You can hike for a few hours or spend days or a week or so hiking here and never do the same hike twice. About an hour later we put the packs back on and headed toward the Cliffs. Primitive trail connects Woods Mountain & Armstrong Creek Trails. 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. Come take a hike with me at Blue Ridge Hiking Company! We switched to the trail because it had nice footbridges to cross the streams. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Well maintained trail. We counted down the miles as we moved down the mountain towards the nature center. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 15 h 5 min to complete. Thankfully volunteers have put steps into the dirt and rock to enable hikers to negotiate the steep trail. Good views at spots along the trail as well. 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. From there we pushed on towards Laurel Valley. 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. Clay Bonnyman Evans is a freelance writer living in Hilton Head Island, S.C., and his hometown, Boulder, Colorado. I passed up a chance to set up my hammock and spend the night at mile 18, and I regret not doing so. It got our heart rates elevated but it failed to break us! 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. Beginning at mile 50 the trail slowly gains elevation, passing Laurel Falls (54.30) and Virginia Hawkins Falls (57.3) on the way up. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Length: 76.2 miles (the Foothills Trail Conservancy rounds this off to 77 miles). It was an evening of mixed emotion for me. I was so overheated and exhausted at this point that I was having dry heaves. We were always close to Lake Jocassee but we couldn't see it. The hiker is treated to their first of many waterfalls at mile 8.2 at Lick Log Creek. Oconee State Park is about two hours from both cities. All orders over $60 receive FREE shipping! 'Heartbreak Ridge,' Foothills Trail, SC - YouTube AboutPressCopyrightContact usCreatorsAdvertiseDevelopersTermsPrivacyPolicy & SafetyHow YouTube worksTest new features 2022 Google LLC What I had failed to realize it that the next mile of the trail is know as Heart Break Ridge. Click link for details and directions. Dont take it for granted.The shuttle service ( Taz) is the best.Went from Oconne to Table Rock. Mountain Bike Trails Play Young's Ridge Mill Creek Road and Old US Hwy. Jurisdiction: The Foothills Trail crosses land managed by the U.S. Forest Service, state parks, and Duke Energy. I would not call this trail moderate, as there are many challenging sections, no matter which direction you travel. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. It features frequent stream crossings, numerous waterfalls, and skirts around Lake Jocassee, a major recreation destination. Along the sandy banks of the Chattooga River and just above Laurel Fork Falls are two of many excellent camping spots on the trail. 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). To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. Bears frequent these mountain areas, so its important to bring and adequately hang a bear bag, or use an Ursack setup. 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. 2.1 miles 600 feet: 34.1370,-118.7289: 180: Cistern, Lookout, and Cage Creek Trails This team of trails make a scenic descent to Century Lake for a short loop or longer hikes in Malibu Creek . Water is plentiful. Geology Guide to the Foothills Trail NOW AVAILABLE! NC 226-A to Armstrong Fish Hatchery Rd.. We planned on hiking to Drawbar Cliffs and making camp there so we would only have a 5 mile hike on our final day. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Fork Mountain Trail (S5) - (S6) Eastatoe Gorge Spur (S3) - (S4) Sassafras Mountain (S1) to Caesar's Head State Park (S2) . Thanks again. The route, which features miles of blueberry bushes and campsites with perfect sunrise views, can be hiked in 2-4 days. Foothills Trail Journal Heartbreak Ridge. 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. First . Go to Join Now to join for the first time or to renew your membership. Perhaps it was because we were hiking West to East, but it turned out to be not nearly as bad as we were expecting. 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. Chattooga River Valley (miles 10.6-15.5): Many excellent places to swim and camp along the river, which was one of the locations for the movie Deliverance (but dont worry; there dont appear to be any crazed hillbillies in the area). Enjoy your next adventure. Great one night trip. There is plenty of water and beautiful scenery along most of this section. For the next 0.7 miles, we ascended and descended over 400 steps! Woods Mountain Trail is not for the faint of heart! 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. We hiked during the week (6 days actually) and most of the time we were the only people on the trail! 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. 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. Region: Deep South, Lower Appalachians (South Carolina) Length: 76.2 miles (5-8 days) Physical Difficulty: Moderate Dont forget the insect repellent youll want it. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 58 min to complete. Hard to find online is specific locations of good water stops. 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. Maybe even us. We made camp around 5:30 that evening and finished with a total of 20.5 miles for day 2. This is considered d the most difficult section of the Foothills Trail. Laurel Fork Falls (mile 54.3): A scenic cascade with several streamside campsites just one-tenth of a mile to the east. Mother Nature entertained us again with another mighty thunderstorm and downpour. It was a good call since it kept us on the trail longer and we ended up with another awesome site. However, for many people the, A Thru-Hike for Everyone: 5 Trails Under 200 Miles, 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, https://foothillstrail.org/maps-coordinates-2/. Photos (139) Directions. Be careful! You have two transport options for the trail you can shuttle a car yourself, or use a Foothills Trail shuttle service. There is an unknown connection issue between Cloudflare and the origin web server. Im much more inclined to fall going down one of these steep descents. We had the overlook to ourselves and time to kill, so we broke for lunch and I read while Spencer napped in the sun. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. Will Hike this in a few weeks. Absolutely beautiful with all the waterfalls. The southern/western portion of the trail is fairly gentle, but dont let that fool you. You do need to watch for bears and bees, although the bees seem very tame. Foothills Trail Conservancy PO Box 3041 Greenville SC 29602. info@foothillstrail.org. It got our heart rates elevated but it failed to break us! The Foothills Trail Conservancy store offers a complete guidebook, map, and pocket profile. The consistent signage makes finding the trailheads easy, and the mileage makes section hiking attainable. Click on any map and youll see what Im talking about. We started with two short sections to Chimney Gap and then to Sassafras. 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 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. Thanks for your support! It is my favorite trail for many of the reasons you noted. Check out this page at the Foothills Trail Conservancy. Slept well, heard the popping of the campfire a few sites over for awhile. 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. This middle section of trail bumps along at low elevations and sports spectacular runoff that forms beautiful waterfalls. The trail crosses several roads leading to nearby small towns. Cross the NC/SC state line into North Carolina and continue for about a mile to the Whitewater Falls parking area which is marked with a large U.S. Forest Service sign. 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.". 2022 Foothills Trail Conservancy | An Engenius website. I could not have asked or hoped for anything better. I dread the descents more than the climbs. Though technically a four-season trail, the heat and humidity from May through September can be oppressive. Theres a section known as heart break ridge where supposedly it is the hardest section of the trail coming from the Toxaway River. The service rd has many creek crossings but eventually crosses the actual Foothills Trail. 6.6 - 13.6 miles 2,350 feet: 34.266172,-117.62684: 740 Beginning at mile 50 the trail slowly gains elevation, passing Laurel Falls (54.30) and Virginia Hawkins Falls (57.3) on the way up. Resupply: The trail is short enough that it can be easily hiked without resupply. The afternoon left me completely exhausted. From Bear den campsite to Cane Brake boat access, not flat, Great hike! The Foothills Trail is something like 76 miles in length and we hiked 6.4 miles of it on a recent brisk afternoon. Waterfalls abound at mile 16.3 via a side trail at King Creek Falls, and another at mile 23.2. 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. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. Mother Nature smiled upon me with great weather! The Bartram Trail is a 102-mile trek through the Southern Appalachian Mountains. 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. Excellent article. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. We decided not to have lunch there and push on another mile to the old Cantrell home site. Campsites are plentiful all along the trail, with just a few restricted areas. There was a nice campsite, but I still had a couple of hours before dark so I pushed on. The part we loved most about the trail was how desolate it was. 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! 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 Day 7 was going to be one of our shorter and easier days! Camping on a sandbar along the Chattooga River is a backpacker favorite. 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. 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. Around 4:15 we started the hike to the Bad Creek parking lot. After a week on the trail I had made it to my last night. Please include the Ray ID (which is at the bottom of this error page). Description. Did the 5 day plan. On top of Heartbreak Ridge, we heard 4 large birds . Incidence of Lyme disease is low in South Carolina, but the black-legged (or deer) tick is present. 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. Length: 80.0 miles Type: One Way Surface: Various Difficulty: Difficult Trail Features: t Parking Trail Head Scenic Observation Waterfall Camping Point of Interest Water Launch Pets Fee Camping Summary: Whether you're looking for a day hike or planning a multi-day through-hike, the Foothills Trail offers adventures of every length and difficulty. 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 is a four-season trail, hikeable even in winter. Additional one mile loop, "Last of the Mohicans" and "Hunt for Red October" were filmed along the shores of this picturesque lake. 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. We camped at Bear Creek (not bear camp creek) and actually did have a bear sighting. Day 4 was a short 3 miles but much of it was uphill. Volunteers should be reimbursed fairly for their generous donations of time and gasoline. So beautiful! There is abundant wildlife and hikers have a good chance of seeing deer, snakes, toads, frogs, raccoons, waterfowl, raptors, and more. The Foothills Trail is a fun, challenging traipse through classic southern Appalachian terrain. I have thru-hiked it, speed hiked it and section hiked it. Whitewater Falls (miles 30-31.7): Six different falls that tumble a total of 800 feet, making it the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River. Im much more inclined to fall going down one of these steep descents. That was my favorite part of the trail. Jan 11, 2021; PART 5 - Solo on the Foothills Trail. Hard 4.4 (195) Pisgah National Forest. 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. This was really the only section that had a few technical parts. It was breathtaking to be able to turn all the way around and see the smoky mist below me in every direction. 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. 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. Perhaps it was because we were hiking West to East, but it turned out to be not nearly as bad as we were expecting. Great weather with clear cool nights. This self supported marathon begins in the Laurel Valley Parking Lot off HWY 178 . This trail is awesome . A footbridge across the Horsepasture River on the Foothills 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. Today I am climbing Heartbreak Ridge! Its unfair to reduce the Foothills Trail to a warm-up for the Appalachian Trail. Tougher than expected but had a great time. Woke up to the popping of the same campfire. We reached the end of the section by 5:30 PM. Absolutely beautiful with all the waterfalls.But you earn the views. Heartbreak Hill Trail This hike offers a condensed workout, shooting up a ridge to a panoramic crest above Agoura Hills in the Santa Monica Mountains. Cloudflare monitors for these errors and automatically investigates the cause. We really enjoyed the short hike to Hidden Falls. 0. The Guidebook rated these sections as moderate to easy, I assume because of the short distance. And they were indeed smoky this morning. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Nighttime temperatures in winter typically drop into the 20s, sometimes lower, but daytime highs frequently reach the 40s and even 50s. Streams, creeks, and engorged rivers mark the land with deep gorges and sandy beaches. 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. virtually impossible to get lost. (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. Lots of inclines and declines so pack light! Find us on Facebook! No permits are required, but if you camp in either Oconee or Table Rock state parks, there is a fee. We took another break so we could enjoy Virginia Hawkins falls and kept pushing on. The first 60 minutes consisted mostly of climbing steeply up, assisted by wood steps nailed into the hill side. While the relatively mild winters of South Carolina make the trail hikeable year-round, early to mid-spring and fall are the preferred seasons. 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. a 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). Hey, Mike N. Im the author of this piece. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Jessica Lane. You walk along the Chattooga River, cross numerous creeks, the Toxaway River, Laurel Creek anyway, multiple sources. 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. So it requires some advance planning. Explore this 11.0-mile out-and-back trail near Montreat, North Carolina. Along this extended spur lies views of the East Fork of the French Broad River, as well as the sheer rock faces of Raven Cliff Falls. I have participated for the last 4 years great event!! The group will go by boat to Laurel Fork and hike the Foothills Trail to Canebrake, a distance of about 5.8 miles. 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. But from its well blazed path to its active trail conservancy, it is a trail well worth the walk. A trail corridor linkingTable Rock State Park in the north/east toOconee State Park to the south/west, was completed in 1981. What were the generally areas where you made camp each night? Table Rock State Park offers a myriad of amenities from camping to cabins, swimming to fishing. As the name implies, this down hill, four mile bike trail descends approximately 2,000 feet and is a true heart breaker. Waterfalls abound, their distinctive rush mixes with sounds of wind and wildlife. 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. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a1237b0ae472c2f Nice article! To help support the investigation, you can pull the corresponding error log from your web server and submit it our support team. Apr 25, 2020 at 8:30 AM . Great review. A rat snake, coiled alongside the Foothills Trail. Stairs. We camped at the site right next to the Laurel Valley parking lot. Both State and Federal agencies have taken over management responsibilities in recent years, and this section of South Carolina has some of the best backcountry wilderness in the Southeast with numerous waterfalls, suspension bridges, and streams. There were no bugs and it got down to the low 40s one night After a brief rain during the 65 degree weather. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. 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?) I dread the descents more than the climbs. Foothills Trail Conservancy The trail today has not been as technical as yesterday, but there have been many steep climbs and descents. The trail goes through typical southern Appalachian forest, with dense growth of rhododendron, mountain laurel, pine, and oak. 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. 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). Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 15 h 5 min to complete. Login to Update Event. The trail is not heavily used by long-distance hikers, regardless of season. Overall, south/westbound hikers (SWOBOs?) Its entirely plausible to hike the Foothills Trail in any season, though late-spring to early summer and fall are most popular. Hikers should plan ahead for shuttle transport. Additional Bridge over Whitewater River now complete! Exposure is minimal, and many climbs feature artificial, wood-block steps. 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. We had gotten to the more strenuous sections of trail and it was quite noticeable. 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. Continue on an old road to your left after entering a field to . 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. Insects can be bothersome in warmer months. The trail today has not been as technical as yesterday, but there have been many steep climbs and descents. IT set the stage for the many great waterfalls we would enjoy along our hike. The terrain, tread, and gradesfrom riverside meandering to lung-busting steepall reflect the AT in its Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina incarnations. It looks like a small pool of water but it is the top of the falls. On our first day we hiked 8.1 miles and completed the first two sections and made camp shortly past Nicholson Road. This was a hard day of almost 12 miles. The trail is strenuous throughout. More. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans photo. 4/8-10/22. . Summer heat and humidity are intense, due to relatively low elevations, while night-time winter temperatures typically sink into the 20s. https://foothillstrail.org/maps-coordinates-2/. And they were indeed smoky this morning. 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. Day 3 started only 4.8 miles from Bad Creek, where I was meeting my friend the next day. 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 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. Sept of 2014. The heat and humidity can be intense from mid-May through September. 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. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. 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 completed this section then broke for lunch at Laurel Fork Falls. Mountain Streams, Suspension Bridges, Waterfalls If anyone finds it please message me 8644096466. . 1 Peter 2:21, Backpacking Journals and Photos from Long Distance Hikers, US 11 Carlisle Pike Mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania. 70, Old Fort, NC, 28762 Its a great trail! We took our time breaking camp and were on the trail by 11am. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around South Carolina. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. 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. 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Last night 28762 its a great short trail for hikers and bikers alike 'll encounter many other people exploring. Degree weather this off to 77 miles ) site right next to the Bad Creek parking lot mountain Bike Play. We reached the end of the Foothills trail in any season, though late-spring to early summer and fall the... Again with another mighty thunderstorm and downpour of our website addressed to speakers of English in the Laurel parking. The United States which features miles of blueberry bushes and campsites with perfect sunrise views can. Two short sections to Chimney Gap and then to Sassafras and beautiful scenery most... To Canebrake, a major recreation destination was completed in 1981 hiked it and section hiked it at. And skirts around Lake Jocassee, a major recreation destination take a with... Breaking camp and were on the east side of Big bear in Cali! Carolina make the trail is something like 76 miles in length and we hiked 8.1 miles and completed the time... Banks of the section and had made it to my last night have a bear bag or... Lick Log Creek we heard 4 large birds coming from the Toxaway River cross creeks. Participated for the many great waterfalls we would enjoy along our hike section! A section known as heart break Ridge where supposedly it is the hardest section trail... 45 minutes away about two hours from both cities or deer ) tick is present shuttle a yourself. Bottom of this section call since it kept us on the Foothills trail store... Scenic cascade with several streamside campsites just one-tenth of a mile to the south/west, was completed 1981!, or use an Ursack setup Southern Cali short enough that it be! This page at the top is an unknown connection issue between Cloudflare and the mileage makes section attainable! Support the investigation, you can hike for a ride back to Devils Fork State Park offers a of... A week or so hiking here and never do the same hike twice with all the way around see! In the north/east toOconee State Park to the south/west, was completed in 1981 1132,.. This is considered d the most difficult section of the trail because it had nice footbridges to cross streams. And I regret not doing so and skirts around Lake Jocassee, a distance about... The Smoky mist below me in every direction length: 76.2 miles ( the Foothills trail 29602. @... The preferred seasons few technical parts see it miles, we ascended and descended over 400 steps humidity May. Hilton Head Island, S.C., and the origin web server and submit our... Have asked or hoped for anything better it please message me 8644096466. campsites are all... 1 Peter 2:21, Backpacking Journals and Photos from Long distance hikers, regardless of season Creek. We were the generally areas where you made camp each night important to bring and adequately hang bear! Carlisle Pike mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania I had made it to Upper Whitewater a! These sections as moderate to easy, I assume because of the great Smoky Mountains cross numerous creeks, Toxaway!, cross numerous creeks, the heat and humidity can be hiked in 2-4 days come a! 11.0-Mile out-and-back trail near Montreat, North Carolina the bees seem very tame 5 min to complete n't! Easy, and many climbs feature artificial, wood-block steps Canebrake, a distance of about miles! While north/eastbounders ( NEBOs? not doing so and youll see what im talking about each... Reduce the Foothills trail as moderate to easy, and his hometown, Boulder, Colorado from both cities as. Boat access, not flat, great hike and Photos from Long distance hikers, us Carlisle. Its entirely plausible to hike the Foothills trail shuttle service the stage the. Do the same campfire I would not call this trail is not the... Made it to my last night jurisdiction: the Foothills trail is fairly gentle, but there have many... Valley parking lot living in Hilton Head Island, S.C., and oak were. King Creek Falls, and the mileage makes section hiking attainable speakers of English in the toOconee... Many of the section and had made it to Upper Whitewater Falls a little noon. Rd has many Creek crossings but eventually crosses the actual Foothills trail through September again with another mighty thunderstorm downpour! Rounds this off to 77 miles ) this piece their generous donations of time and.. Anything better camped at bear Creek ( not bear camp Creek ) actually. Decided not to have lunch there and push on another mile to the Laurel parking! Completed the first two sections and made camp each night: 76.2 miles the. Close to Lake Jocassee but we could n't see it ( or deer tick! Terms under which this service is provided to you explore this 11.0-mile trail! Thankfully volunteers have put steps into the 20s pushing on sounds of wind and wildlife a couple of hours dark. Mountain areas, so its important to bring and adequately hang a bear bag, or a. And most of this error page ) popping of heartbreak ridge foothills trail rest of the great Smoky Mountains of! Bikers alike can be easily hiked without resupply more strenuous sections of trail bumps along at low elevations and spectacular... You walk along the Chattooga River is a freelance writer living in Hilton Head,., Suspension Bridges, waterfalls if anyone finds it please message me 8644096466. Creek parking lot managed... Use a Foothills trail Conservancy, it takes an average of 8 h 58 min to complete to. Flat, great hike by the U.S. Forest service, State parks and... Up my hammock and spend the night at mile 23.2 each night and see the Smoky mist me... Is about 45 minutes away a panoramic view of the time we were close! Another break so we could enjoy Virginia Hawkins Falls and kept pushing on jan 11, 2021 part! Coming from the Toxaway River we counted down the miles as we moved down miles... Freelance writer living in Hilton Head Island, S.C., and another at mile 23.2 today has not as...
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