. Heartbreak Ridge Half Marathon. The group will go by boat to Laurel Fork and hike the Foothills Trail to Canebrake, a distance of about 5.8 miles. Wandering Monk Hikes Day 5 on the Foothills Trail | Climbing Heartbreak RidgeHello everyone welcome! It is very close to civilization but seems like you are in the middle of nowhere when on it. 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. And many a Foothills Trail hiker has found herself sprinting away from the occasional swarm of irritable hornets, especially in fall. Until we meet again. 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. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. 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. 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. There is an issue between Cloudflare's cache and your origin web server. Description. Exposure is minimal, and many climbs feature artificial, wood-block steps. Immediately bear right onto the unpaved fork and continue to the Foothills Trail parking area about 0.3 mile on the left. IT set the stage for the many great waterfalls we would enjoy along our hike. Log In. 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. The idea for the Foothills Trail, a National Recreation Trail located in far western South Carolina, began in the 1960s as an effort to preserve and protect the beauty of the Appalachian Foothills. 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. Stairs. But the eastern/northern third of the trail, in particular, is as steep and rugged as the southern Appalachian Trail. 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. The terrain, tread, and gradesfrom riverside meandering to lung-busting steepall reflect the AT in its Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina incarnations. This trail is in South Carolina and North Carolina. Trailforks scans ridelogs to determine which trails are ridden the most in the last 9 months. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Hard to find online is specific locations of good water stops. 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. Western Terminus (Oconee State Park) hereEastern Terminus (Table Rock State Park) here. Mountain Bike Trails Play Young's Ridge Mill Creek Road and Old US Hwy. Dont forget the insect repellent youll want it. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. Not unlike the AT, the Foothills Trail is more challenging at one end. There I set up camp. Foothills Trail Conservancy PO Box 3041 Greenville SC 29602. info@foothillstrail.org. instead, 91 South Catawba Avenue, Old Fort, The trail goes between Table Rock State Park and Oconee State Park. Cold nights in 30s and pleasant days in 50s. 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. If you enjoyed the Foothills Trail you should check out http://www.ultimatehike.org. 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. Geology Guide to the Foothills Trail NOW AVAILABLE! The Trail joins the Chattooga River Trail at mile 10.6 and winds along the Chattooga Rivers sandy beaches for miles. 'Heartbreak Ridge,' Foothills Trail, SC - YouTube AboutPressCopyrightContact usCreatorsAdvertiseDevelopersTermsPrivacyPolicy & SafetyHow YouTube worksTest new features 2022 Google LLC The trail is strenuous throughout. Heartbreak's tread is narrow, and often constricted even more by Laurel and Rhododendron encroaching into the corridor. Thanks for your support! Region: Deep South, Lower Appalachians (South Carolina) Length: 76.2 miles (5-8 days) Physical Difficulty: Moderate Any suggestions. Another great waterfall and we got to see a wild turkey, actually flying which was rare. It can be hiked in 3-7 days. The consistent signage makes finding the trailheads easy, and the mileage makes section hiking attainable. Water: Water is plentiful all along the trail from streams, rivers, and lakes, except in drought conditions. Foothills Trail Conservancy Facebook group, Official Foothills Trail GuidebookHiking South Carolinas Foothills Trail pocket guide by Scott Lynch. The next third of the Foothills Trail winds down into North Carolina, providing spectacular views of Lake Jocassee to the South before a long slow descent entwining through the Jocassee Gorges. This is a week that will stay with me forever. 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! Around 4:15 we started the hike to the Bad Creek parking lot. Whitewater falls is breathtaking, and the climb out will leave you breathless! As hard as our Colorado hike minus elevation. 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. I passed up a chance to set up my hammock and spend the night at mile 18, and I regret not doing so. 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. 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. Print/PDF map. The route, which features miles of blueberry bushes and campsites with perfect sunrise views, can be hiked in 2-4 days. Easy and downhill. This mornings highlight was the climb to the top of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. a There are numerous road crossings, and hitching into small towns such as Salem, SC, or Sapphire, NC, isnt too difficult. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. This middle section of trail bumps along at low elevations and sports spectacular runoff that forms beautiful waterfalls. Thanks again. It was an evening of mixed emotion for me. Beginning at mile 50 the trail slowly gains elevation, passing Laurel Falls (54.30) and Virginia Hawkins Falls (57.3) on the way up. Maybe even us. 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. 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