The Foothills Trail Conference Divides the trail into thirteenaccessible sections. Really cool to se that engineering out in the wilderness and seamlessly blend it in. The Foothills Trail Conservancy store offers a complete guidebook, map, and pocket profile. Lots of Stairs. Difficult at times but worth it. I passed up a chance to set up my hammock and spend the night at mile 18, and I regret not doing so. 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. I continue to log miles and slay summits in Asheville North Carolina. This trail is in South Carolina and North Carolina. 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), Elevation: 500 3,553 feet Total Elevation Gain: ~10,900 feet (westbound); ~10,000 (eastbound). But from its well blazed path to its active trail conservancy, it is a trail well worth the walk. 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. I was so overheated and exhausted at this point that I was having dry heaves. 54.36.118.98 We completed this section then broke for lunch at Laurel Fork Falls. http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/1368860/heartbreak-ridge, 2940 Ft. /8 Miles. Photos (139) Directions. We had reached Burrells Ford by 1pm and pushed on towards Fish Hatchery Road. 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. To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. And many a Foothills Trail hiker has found herself sprinting away from the occasional swarm of irritable hornets, especially in fall. What were the generally areas where you made camp each night? The Star Gap Trail is a great short trail for hikers and bikers alike! Enjoy your next adventure. Fitness Trail consists of 7 stations, two exercises per station on a 1/4 mile jogging path. Mike/Asheville. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. You can hike for a few hours or spend days or a week or so hiking here and never do the same hike twice. 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. On our first day we hiked 8.1 miles and completed the first two sections and made camp shortly past Nicholson Road. I have to proceed cautiously on those stretches; my legs are not what they once were. I tackled the Foothills Trail during a three day two night fastpack in early January. a We would maintain about a 2.5 mile per hour pace for the day. The trail goes between Table Rock State Park and Oconee State Park. 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/. gain about 10,000 feet (the Foothills Trail Conservancy does not offer exact totals; approximations are based on an overall elevation profile). This is classified as a strenuous section of trail which includes Heartbreak Ridge. Not unlike the AT, the Foothills Trail is more challenging at one end. Its the ideal site for a hammock setup with a view that is peaceful and relaxing. 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. Day 4 was a short 3 miles but much of it was uphill. Thanks for your support! We had the overlook to ourselves and time to kill, so we broke for lunch and I read while Spencer napped in the sun. 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 was a relatively easy day at about 8 miles. Percent of the course on un-paved trails: 90%. 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. 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. Its unfair to reduce the Foothills Trail to a warm-up for the Appalachian Trail. The trail is not heavily used by long-distance hikers, regardless of season. There is an issue between Cloudflare's cache and your origin web server. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. Sign up for our email newsletter. It's Day 5 on the . Additional one mile loop, "Last of the Mohicans" and "Hunt for Red October" were filmed along the shores of this picturesque lake. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Insects can be bothersome in warmer months. 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. I dread the descents more than the climbs. A footbridge across the Horsepasture River on the 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 . Bald Knob (mile 72.5): Expansive view of upstate South Carolina from knees of Pinnacle Mountain. There I set up camp. Meet at the Devils Fork boat ramp at 9:00 a.m. Bring snacks, lunch, water and appropriate footwear and clothing. That said, its hard to think of a better trail to help newbies figure out if they are going to enjoy the AT. Hikers get a neat patch, a membership with the Foothills Trail Conference and a subscription to Backpacker Magazine. That was my favorite part of the trail. A wonderful weekend hike. copy Generally considered a challenging route. I did it with my fianc and dog in three days and it was fantastic. Stairs. Hey, Mike N. Im the author of this piece. Exclusive to the state of Florida, its dirt and paved paths can be hiked in 60-90 days. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. instead, 91 South Catawba Avenue, Old Fort, Foothills Trail Journal Heartbreak Ridge. There I set up camp. It can be hiked in 3-7 days. . 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. Geology Guide to the Foothills Trail NOW AVAILABLE! This is a week that will stay with me forever. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Will Hike this in a few weeks. Sometimes we would not see anybody for a day or two, which was just what we were looking for. The Blue Ridge Mountains are well known for their three hundred sixty degree views from their bare summits. This middle section of trail bumps along at low elevations and sports spectacular runoff that forms beautiful waterfalls. 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. There are many bridges and water crossings, including several long suspension bridges. Great camping areas. 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). 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.". With the exception of the winter months, chances are that weather will be warm and often extremely hot and humid. I suppose the guidebooks will have that and will purchase soon Login to Update Event. It's possible drive to within a few miles of our trail section and hike in - but the pontoon boat ride to the trail was a pleasure in its self. The trail epitomizes the green tunnel phenomenon, but that just makes its periodic panoramic views even more rewarding. Immediately bear right onto the unpaved fork and continue to the Foothills Trail parking area about 0.3 mile on the left. Moderate to strenuous on the eastern/northern portion of the trail. In early April 2022, gistrailblazer and I thruhiked the Foothills Trail eastbound, from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park. But while the Blue Ridge Mountain Balds may be a highlight of the southern Appalachians, they encompass a far greater range of, Recent books and movies have inspired countless hikers and potential hikers to dream about thru-hiking one of the big three of Americas long trails: The Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, or the Continental Divide Trail. The trail is clearly marked throughout. The Foothills Trail is a remarkably well blazed path, has easy section hiking access, and the unrivaled support of the conference that supports it even providing volunteer coordinated shuttles. (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. Until we meet again. 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. Heartbreak's tread is narrow, and often constricted even more by Laurel and Rhododendron encroaching into the corridor. I got to meet several interesting and nice people that were making the short hike to Lick Falls. During this middle section of trail, the hiker will also get their first introduction to another essential attribute on the Foothills Trail. Many views along the way - waterfalls, wild boar and wild turkey sightings, streams to cross. 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). It was a short 5 mile hike to finish up our journey, and the majority of that was downhill. For the next 0.7 miles, we ascended and descended over 400 steps! Its entirely plausible to hike the Foothills Trail in any season, though late-spring to early summer and fall are most popular. In a normal season, there is plentiful water all along the trail. The trail is blazed and is normally hiked in 10 days. Laurel Fork Falls (mile 54.3): A scenic cascade with several streamside campsites just one-tenth of a mile to the east. Head West on The Foothills Trail towards Lake Jocassee. Had brief freezing rains. The tread on most of the trail is largely free of rocks and roots, except for a few limited areas, making for pleasant hiking. https://foothillstrail.org/maps-coordinates-2/. This is considered d the most difficult section of the Foothills Trail. Overall, we hiked around 6 miles to and from. We logged over 32 miles. Perhaps it was because we were hiking West to East, but it turned out to be not nearly as bad as we were expecting. Start and stop your timer on the first wooden step heading into Laurel Valley . All orders over $60 receive FREE shipping! We ended at a lovely falls and were met by our pontoon boat for a ride back to Devils Fork State Park. The heat and humidity can be intense from mid-May through September. 70, Old Fort, NC, 28762 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. This trail is awesome . We had reached my car by 10:30 am and my journey was complete! I was meeting a friend Wednesday evening at the Bad Creek access area so we had planned to take our time hiking those 33 miles so we would arrive there on Wednesday. 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. A solid and steady climb with a few short downhills just to give you a quick break. The Guidebook rated these sections as moderate to easy, I assume because of the short distance. Today's miles: 17 Total miles: 65.4 Camped: Boulder about a mile before Sassafras peak What a day. 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. Tougher than expected but had a great time. Did the 5 day plan. The group will go by boat to Laurel Fork and hike the Foothills Trail to Canebrake, a distance of about 5.8 miles. We had gotten to the more strenuous sections of trail and it was quite noticeable. But the eastern/northern third of the trail, in particular, is as steep and rugged as the southern Appalachian Trail. Though technically a four-season trail, the heat and humidity from May through September can be oppressive. Terrain: Easy to moderate on the western/southern part of the trail, with occasional short, steep climbs. Greenville SC 29602. Its a great trail! 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. I can usually will myself to keep going but not in this case. The route, which features miles of blueberry bushes and campsites with perfect sunrise views, can be hiked in 2-4 days. The books warn you about Heartbreak Ridge but they don't tell you about Heartbreak Hill that follows. 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. Good views at spots along the trail as well. The part we loved most about the trail was how desolate it was. Dismiss. Thru hiked with a buddy and my dog. Maybe even us. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. It traverses the highest point in South Carolina, Sassafras mountain, to the beauty of Whitewater Falls and the Jocassee Gorge and lake area. Permits: No permit is required to hike the Foothills Trail. It is very close to civilization but seems like you are in the middle of nowhere when on it. Woke up to the popping of the same campfire. Im definitely coming back to that part of the trail to hopefully kayak Lake Jocassee soon. Additional Bridge over Whitewater River now complete! 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. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Woods Mountain Trail is not for the faint of heart! The Foothills Trail is accessible, challenging, but not difficult, and logistically easy to hike. Think of this as a heatmap, more rides = more kinetic energy = warmer colors. 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. A rat snake, coiled alongside the Foothills Trail. It is my favorite trail for many of the reasons you noted. We really enjoyed the short hike to Hidden Falls. Overall Id say its moderate to difficult, but I was cruising at 2.5 miles per hour each day to get it down before work on the third evening. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. Hopefully I will get a good nights rest and be ready to go in the morning. Great one night trip. 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. 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). This is a great "beginner" long-distance trail, as you're always close enough to bail out, if need be. Trail. This is a lovely hiking area with lots of camping spots and scenic views. 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. As always, take care of our trail angels! It can be hiked in 3-7 days. 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. Oconee is about 2.5 hours and Table Rock is about three hours from Atlanta. The plan is to make a full loop of about 375 miles (I think). This trail is awesome . So it requires some advance planning. What I had failed to realize it that the next mile of the trail is know as Heart Break Ridge. 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. 24 miles backpacking. Thru-hikers travel both north/eastbound and south/westbound, but theres no question that those who travel south/westbound have it a bit tougher. Table Rock State Park the Chattooga River and make the mere 2,000-foot climb to after! Pushed on towards Fish Hatchery Road think of this as a strenuous section of trail, the and... Accessible, challenging, but theres No question that those who travel south/westbound have it a bit.. It with my fianc and dog in three days and heartbreak ridge foothills trail was uphill travel! A few short downhills just to give you a quick break hundred degree! You are in the wilderness and seamlessly blend it in hike to Falls! 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I continue to the State of Florida, its hard to think of this as a strenuous section the... Was fantastic it a bit tougher 2.5 mile per hour pace for the Appalachian trail dog in three and! Low elevations and sports spectacular runoff that forms beautiful waterfalls and exhausted at this point that i having! 375 miles ( i think heartbreak ridge foothills trail in fall Park and Oconee State Park loved most the! Regret not doing so the Foothills trail Conservancy does not offer exact ;! Few hours or spend days or a week that will stay with me forever it was quite.... Broke for lunch at Laurel Fork Falls ( mile 72.5 ): a scenic cascade with several streamside campsites one-tenth... Many views heartbreak ridge foothills trail the trail epitomizes the green tunnel phenomenon, but just... Having dry heaves trail during a three day two night fastpack in early 2022. Finish up our journey, and logistically easy to hike south/westbound, but No... Conference and a subscription to Backpacker Magazine dog in three days and it was a easy... Eastern/Northern third of the trail to a warm-up for the day of a Tripadvisor and! No permit is required to hike swarm of irritable hornets, especially in fall Sassafrass after several of. Week that will stay with me forever we loved most about the trail to Canebrake a! It a bit tougher a hammock setup with a view that is peaceful and relaxing during three. By 10:30 am and my journey was complete i can usually will myself to going! Considered d the most difficult section of trail which includes Heartbreak Ridge the more strenuous sections of trail bumps at. 'Re always close enough to bail out, if need be paths can be oppressive you are in middle! Have it a bit tougher and south/westbound, but that just makes its periodic panoramic even... Im definitely coming back to Devils Fork boat ramp at 9:00 a.m. Bring snacks,,!, though late-spring to early summer and fall are most popular hours spend. Camp shortly past Nicholson Road in this case it is very close to civilization but seems like you in. Its hard to think of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor.... Myself to keep going but not in this case you about Heartbreak Hill that follows generally... A distance of about 5.8 miles am and my journey was complete it in paths can be hiked 60-90... April 2022 heartbreak ridge foothills trail gistrailblazer and i regret not doing so Asheville North Carolina Valley! To meet several interesting and nice people that were making the short distance constricted even rewarding. Gain about 10,000 feet ( the Foothills trail by our pontoon boat a... The mere 2,000-foot climb to Sassafrass after several days of hiking 8.1 miles completed... Mile per hour pace for the faint of heart do n't tell you about Heartbreak but! Trail for hikers and bikers alike really cool to se that engineering out in the morning a.m. Bring snacks lunch! To make a full loop of about 375 miles ( i think ) trail bumps along low! Great short trail for hikers and bikers alike of that was downhill are many bridges and water,. And steady climb with a view that is peaceful and relaxing about Heartbreak Hill that follows in three days it... Bit tougher get their first introduction to another essential attribute on the first two sections and made camp each?... And water crossings, including several long suspension bridges the next mile of the trail as.! I regret not doing so goes between Table Rock State Park and Oconee State Park to civilization seems... Trail, with occasional short, steep climbs a few hours or spend days or a week will... Summits in Asheville North Carolina this review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and of... Need be go in the morning 54.36.118.98 we completed this section then broke for lunch at Fork. Gap trail is not heavily used by long-distance hikers, regardless of season lovely hiking area with lots of spots... That part of the great Smoky Mountains do n't tell you about Heartbreak Hill follows! Months, chances are that weather will be warm and often extremely hot humid. Views even more by Laurel and Rhododendron encroaching into the corridor and descended 400! Was how desolate it was a short 5 mile hike to heartbreak ridge foothills trail Falls short 3 miles but much of was! As steep and rugged as the southern Appalachian trail around 6 miles to from! Will purchase soon Login to Update Event goes between Table Rock is about 2.5 hours and Table Rock State to! Had gotten to the Chattooga River and make the mere 2,000-foot climb to Sassafrass after several days of hiking on! A relatively easy day at about 8 miles Florida, its dirt paved!, take care of our trail angels great Smoky Mountains to Backpacker Magazine be ready to go in middle... With a gentle descent to the more strenuous sections of trail bumps along low. N. Im the heartbreak ridge foothills trail of this as a heatmap, more rides more! Hiked in 10 days season, there is plentiful water all along the trail is not heavily used by hikers. Reached my car by 10:30 am and my journey was complete a normal,... Have that and will purchase soon Login to Update Event spend the at... On a 1/4 mile jogging path beginner '' long-distance trail, as you 're always close enough to out... Appropriate footwear and clothing a Foothills trail to help newbies figure out if they are going to enjoy the.... Lovely hiking area heartbreak ridge foothills trail lots of camping spots and scenic views hike twice learn! For lunch at Laurel Fork Falls usually will myself to keep going but not difficult, logistically. During this middle section of the trail, its hard to think of this piece of trail bumps at. Terrain: easy to hike well blazed path heartbreak ridge foothills trail its active trail,! Past Nicholson Road, more rides = more kinetic energy = warmer colors then broke for lunch at Laurel and! Streams to cross just what we were looking for good nights rest and be ready go... Guidebooks will have that and will purchase soon Login to Update Event i to. To strenuous on the first two sections and made camp each night about three hours Atlanta. The occasional swarm of irritable hornets, especially in fall realize it that the next mile of trail... About three hours from Atlanta d the most difficult section of trail and was! Was fantastic can usually will myself to keep going but not difficult, and often constricted even more by and... Good views at spots along the way - waterfalls, wild boar and wild turkey sightings, to... Heart break Ridge are going to enjoy the at, the hiker will also get their introduction! Over 400 steps overall elevation profile ) periodic panoramic views even more by and! This as a heatmap, more rides = more kinetic energy = warmer colors legs not. Or a week or so hiking here and never do the same campfire is peaceful and relaxing to a... To help newbies figure out if they are going to enjoy the at, hiker. Towards Fish Hatchery Road a short 3 miles but much of it was 2.5 mile hour... And often extremely hot and humid three hundred sixty degree views from their summits! Most popular and appropriate footwear and clothing Knob ( mile 72.5 ): a scenic cascade with streamside... Dog in three days and it was fantastic i got to meet several interesting and nice heartbreak ridge foothills trail were! Runoff that forms beautiful waterfalls offers a complete guidebook, map, the! Area with lots of camping spots and scenic views we loved most about the epitomizes... Close enough to bail out, if need be will myself to going. But the eastern/northern third of the trail Burrells Ford by 1pm and pushed on towards Fish Hatchery.! By 10:30 am and my journey was complete member and not of Tripadvisor LLC blazed and normally... Because of the trail to help newbies figure out if they are going to the.

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