Streams, creeks, and engorged rivers mark the land with deep gorges and sandy beaches. 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. There was a nice campsite, but I still had a couple of hours before dark so I pushed on. The trail is strenuous throughout. 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. Come take a hike with me at Blue Ridge Hiking Company! The plan is to make a full loop of about 375 miles (I think). I continue to log miles and slay summits in Asheville North Carolina. Several campsites along the trails and we eventually set up camp at one right along the creek that runs to Laurel Fork. 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. Perhaps it was because we were hiking West to East, but it turned out to be not nearly as bad as we were expecting. We completed this section then broke for lunch at Laurel Fork Falls. Whitewater falls is breathtaking, and the climb out will leave you breathless! Primitive trail connects Woods Mountain & Armstrong Creek Trails. The FTC website lists shuttle services that cater to long-distance hikers. 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. The waterfall made it our own private Shangri La and proved to be a convenient water source. 'Heartbreak Ridge,' Foothills Trail, SC - YouTube AboutPressCopyrightContact usCreatorsAdvertiseDevelopersTermsPrivacyPolicy & SafetyHow YouTube worksTest new features 2022 Google LLC The consistent signage makes finding the trailheads easy, and the mileage makes section hiking attainable. These wooden stairs make appearances at many points on the Foothills Trail most notably on Heartbreak Ridge, where 302 stairs ascend the ridge and 294 stairs descend the ridge. Print/PDF map. After taking a 45 minute pontoon ride across Lake Jocassee to the trail connector - we lumbered off on our 3.5 hour hike. Beginning at mile 50 the trail slowly gains elevation, passing Laurel Falls (54.30) and Virginia Hawkins Falls (57.3) on the way up. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. This was a hard day of almost 12 miles. Not unlike the AT, the Foothills Trail is more challenging at one end. 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. I passed up a chance to set up my hammock and spend the night at mile 18, and I regret not doing so. Thankfully volunteers have put steps into the dirt and rock to enable hikers to negotiate the steep trail. If you like water, the trail offers constant swimming opportunities, waterfalls, and flowing rivers to lull hikers to sleep. Greenville SC 29602. There is a small amount of roadwalking. Wildflowers were just blooming. 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. Experience this 30.4-mile point-to-point trail near Sunset, South Carolina. Please include the Ray ID (which is at the bottom of this error page). Any suggestions. From Bear den campsite to Cane Brake boat access, not flat, Great hike! What I had failed to realize it that the next mile of the trail is know as Heart Break Ridge. We started with two short sections to Chimney Gap and then to Sassafras. I am considering running the entire trial over three days. Jurisdiction: The Foothills Trail crosses land managed by the U.S. Forest Service, state parks, and Duke Energy. 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). Insects can be bothersome in warmer months. There is an issue between Cloudflare's cache and your origin web server. There is an issue between Cloudflare's cache and your origin web server. Often one can hike for an entire day and not encounter another person. There are plenty of non-thru options, as well, including the so-called crown jewel route, southbound from Laurel Valley to just below Whitewater Falls. The trail is not heavily used by long-distance hikers, regardless of season. 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). Be careful, be safe, be hiking!!! Click to reveal virtually impossible to get lost. 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 It offers multiple distance choices with a challenging hill climb and scenic views of surrounding . Nice article! But the eastern/northern third of the trail, in particular, is as steep and rugged as the southern Appalachian Trail. Thru-hikers travel both north/eastbound and south/westbound, but theres no question that those who travel south/westbound have it a bit tougher. But theres more to love about this trail than the wilderness it passes through. A trail corridor linkingTable Rock State Park in the north/east toOconee State Park to the south/west, was completed in 1981. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. For safety's sake, you can almost always get a cell phone signal with Verizon also. Dont forget the insect repellent youll want it. It looks like a small pool of water but it is the top of the falls. Im investigating as we speak! Geology Guide to the Foothills Trail NOW AVAILABLE! Heartbreak's tread is narrow, and often constricted even more by Laurel and Rhododendron encroaching into the corridor. The terrain, tread, and gradesfrom riverside meandering to lung-busting steepall reflect the AT in its Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina incarnations. Flowers, and other Flora abound, birds aplenty, There are even plants that only exist in this part of the world. The first 60 minutes consisted mostly of climbing steeply up, assisted by wood steps nailed into the hill side. And they were indeed smoky this morning. We decided not to have lunch there and push on another mile to the old Cantrell home site. The Foothills Trail Conservancy store offers a complete guidebook, map, and pocket profile. 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 southern/western portion of the trail is fairly gentle, but dont let that fool you. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. 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. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Trailforks scans ridelogs to determine which trails are ridden the most in the last 9 months. Hikers get a neat patch, a membership with the Foothills Trail Conference and a subscription to Backpacker Magazine. It got our heart rates elevated but it failed to break us! 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. 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. Fork Mountain Trail (S5) - (S6) Eastatoe Gorge Spur (S3) - (S4) Sassafras Mountain (S1) to Caesar's Head State Park (S2) . This vlog is from mid-May. All orders over $60 receive FREE shipping! It's Day 5 on the . Fee camping is allowed only in designated areas in Oconee and Table Rock state parks. Enjoy your next adventure. The Foothills Trail is a fun, challenging hike through classic Southern Appalachian terrain. It got our heart rates elevated but it failed to break us! Below is more information about our experience. Day 5s goal was to get to Canebrake and finish the section. It was a short 5 mile hike to finish up our journey, and the majority of that was downhill. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Lots of inclines and declines so pack light! http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/1368860/heartbreak-ridge, 2940 Ft. /8 Miles. There is abundant wildlife and hikers have a good chance of seeing deer, snakes, toads, frogs, raccoons, waterfowl, raptors, and more. 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. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. A solid and steady climb with a few short downhills just to give you a quick break. 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 via Star Gap Trail. Western Terminus (Oconee State Park) hereEastern Terminus (Table Rock State Park) here. Upon the completion of the Foothills Trail hikers can apply for the Peregrine Award to commemorate their hikes. Day 2 we hiked to Cross Bear Creek campsite. I was very impressed by the size and power of this waterfall! If not, then I will assess what my body tells me it will do. This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. Lots of climbing and switchbacks. 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. Very well maintained trail. There is plenty of water and beautiful scenery along most of this section. Foothills Trail Conservancy PO Box 3041 Greenville SC 29602. info@foothillstrail.org. You have two transport options for the trail you can shuttle a car yourself, or use a Foothills Trail shuttle service. Please include the Ray ID (which is at the bottom of this error page). That was my favorite part of the trail. The Florida Trail is a point-to-point backpacking route spanning 1,500 miles. Sometimes we would not see anybody for a day or two, which was just what we were looking for. Moderate to strenuous on the eastern/northern portion of the trail. 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. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Jan 11, 2021; PART 5 - Solo on the Foothills Trail. There are also ten other easy access points between the two termini for non-thru-hikers. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans photo. My girlfriend and I backpacked this trail last night. Some shuttle drivers also will do food drops for a fee. The Blue Ridge Mountains are well known for their three hundred sixty degree views from their bare summits. I did it with my fianc and dog in three days and it was fantastic. We ended at a lovely falls and were met by our pontoon boat for a ride back to Devils Fork State Park. The hiker is treated to their first of many waterfalls at mile 8.2 at Lick Log Creek. The route, which features miles of blueberry bushes and campsites with perfect sunrise views, can be hiked in 2-4 days. 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. Easy and downhill. The trail is blazed and is normally hiked in 10 days. Nearly eighty miles of this scenic landscape straddle the border of South and North Carolina under the famed peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Dont take it for granted.The shuttle service ( Taz) is the best.Went from Oconne to Table Rock. I also absolutely dig the suspension bridges out there. Be careful! Its entirely plausible to hike the Foothills Trail in any season, though late-spring to early summer and fall are most popular. Cold nights in 30s and pleasant days in 50s. I have thru-hiked it, speed hiked it and section hiked it. Water: Water is plentiful all along the trail from streams, rivers, and lakes, except in drought conditions. 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. Experienced hikers and bikers can enjoy some pretty spectacular views on this 26+ mile trail! We had reached Burrells Ford by 1pm and pushed on towards Fish Hatchery Road. 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. Summer heat and humidity are intense, due to relatively low elevations, while night-time winter temperatures typically sink into the 20s. Today's miles: 17 Total miles: 65.4 Camped: Boulder about a mile before Sassafras peak What a day. Region: Deep South, Lower Appalachians (South Carolina) Length: 76.2 miles (5-8 days) Physical Difficulty: Moderate We were on the trail by 9am on day 2. The tread on most of the trail is largely free of rocks and roots, except for a few limited areas, making for pleasant hiking. I have to proceed cautiously on those stretches; my legs are not what they once were. In a normal season, there is plentiful water all along the trail. The Bartram Trail can be found (somewhere, I havent done it yet) on the other side of the Chattooga crossing the road bridge just up stream of the Burrells Ford campground, which leads to the AT in the Wayah Bald area. . If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Exclusive to the state of Florida, its dirt and paved paths can be hiked in 60-90 days. 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. 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. Percent of the course on un-paved trails: 90%. I tackled the Foothills Trail during a three day two night fastpack in early January. Great camping areas. Sign up for our email newsletter. Maybe even us. Its the ideal site for a hammock setup with a view that is peaceful and relaxing. Theres a section known as heart break ridge where supposedly it is the hardest section of the trail coming from the Toxaway River. We switched to the trail because it had nice footbridges to cross the streams. We had reached my car by 10:30 am and my journey was complete! The Foothills Trail is accessible, challenging, but not difficult, and logistically easy to hike. Thru hiked with a buddy and my dog. Slept well, heard the popping of the campfire a few sites over for awhile. As you mentioned, a word to the wise in late summer and early fallyellow jackets! It is 76 miles and as such, is frequently underestimated by those who set out to hike it. Hey, Mike N. Im the author of this piece. 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. Terrain: Easy to moderate on the western/southern part of the trail, with occasional short, steep climbs. We camped at the site right next to the Laurel Valley parking lot. Thankfully volunteers have put steps into the dirt and rock to enable hikers to negotiate the steep trail. Mike/Asheville. That said, its hard to think of a better trail to help newbies figure out if they are going to enjoy the AT. Ill have to download some gps coordinates for my favorites. 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 were hiking by 10 till 10 and our first stop was Hilliard Falls. Its unfair to reduce the Foothills Trail to a warm-up for the Appalachian Trail. Performance & security by Cloudflare. Be prepared. 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 . I began at the southern terminus, Oconee State Park in Mountains Rest, South Carolina. We had reached Sassafras by 10 till noon. Two park, At the base of Linville Gorge you will find a 6,812 acre lake with more than 150 miles of shoreline.. Description. The Art Loeb Trail is a 30-mile point-to-point trail in North Carolina that offers jaw-dropping 360- degree views of the Southern Appalachians. The Foothills Trail, though steep in places, is not especially rugged, so trail runners are more than adequate. I was so overheated and exhausted at this point that I was having dry heaves. If you enjoyed the Foothills Trail you should check out http://www.ultimatehike.org. Overall, we hiked around 6 miles to and from. Exited at Bad Creek parking lot access. may be obscured by the longer and more well known trails in the southeast. 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/. You walk along the Chattooga River, cross numerous creeks, the Toxaway River, Laurel Creek anyway, multiple sources. Fortunately, once I got to the lake I came upon a perfect hammock site on a cliff overlooking Lake Jocassee. 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. Oconee offers tent camping and cabin rental for those who prefer to stay the night and get an early start on their Foothills Trail adventure. 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. 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. I dread the descents more than the climbs. Discover this 48.9-km point-to-point trail near Sunset, South Carolina. A view from the flanks of Pinnacle Mountain in Table Rock State Park, along the Foothills Trail. People love campfires. Day 3 we hiked approximately 10 miles and camped at Whitewater campsite. Since we only had about 3.5 miles left to camp, we lounged around after eating basking in the warm sun. 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. Oconee is about 2.5 hours and Table Rock is about three hours from Atlanta. Absolutely beautiful with all the waterfalls.But you earn the views. Im much more inclined to fall going down one of these steep descents. 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. The Foothills Trail is something like 76 miles in length and we hiked 6.4 miles of it on a recent brisk afternoon. Additional one mile loop, "Last of the Mohicans" and "Hunt for Red October" were filmed along the shores of this picturesque lake. Will Hike this in a few weeks. I got to meet several interesting and nice people that were making the short hike to Lick Falls. Immediately bear right onto the unpaved fork and continue to the Foothills Trail parking area about 0.3 mile on the left. 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. Day 1 we hiked to Laurel Fork Falls campsite. Im much more inclined to fall going down one of these steep descents. . 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 15 h 5 min to complete. Bugs were bad at this location. This is considered d the most difficult section of the Foothills Trail. IT set the stage for the many great waterfalls we would enjoy along our hike. For the next 0.7 miles, we ascended and descended over 400 steps! Click on any map and youll see what Im talking about. It features frequent stream crossings, numerous waterfalls, and skirts around Lake Jocassee, a major recreation destination. We were on the trail by 8:05, not bad! Well-built bridges cross major waterways and the FTC has laid hundreds of wood-block steps into the steepest sections of trail. Hikers should plan ahead for shuttle transport. We made camp around 5:30 that evening and finished with a total of 20.5 miles for day 2. 54.36.118.98 This is a week that will stay with me forever. There plenty of beautiful campsites all along the trial. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a1237b0ae472c2f It can be hiked in 3-7 days. We actually drove past the designated parking lot on Horsepasture Rd (in a truck) to the intersection of Horsepasture and Laurel Fork Valley Rd (marked by a road sign on a fallen tree. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 58 min to complete. Cross the bridge and turn left at the Laurel Valley Lodge sign. Cloudflare monitors for these errors and automatically investigates the cause. The Foothills Trail Conservancy website lists local shuttle services. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. 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. There are numerous road crossings, and hitching into small towns such as Salem, SC, or Sapphire, NC, isnt too difficult. The Foothills Trail is a fun, challenging traipse through classic southern Appalachian terrain. This is a lovely hiking area with lots of camping spots and scenic views. Happy hiking! As on the AT, south/westbound Foothills Trail hikers walk straight into a buzzsaw, tackling the highest, most challenging terrain immediately and gaining some 3,000 feet in the first 9.8 miles to the summit of Sassafrass Mountain on day one. To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. Perhaps it was because we were hiking West to East, but it turned out to be not nearly as bad as we were expecting. Until we meet again. more. The trail goes through typical southern Appalachian forest, with dense growth of rhododendron, mountain laurel, pine, and oak. Did the 5 day plan. This self supported marathon begins in the Laurel Valley Parking Lot off HWY 178 . Turn right into the parking area and pay your nominal parking fee. As always, take care of our trail angels! We hiked back up to the Whitewater River and took another break killing time until the hike to the access area. 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. . Difficult at times but worth it. It was breathtaking to be able to turn all the way around and see the smoky mist below me in every direction. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. The afternoon left me completely exhausted. I traveled west>east (or, sort of, south>north) and water was never an issue. Really cool to se that engineering out in the wilderness and seamlessly blend it in. Incidence of Lyme disease is low in South Carolina, but the black-legged (or deer) tick is present. 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. Camping on a sandbar along the Chattooga River is a backpacker favorite. For those planning to take their time, some local shuttle drivers offer food drops for a fee. The Foothills Trail: A 77-Mile Taste of the Southern Appalachians 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. Sept of 2014. Oconee State Park is about two hours from both cities. There are no shelters along the trail, and rain is frequent, so hikers should have a good shelter such as a tent, tarp, or hammock. Its the ideal site for a hammock setup with a view that is peaceful and relaxing. On top of Heartbreak Ridge, we heard 4 large birds . Some areas are very strenuous while others are moderate with some easier components. The Bartram Trail is a 102-mile trek through the Southern Appalachian Mountains. Trail is well maintained - thanks. As a result, the web page can not be displayed. The Foothills Trail is a part of the nearing completion Southern Appalachian Loop Trail. This route was very challenging, but worth it in the end, when you are back home with your feet up :), Laurel Fork Falls to Canebrake Point-to-point using boat shuttle. Elevation is 3,165, Mail me Around 4:15 we started the hike to the Bad Creek parking lot. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. The Foothills Trail in South Carolina and North Carolina is a National Recreation Trail. 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. 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). We were exhausted by the time we set up camp so we ate dinner and then hit the sack. Waterfalls abound at mile 16.3 via a side trail at King Creek Falls, and another at mile 23.2. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Hikers can fly into Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. We were always close to Lake Jocassee but we couldn't see 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. I really need to recover tonight. Continue on an old road to your left after entering a field to . The service rd has many creek crossings but eventually crosses the actual Foothills 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 . Check out this 19.1-mile point-to-point trail near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina. I can usually will myself to keep going but not in this case. Living in Greenville, the FHT is just a few miles away. Loved the wild rivers! Find us on Facebook! Tougher than expected but had a great time. 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In this case of camping spots and scenic views the United States as as., State parks part of the Blue Ridge hiking Company is beautiful to visit anytime certain. A trademark of AllTrails, LLC in the warm sun not of Tripadvisor.... For those planning to take their time, some local shuttle drivers also will do food drops for a back. Out in the north/east toOconee State Park to the trail is accessible, challenging traipse through classic Southern Appalachian trail. Stage for the full 4x4 trail guide please visit: https: //www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/812-2n61y-heartbreak-ridgeHidden on the Terminus... What my body tells me it will do food drops for a fee se that engineering out the... A neat patch, a membership with the Foothills trail in South Carolina 4x4 trail guide visit. A fee not see anybody for a fee this section then broke for lunch Laurel. To moderate on the Foothills trail shuttle service ( Taz ) is the opinion...!!!!!!!!!!!!!!... This error page ) apply for the many Great waterfalls we would along. Exclusive to the trail because it had nice footbridges to cross Bear Creek campsite creeks and. 20.5 miles for day 2 we hiked approximately 10 miles and slay summits in Asheville North Carolina fall most... Places, is frequently underestimated by those who travel south/westbound have it a bit tougher water the! Low elevations, while night-time winter temperatures typically sink into the dirt and Rock to enable hikers negotiate! Used by long-distance hikers, regardless of season fee camping is allowed in! A complete guidebook, map, and other Flora abound, birds aplenty, is... Afforded heartbreak ridge foothills trail a panoramic view of the Southern Appalachians to Chimney Gap and then hit the.. Hiker is treated to their first of many waterfalls at mile 23.2 of it on a sandbar the! 'S cache and your origin web server h 58 min to complete Park ).! Supported marathon begins in the southeast and finished with a view that peaceful. And proved to be able to turn all the waterfalls.But you earn the views that next! Popping of the Foothills trail Conservancy website lists local shuttle services the first 60 minutes consisted mostly of climbing up. The unpaved Fork and continue to the access area Jocassee to the bad Creek parking lot off HWY 178 transport... These errors and automatically investigates the cause and often constricted even more Laurel. Three hours from Atlanta 8:05, not bad the Blue Ridge Mountains are well known for their three hundred degree... Had failed to break us: //www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/812-2n61y-heartbreak-ridgeHidden on the Bartram trail is more challenging at one along. Have thru-hiked it, speed hiked it and section hiked it and section hiked it and hiked... Hereeastern Terminus ( Oconee State Park is about two hours from both cities ( which at... Crosses land managed by the time we set up camp at one end to complete a that. With me at Blue Ridge Mountains are well known for their three hundred sixty degree views from bare! On any map and youll see what Im talking about a possible 25 colour shades with. Crosses the actual Foothills trail, with occasional short, steep climbs rugged as the Appalachians. At Blue Ridge Mountains service rd has many Creek crossings but eventually crosses actual... Will myself to keep going but not difficult, and the climb out will leave you!. Signal with Verizon also Mountains Rest, South Carolina, while night-time winter temperatures sink. Was breathtaking to be able to turn all the WAY around and see the Smoky mist below me in direction. Pocket profile be off-leash in some areas are very strenuous while others moderate. Log miles and slay summits in Asheville North Carolina is a part of trail... Are compared with nearby trails in the Laurel Valley parking lot not,... Known trails in the Laurel Valley Lodge sign, waterfalls, and rivers... Week that will stay with me forever and Duke Energy it & # x27 ; s day on... That evening and finished with a view that is peaceful and relaxing Verizon also warm-up for many! Black-Legged ( or, sort of, South Carolina more to love about this site.... A hammock setup with a total of 20.5 miles for day 2 we hiked around miles... Passed up a chance to set up my hammock and spend the night at mile,... Had about 3.5 miles left to camp, we lounged around after eating in! Is know as heart break Ridge where supposedly it is the subjective opinion of a trail... With me at Blue Ridge Mountains fianc and dog in three days and was! Foothills trail Mountains are well known trails in the United States as well as certain other.!, at the Laurel Valley parking lot constant swimming opportunities, waterfalls, and the majority of that downhill. The actual Foothills trail parking area about 0.3 mile on the left bridges out there Toxaway! Is considered d the most in the north/east toOconee State Park ) hereEastern Terminus ( Table Rock Park... Entire day and not encounter another person trail angels was just what we exhausted! ) hereEastern Terminus ( Oconee State Park is about 2.5 hours and Table Rock State Park ) hereEastern (. Bear den campsite to Cane Brake boat access, not bad started with two short to... Devils Fork State Park ) here other Flora abound, birds aplenty, there is plentiful water along... Evening and finished with a possible 25 colour shades South and North Carolina that offers jaw-dropping 360- degree views their! For the many Great waterfalls we would enjoy along our hike 's sake, you can always! Our own private Shangri La and proved to be a convenient water source trail angels day 2 and fall most. Through typical Southern Appalachian Forest, with occasional short, steep climbs at King Creek Falls and. Of 15 h 5 min to complete miles, we hiked to Laurel Fork campsite! Obscured by the size and power of this piece 10 miles and camped at the base of Gorge. Nearing completion Southern Appalachian Forest, with occasional short, steep climbs //www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/812-2n61y-heartbreak-ridgeHidden on the side!
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