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. It looks like a small pool of water but it is the top of the falls. a There I set up camp. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. The park also has a store and gift shop with limited groceries to fuel your post thru hike hunger. Great camping areas. Additional troubleshooting resources. 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. Wildflowers were just blooming. Thanks for your support! 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. Some shuttle drivers also will do food drops for a fee. Resupply: The trail is short enough that it can be easily hiked without resupply. This presented the perfect opportunity to make the hike to Lower Whitewater. 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. 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. This is a great "beginner" long-distance trail, as you're always close enough to bail out, if need be. There are numerous road crossings, and hitching into small towns such as Salem, SC, or Sapphire, NC, isnt too difficult. Heartbreak Ridge via Star Gap Trail. This was one of the few instances I saw wildlife along my hike. 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. 54.36.118.98 1 Peter 2:21, Backpacking Journals and Photos from Long Distance Hikers, US 11 Carlisle Pike Mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania. We were exhausted by the time we set up camp so we ate dinner and then hit the sack. While the solitude of the first part of my hike was very nice it was good to have company. Trailhead begins inside the Old Fort Picnic Area with incredible views of Kitsuma Peak at trail end. Often one can hike for an entire day and not encounter another person. Check out the Foothills Trail, we're sure you'll love it. We had gotten to the more strenuous sections of trail and it was quite noticeable. Thanks for your support! Nice article! Thru hiked with a buddy and my dog. I could not have asked or hoped for anything better. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. This is classified as a strenuous section of trail which includes Heartbreak Ridge. I did it with my fianc and dog in three days and it was fantastic. 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. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Find us on Facebook! This trail is in South Carolina and North Carolina. 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! 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. The Catawba Falls trail is closed until spring of 2023. Description. Today I am climbing Heartbreak Ridge! Performance & security by Cloudflare. Expect a high speed experience with very fast straight sections. Overall, south/westbound hikers (SWOBOs?) We took our time breaking camp and were on the trail by 11am. Jan 11, 2021; PART 5 - Solo on the Foothills Trail. Great weather with clear cool nights. 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. The trail epitomizes the green tunnel phenomenon, but that just makes its periodic panoramic views even more rewarding. We took our time there taking a lot of pics and talking to a nice couple. Beginning at mile 50 the trail slowly gains elevation, passing Laurel Falls (54.30) and Virginia Hawkins Falls (57.3) on the way up. Fork Mountain Trail (S5) - (S6) Eastatoe Gorge Spur (S3) - (S4) Sassafras Mountain (S1) to Caesar's Head State Park (S2) . Hikers can expect to find blue line trout waters, suspension bridges, wildflowers, and star-filled nights from peaceful campsites which are numerous enough to . The Foothills Trail is a fun, challenging traipse through classic southern Appalachian terrain. This was a hard day of almost 12 miles. I am very proud to have accomplished this feat and Im already looking forward to my next journey along the trail. The afternoon left me completely exhausted. 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. What a great way to fall asleep, as the rain pattered against my tarp and the thunder boomed and lightning lit up the evening sky! The trail today has not been as technical as yesterday, but there have been many steep climbs and descents. This middle section of trail bumps along at low elevations and sports spectacular runoff that forms beautiful waterfalls. Click link for details and directions. 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. Great campsites, I went off roading Sunday and I left my Sony nex-6 camera. 2022 Foothills Trail Conservancy | An Engenius website. Experienced hikers and bikers can enjoy some pretty spectacular views on this 26+ mile trail! We had the overlook to ourselves and time to kill, so we broke for lunch and I read while Spencer napped in the sun. 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). The part we loved most about the trail was how desolate it was. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. There were no bugs and it got down to the low 40s one night After a brief rain during the 65 degree weather. Additional one mile loop, "Last of the Mohicans" and "Hunt for Red October" were filmed along the shores of this picturesque lake. The Foothills Trail is a point-to-point hike, and it's on the longer side, especially if you're not used to big-mile days with a pack. 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. We decided to climb to the ridge and found the perfect site for the evening atop the ridge. While the relatively mild winters of South Carolina make the trail hikeable year-round, early to mid-spring and fall are the preferred seasons. Be prepared. From Bear den campsite to Cane Brake boat access, not flat, Great hike! 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. 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. http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/1368860/heartbreak-ridge, 2940 Ft. /8 Miles. Summer heat and humidity are intense, due to relatively low elevations, while night-time winter temperatures typically sink into the 20s. Steep Steps (Heart Break Ridge) Longest Suspension Bridge on the Foothills Trail Crosses the Toxaway River Hiking along Lake Jocassee Shoreline Trail Head: Cane Brake Trail to Frozen Creek Access All orders over $60 receive FREE shipping! I was so overheated and exhausted at this point that I was having dry heaves. Along the sandy banks of the Chattooga River and just above Laurel Fork Falls are two of many excellent camping spots on the trail. The rest of the SALT follows the AT to the MST to Art Loeb Trail, from there south is the part that is still in development. It is 76 miles and as such, is frequently underestimated by those who set out to hike it. 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. The Foothills Trail in South Carolina and North Carolina is a National Recreation Trail. We parked the truck at a red gate and began hiking down the service road. 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! Excellent article. 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. A bear canister is probably overkill. The plan is to make a full loop of about 375 miles (I think). There is abundant wildlife and hikers have a good chance of seeing deer, snakes, toads, frogs, raccoons, waterfowl, raptors, and even black bears.While youll find people around popular features such as Whitewater Falls and Lake Jocassee, the full trail offers plenty of solitude, including your choice of quiet, secluded sites available for dispersed camping on all but a few miles. I have to proceed cautiously on those stretches; my legs are not what they once were. It wasnt that bad going east to west but it definitely doesnt look fun the opposite direction. I would not call this trail moderate, as there are many challenging sections, no matter which direction you travel. I have thru-hiked it, speed hiked it and section hiked it. Continue on an old road to your left after entering a field to . Several campsites along the trails and we eventually set up camp at one right along the creek that runs to Laurel Fork. It got our heart rates elevated but it failed to break us! Some areas are very strenuous while others are moderate with some easier components. Cloudflare monitors for these errors and automatically investigates the cause. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. 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. 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. Any suggestions. 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. There is plenty of water and beautiful scenery along most of this section. Bald Knob (mile 72.5): Expansive view of upstate South Carolina from knees of Pinnacle Mountain. 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. 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. Slept well, heard the popping of the campfire a few sites over for awhile. Happy hiking! This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. 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 wanted to be moving by 8am so we could avoid the crowds in table Rock state park and be home with the families by early afternoon. Check out this 19.1-mile point-to-point trail near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina. Stairs. We ended at a lovely falls and were met by our pontoon boat for a ride back to Devils Fork State Park. Since we only had about 3.5 miles left to camp, we lounged around after eating basking in the warm sun. Trails are compared with nearby trails in the same city region with a possible 25 colour shades. Lots of Stairs. Absolutely beautiful with all the waterfalls. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. 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 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. Waterfalls abound, their distinctive rush mixes with sounds of wind and wildlife. What were the generally areas where you made camp each night? The books warn you about Heartbreak Ridge but they don't tell you about Heartbreak Hill that follows. Thank you to Heyword Douglass, Executive Director of the Foothills Conference, for your encouraging emails and photographs! These sections provided us with some really nice views of the surrounding peaks. I got my trail name, Pony, in 2015 when I hiked the Colorado 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. Experience this 30.4-mile point-to-point trail near Sunset, South Carolina. Additional Bridge over Whitewater River now complete! Heartbreak Ridge Half Marathon. Most of the year, hikers can leave cold-weather gear at home. Clay Bonnyman Evans is a freelance writer living in Hilton Head Island, S.C., and his hometown, Boulder, Colorado. I tackled the Foothills Trail during a three day two night fastpack in early January. 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. This self supported marathon begins in the Laurel Valley Parking Lot off HWY 178 . 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. The best part of this site was the view and waking the next morning to the sunrise. Elevation is 3,165, Mail me I can usually will myself to keep going but not in this case. Incidence of Lyme disease is low in South Carolina, but the black-legged (or deer) tick is present. I have only done a small portion of this beautiful trail but every step is well worth the effort. But from its well blazed path to its active trail conservancy, it is a trail well worth the walk. 4/8-10/22. 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). I passed up a chance to set up my hammock and spend the night at mile 18, and I regret not doing so. This vlog is from mid-May. We completed this section then broke for lunch at Laurel Fork Falls. What I had failed to realize it that the next mile of the trail is know as Heart Break Ridge. 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. Put in at Frozen Creek Access then hiked to Canebrake. Well-built bridges cross major waterways and the FTC has laid hundreds of wood-block steps into the steepest sections of trail. We switched to the trail because it had nice footbridges to cross the streams. What an experience! We were on the trail by 8:05, not bad! Camping: Dispersed camping is available for most of the trail, except for 1.7 miles along the Whitewater River on Duke Energy property. Did the 5 day plan. We finished up with a little less than 10 miles for the day. Insects can be troublesome, especially mosquitoes and biting flies in warmer months. I was so overheated and exhausted at this point that I was having dry heaves. Great one night trip. As hard as our Colorado hike minus elevation. A footbridge across the Horsepasture River on the Foothills Trail. Oh, and theres the little matter of more than 500 steep steps up Heartbreak Ridge as you leave Lake Jocassee. 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. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Volunteers should be reimbursed fairly for their generous donations of time and gasoline. 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. The trail goes between Table Rock State Park and Oconee State Park. 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. 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. Im investigating as we speak! It was breathtaking to be able to turn all the way around and see the smoky mist below me in every direction. This alleviates the headache of spotting cars or finding rides back to original trailheads after completing sections. A rat snake, coiled alongside the Foothills Trail. 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. Ill have to download some gps coordinates for my favorites. Thankfully volunteers have put steps into the dirt and rock to enable hikers to negotiate the steep trail. There is a small amount of roadwalking. The western half of the trail covers significantly less grueling terrain overall. Cross Bear Creek campsite is nice but you have to hang your own bear line. This is a week that will stay with me forever. If anyone finds it please message me 8644096466. We ended up creating a website (www.thefoothillstrail.com) with the hopes of informing others of the difficulty of the trail, the terrain type, how to read the guidebook (published by The Foothills Trail Conference), and other insider tips. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans photo. Hard to find online is specific locations of good water stops. A wonderful weekend hike. With the exception of the winter months, chances are that weather will be warm and often extremely hot and humid. It was a good call since it kept us on the trail longer and we ended up with another awesome site. The Toxaway River flows into Lake Jocassee along the Foothills Trail. 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. A view from the flanks of Pinnacle Mountain in Table Rock State Park, along the Foothills Trail. Fortunately, once I got to the lake I came upon a perfect hammock site on a cliff overlooking Lake Jocassee. Foothills Trail Conservancy It was very strenuous and not for the out-of-shape. The service rd has many creek crossings but eventually crosses the actual 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. The hiker is treated to their first of many waterfalls at mile 8.2 at Lick Log Creek. Woods Mountain Trail is not for the faint of heart! Fortunately, once I got to the lake I came upon a perfect hammock site on a cliff overlooking Lake Jocassee. Be careful! Elevation change: 535 feet, hikes around the Santa Monica Mountains on the Hike Finder Map, Social Distancing hikes around Los Angeles, Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. 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 State Park is about an hour and a half drive from Greenville, while Table Rock State Park is about 45 minutes away. Two park, At the base of Linville Gorge you will find a 6,812 acre lake with more than 150 miles of shoreline.. By Clay Bonnyman Evans, 2019 Foothills Trail Thru-Hiker. Trail. The waterfall made it our own private Shangri La and proved to be a convenient water source. Wandering Monk Hikes Day 5 on the Foothills Trail | Climbing Heartbreak RidgeHello everyone welcome! Head West on The Foothills Trail towards Lake Jocassee. Thru hiked with a buddy and my dog. 1 Peter 2:21, Backpacking Journals and Photos from Long Distance Hikers, US 11 Carlisle Pike Mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania. Terms under which this service is provided to you. 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. The Guidebook rated these sections as moderate to easy, I assume because of the short distance. Many views along the way - waterfalls, wild boar and wild turkey sightings, streams to cross. 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. We camped at the site right next to the Laurel Valley parking lot. Oconee State Park is about two hours from both cities. Exclusive to the state of Florida, its dirt and paved paths can be hiked in 60-90 days. Sept of 2014. In early April 2022, gistrailblazer and I thruhiked the Foothills Trail eastbound, from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park. On our first day we hiked 8.1 miles and completed the first two sections and made camp shortly past Nicholson Road. Beginning at mile 50 the trail slowly gains elevation, passing Laurel Falls (54.30) and Virginia Hawkins Falls (57.3) on the way up. Click on any map and youll see what Im talking about. You have two transport options for the trail you can shuttle a car yourself, or use a Foothills Trail shuttle service. Apr 25, 2020 at 8:30 AM . Insects can be bothersome in warmer months. Dont forget the insect repellent youll want it. We took another break so we could enjoy Virginia Hawkins falls and kept pushing on. I continue to log miles and slay summits in Asheville North Carolina. The consistent signage makes finding the trailheads easy, and the mileage makes section hiking attainable. We were always close to Lake Jocassee but we couldn't see it. Cars can be left at both state parks. Click here to find alternative waterfall and hiking trails. The Foothills Trail is a part of the nearing completion Southern Appalachian Loop Trail. 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 last 2.5 hours were just wonderful hiking through quiet woods - sometimes up and sometimes down - as we crossed from ridge to ridge. gain approximately 10,900 feet of elevation, while north/eastbounders (NEBOs?) instead, 91 South Catawba Avenue, Old Fort, About an hour later we put the packs back on and headed toward the Cliffs. Laurel Fork Falls (mile 54.3): A scenic cascade with several streamside campsites just one-tenth of a mile to the east. The FTC website lists shuttle services that cater to long-distance hikers. Hopefully I will get a good nights rest and be ready to go in the morning. Day 4 was a short 3 miles but much of it was uphill. I actually JUST FINISHED the Bartram Trail. NC 226-A to Armstrong Fish Hatchery Rd.. 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