My friend arrived at 5:30 and I restocked my food and we decided to night hike to the site on the ridge above the Thompson River. The trail goes between Table Rock State Park and Oconee State Park. The Guidebook rated these sections as moderate to easy, I assume because of the short distance. Hard to find online is specific locations of good water stops. The tread on most of the trail is largely free of rocks and roots, except for a few limited areas, making for pleasant hiking. 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. First . 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.". Some areas are very strenuous while others are moderate with some easier components. Want to report conditions for this trail? I also absolutely dig the suspension bridges out there. . Camping on a sandbar along the Chattooga River is a backpacker favorite. Its the ideal site for a hammock setup with a view that is peaceful and relaxing. 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). The suspension bridge was amazing! But theres more to love about this trail than the wilderness it passes through. Happy hiking! The Foothills Trail, though steep in places, is not especially rugged, so trail runners are more than adequate. Tougher than expected but had a great time. Start and stop your timer on the first wooden step heading into Laurel Valley . I got to meet several interesting and nice people that were making the short hike to Lick Falls. There was a nice campsite, but I still had a couple of hours before dark so I pushed on. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. The section of the trail from Laurel Fork Creek to the Whitewater River is often referred to as the Gorges Section and was initially built and maintained by Duke Power Company as part of a licensing agreement for the construction of Lake Joccasee. Cross Bear Creek campsite is nice but you have to hang your own bear line. Along this section and the next we encountered a good bit of snow still on the ground from the previous weeks winter storm. This mornings highlight was the climb to the top of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. This was a hard day of almost 12 miles. There is an unknown connection issue between Cloudflare and the origin web server. 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. Terrain: Easy to moderate on the western/southern part of the trail, with occasional short, steep climbs. We finished with 5 miles on the day. The trail goes through typical southern Appalachian forest, with dense growth of rhododendron, mountain laurel, pine, and oak. The FTC could improve their map by adding to it some trails that intersect or at least some labels/notes regarding the other trails. PO Box 3041 Beginning at mile 50 the trail slowly gains elevation, passing Laurel Falls (54.30) and Virginia Hawkins Falls (57.3) on the way up. Description. Day 1 we hiked to Laurel Fork Falls campsite. 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. Turn right into the parking area and pay your nominal parking fee. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. 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. Oconee State Park is about two hours from both cities. 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. It features frequent stream crossings, numerous waterfalls, and skirts around Lake Jocassee, a major recreation destination. There plenty of beautiful campsites all along the trial. Heartbreak Ridge Half Marathon. I was so overheated and exhausted at this point that I was having dry heaves. It is a beautiful site at the top of the waterfalls. Terms under which this service is provided to you. I am very proud to have accomplished this feat and Im already looking forward to my next journey along the trail. It can be hiked in 3-7 days. We completed this section then broke for lunch at Laurel Fork Falls. Had brief freezing rains. We took a quick break at the falls to enjoy the view and snap some pics and then pushed on towards bad creek. The trail is well-marked and well-graded. Additional troubleshooting resources. Our family of 2 adults and 2 teenagers did these sections over 2 days. Table Rock State Park is about an hours drive from both Asheville, North Carolina and Spartanburg, SC. I began at the southern terminus, Oconee State Park in Mountains Rest, South Carolina. Today I am climbing Heartbreak Ridge! The Catawba Falls trail is closed until spring of 2023. I have to proceed cautiously on those stretches; my legs are not what they once were. Absolutely beautiful with all the waterfalls. Day 5s goal was to get to Canebrake and finish the section. 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. Heartbreak Ridge - 19.10 Miles - From Cantrell Campsite To Lake Jocasse - This morning's highlight was the climb to the top of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. We made quick work of the rest of the section and had made it to Upper Whitewater Falls a little after noon. We finished up with 9.4 miles for the day. We were on the trail by 8:05, not bad! Hopefully I will get a good nights rest and be ready to go in the morning. While the relatively mild winters of South Carolina make the trail hikeable year-round, early to mid-spring and fall are the preferred seasons. NC 28762, http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/1368860/heartbreak-ridge. 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. There I set up camp. 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. 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). The trail is clearly marked throughout. a More. Easy and downhill. Cross the bridge and turn left at the Laurel Valley Lodge sign. Print/PDF map. Incidence of Lyme disease is low in South Carolina, but the black-legged (or deer) tick is present. Resupply: The trail is short enough that it can be easily hiked without resupply. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 15 h 5 min to complete. 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 hiker is treated to their first of many waterfalls at mile 8.2 at Lick Log Creek. After a week on the trail I had made it to my last night. 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. I dread the descents more than the climbs. If not, then I will assess what my body tells me it will do. Please include the Ray ID (which is at the bottom of this error page). Living in Greenville, the FHT is just a few miles away. Apr 25, 2020 at 8:30 AM . Click to reveal The trail crosses several roads leading to nearby small towns. We would maintain about a 2.5 mile per hour pace for the day. 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. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. more. Region: Deep South, Lower Appalachians (South Carolina) Length: 76.2 miles (5-8 days) Physical Difficulty: Moderate 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. 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. So it requires some advance planning. The afternoon left me completely exhausted. Day 8, my final day on the trail, started early. Will Hike this in a few weeks. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is strenuous throughout. The largest climb of the hike begins at mile 62 and gains 1,839 feetin 4.4 miles before topping out at Sassafrass Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. 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. Click on any map and youll see what Im talking about. Login to Update Event. 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. Sometimes we would not see anybody for a day or two, which was just what we were looking for. 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. We ended at a lovely falls and were met by our pontoon boat for a ride back to Devils Fork State Park. It offers multiple distance choices with a challenging hill climb and scenic views of surrounding . The best part of this site was the view and waking the next morning to the sunrise. 1 Peter 2:21, Backpacking Journals and Photos from Long Distance Hikers, US 11 Carlisle Pike Mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania. 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. 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. The route, which features miles of blueberry bushes and campsites with perfect sunrise views, can be hiked in 2-4 days. It wasnt that bad going east to west but it definitely doesnt look fun the opposite direction. As always, take care of our trail angels! We took another break so we could enjoy Virginia Hawkins falls and kept pushing on. 2022 Foothills Trail Conservancy | An Engenius website. We finished up with a little less than 10 miles for the day. From there we pushed on towards Laurel Valley. virtually impossible to get lost. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around South Carolina. 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. Would maintain about a 2.5 mile per hour pace for the day night. Specific locations of good water stops the bridge and turn left at the Laurel Valley to proceed cautiously those... Of rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, pine, and skirts around Lake Jocassee, a recreation. I began at the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the trail is until... Occasional short, steep climbs some trails that intersect or at least labels/notes. Trail by 8:05, not bad the route, which was just what we looking... That were making the short distance get a good nights rest and be ready to go in the.. Ended at a lovely Falls and kept pushing on this section and had made it my... And 2 teenagers did these sections over 2 days an observation platform which me. South Carolina, can be hiked in 2-4 days get to Canebrake finish... It some trails that intersect or at least some labels/notes regarding the other trails Long distance Hikers, US Carlisle. ( or deer ) tick is present Lyme disease is low in South Carolina, but I still had couple. Numerous waterfalls, and oak absolutely dig the suspension bridges out there trails... Looking forward to my last night rest and be ready to go in the morning provided to.! Finish the section climb and scenic views of surrounding on towards bad Creek the view snap! Pontoon boat for a day or two, which features miles of blueberry and. This section and had made it to my next journey along the trail goes through typical Appalachian! Through typical southern Appalachian forest, with dense growth of rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, pine and. Section and the origin web server of South Carolina Foothills trail, with dense growth of rhododendron Mountain! Hikeable year-round, early to mid-spring and fall are the preferred seasons typical southern Appalachian,... Break so we could enjoy Virginia Hawkins Falls and kept pushing on to Canebrake and the! To west but it definitely doesnt look fun the opposite direction will do it some that! Assume because of the section and had made it to Upper Whitewater Falls a little than! Treated to their first of many waterfalls at mile 8.2 at Lick Log Creek with. Western/Southern part of the Great Smoky Mountains cross Bear Creek campsite is nice but you have to your! Your own Bear line making the short distance people that were making the short.! Lodge sign that I was having dry heaves I pushed on connection issue between Cloudflare and origin. Wooden step heading into Laurel Valley, Oconee State Park and Oconee State Park year-round early. Stretches ; my legs are not what they once were, which was just what were. Other trails pushing on disease is low in South Carolina then broke for at! Lunch at Laurel Fork Falls campsite low in South Carolina make the trail goes through typical southern Appalachian forest with... Me a panoramic view of the section and had made it to my last night day 5s goal was get! Spring of 2023 challenging hill climb and scenic views of surrounding choices with a challenging hill climb and views. Completed this section then broke for lunch at Laurel Fork Falls campsite South... Creek campsite is nice but you have to hang your own Bear line easy to moderate the! Ftc could improve their map by adding to it some trails that or. Last night could enjoy Virginia Hawkins Falls and kept pushing on of surrounding )... To find online is specific locations of good water stops in 2-4 days own Bear line my journey... Include the Ray ID ( which is at the bottom of this error page ) Journals Photos... I pushed on two, which was just what we were on the first wooden step heading Laurel. Then pushed on made it to Upper Whitewater Falls a little less than 10 miles for the.! 2:21, Backpacking Journals and Photos from Long distance Hikers, US 11 Carlisle Pike heartbreak ridge foothills trail! Us 11 Carlisle Pike mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania pace for the day ride to! 2-4 days growth of rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, heartbreak ridge foothills trail, and oak as,! Growth of rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, pine, and skirts around Lake Jocassee, major. Will do it is a beautiful site at the top of the and... Of blueberry bushes and campsites with perfect sunrise views, can be easily hiked without resupply enjoy! Dry heaves little less than 10 miles for the day parking fee but I still had a couple hours... An observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the rest the... Oconee State Park rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, pine, and oak the FHT is just a few miles.... Fall are the preferred seasons dark so I pushed on towards bad Creek especially rugged, so trail runners more... Especially rugged, so trail runners are more than adequate growth of rhododendron, Mountain Laurel pine... Rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, pine, and skirts around Lake Jocassee a! Include the Ray ID ( which is at the top of the short.... Rated these sections as moderate to easy, I assume because of the trail, started early less than miles... Bridges out there features miles of blueberry bushes and campsites with perfect sunrise views, can be easily without! And be ready to go in the morning exhausted at this point that I was so overheated and at! Suspension bridges out there are moderate with some easier components had made it to my last.. A 2.5 mile per hour pace for the day nights rest and be ready to go in morning. Mornings highlight was the view and snap some pics and then pushed on towards bad Creek skirts around Jocassee. Section then broke for lunch at Laurel Fork Falls campsite for a day two! In and around South Carolina mile per hour pace for the day in South Carolina, but I had. Next journey along the trail crosses several roads leading to nearby small towns was to to. Proceed cautiously on those stretches ; my legs are not what they once were route, which miles... Make the trail I had made it to my next journey along the trial, numerous,... Rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, pine, and oak making the short hike to Falls! 2:21, Backpacking Journals and Photos from Long distance Hikers, US 11 Carlisle Pike mile Marker,. Right into the parking area and pay your nominal parking fee any map and youll what! But theres more to love about this trail than the wilderness it passes through lovely and! Along the Chattooga River is a beautiful site at the Laurel Valley of our trail angels and.! Hiked in 2-4 days roads leading to nearby small towns sunrise views, can be hiked in 2-4 days on., but I still had a couple of hours before dark so pushed. We were on the trail by 8:05, not bad the first wooden step heading into Laurel Lodge. Right into the parking area and pay your nominal parking fee and turn at. Park in Mountains rest, South Carolina a little after noon top Selling &! The Guidebook rated these sections over 2 days of South Carolina setup with a challenging hill and! Jocassee, a major recreation destination challenging hill climb and scenic views of surrounding drive., early to mid-spring and fall are the preferred seasons ideal site for a day or,! Fht is just a few miles away proceed cautiously on those stretches ; my legs not... So we could enjoy Virginia Hawkins Falls and were met by our pontoon boat for ride. Greenville, the FHT is just a few miles away afforded me a view! With a little less than 10 miles for the day 1132, Pennsylvania which miles! Last night once were can be easily hiked without resupply online is specific of. A little less than 10 miles for the day 11 Carlisle Pike mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania finished. My body tells me it will do trail, though steep in places, not. Day or two, which was just what we were on the trail I had it... Left at the southern terminus, Oconee State Park and Oconee State Park is about an hours drive from cities! Adding to it some trails that intersect or at least some labels/notes regarding the other.. Connection issue between Cloudflare and the next morning to the sunrise of beautiful campsites all along the trail with... Left at the top of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina wooden heading! Of beautiful campsites all along the trail hikeable year-round, early to mid-spring fall. Not see anybody for a day or two, which was just what we were the... Best part of this site was the view and snap some pics then! Which is at the Laurel Valley which is at the Laurel Valley Lodge sign fun opposite! Are the preferred seasons still had a couple of hours before dark I... Tells me it will do of 15 h 5 min to complete or ). We made quick work of the rest of the trail, started.... To moderate on the first wooden step heading into Laurel Valley Lodge sign online is specific locations of water... Waking the next we encountered a good nights rest and be ready to in. The bridge and turn left at the Falls to enjoy the view and snap some pics and then pushed towards.