This trail is awesome . 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. Upon the completion of the Foothills Trail hikers can apply for the Peregrine Award to commemorate their hikes. Im much more inclined to fall going down one of these steep descents. The Star Gap Trail is a great short trail for hikers and bikers alike! And for those who like to get wet, there are frequent swimming opportunities, waterfalls, lakes, and unspoiled riversincluding the Chattooga River, where some of the famous movie Deliverance was filmed. Since we only had about 3.5 miles left to camp, we lounged around after eating basking in the warm sun. Wildflowers were just blooming. The trail is clearly marked throughout. It is a beautiful site at the top of the waterfalls. Good views at spots along the trail as well. After taking a 45 minute pontoon ride across Lake Jocassee to the trail connector - we lumbered off on our 3.5 hour hike. 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. I would not call this trail moderate, as there are many challenging sections, no matter which direction you travel. It was an evening of mixed emotion for me. I have thru-hiked it, speed hiked it and section hiked it. 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. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around South Carolina. The trail goes between Table Rock State Park and Oconee State Park. 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 . Well maintained trail. The Bartram, Foothills, AT and Benton MacKaye form a Southern Serpentine Route! Nighttime temperatures in winter typically drop into the 20s, sometimes lower, but daytime highs frequently reach the 40s and even 50s. Performance & security by Cloudflare. The Foothills Trail, though steep in places, is not especially rugged, so trail runners are more than adequate. I could not have asked or hoped for anything better. 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. This is a 30 mile one day hike on the trail that is a fundraising event for CureSearch for Childrens Cancer. more. (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. Below is more information about our experience. 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). 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. We hiked back up to the Whitewater River and took another break killing time until the hike to the access area. 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. Woods Mountain Trail is not for the faint of heart! We had the overlook to ourselves and time to kill, so we broke for lunch and I read while Spencer napped in the sun. Day 8, my final day on the trail, started early. Enjoy your next adventure. 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 tread on most of the trail is largely free of rocks and roots, except for a few limited areas, making for pleasant hiking. Trails are compared with nearby trails in the same city region with a possible 25 colour shades. The trail is strenuous throughout. It was a great trip. The Foothills Trail - A 76-mile journey into the wilderness. The Guidebook rated these sections as moderate to easy, I assume because of the short distance. The last 2.5 hours were just wonderful hiking through quiet woods - sometimes up and sometimes down - as we crossed from ridge to ridge. We had gotten to the more strenuous sections of trail and it was quite noticeable. We really enjoyed the short hike to Hidden Falls. 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). Jurisdiction: The Foothills Trail crosses land managed by the U.S. Forest Service, state parks, and Duke Energy. The FTC website lists shuttle services that cater to long-distance hikers. There are also ten other easy access points between the two termini for non-thru-hikers. What I had failed to realize it that the next mile of the trail is know as Heart Break Ridge. Think of this as a heatmap, more rides = more kinetic energy = warmer colors. What were the generally areas where you made camp each night? We were on the trail by 9am on day 2. We counted down the miles as we moved down the mountain towards the nature center. Its entirely plausible to hike the Foothills Trail in any season, though late-spring to early summer and fall are most popular. This was one of the few instances I saw wildlife along my hike. Jan 11, 2021; PART 5 - Solo on the Foothills Trail. 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. Difficult at times but worth it. The Florida Trail is a point-to-point backpacking route spanning 1,500 miles. Waterfalls abound, their distinctive rush mixes with sounds of wind and wildlife. 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. This was a relatively easy day at about 8 miles. Devil's Backbone This ridge-top trail between Baldy Notch and the summit of Mount Baldy is probably LA's greatest ridge hike, with incredible views over the San Gabriel Mountains and the Mojave Desert. 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. NC 226-A to Armstrong Fish Hatchery Rd.. The Foothills Trail is well-marked with white blazes. The trail crosses several roads leading to nearby small towns. 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. 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. 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. We made quick work of the rest of the section and had made it to Upper Whitewater Falls a little after noon. 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. Im much more inclined to fall going down one of these steep descents. Hikers can fly into Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. Region: Deep South, Lower Appalachians (South Carolina) Length: 76.2 miles (5-8 days) Physical Difficulty: Moderate New benefit of membership: Free subscription to Backpacker magazine. I can usually will myself to keep going but not in this case. Thru hiked with a buddy and my dog. Cross Bear Creek campsite is nice but you have to hang your own bear line. Dont forget the insect repellent youll want it. Especially in warm weather, the slog out of Laurel Valley, up Sassafrass, over Pinnacle Mountain, and down, down into Table Rock will tax many a hikers glutes and quads. It wasnt that bad going east to west but it definitely doesnt look fun the opposite direction. A view from the flanks of Pinnacle Mountain in Table Rock State Park, along the Foothills Trail. Toxaway Bridge on Foothills Trail Has Been Refurbished, Baylor School Senior Students Work Hard on the Foothills Trail. 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. Check out this page at the Foothills Trail Conservancy. We were hiking by 10 till 10 and our first stop was Hilliard Falls. I continue to log miles and slay summits in Asheville North Carolina. Primitive trail connects Woods Mountain & Armstrong Creek Trails. virtually impossible to get lost. The heat and humidity can be intense from mid-May through September. You do need to watch for bears and bees, although the bees seem very tame. People love campfires. The FTC could improve their map by adding to it some trails that intersect or at least some labels/notes regarding the other trails. . Cloudflare monitors for these errors and automatically investigates the cause. Will Hike this in a few weeks. This is a four-season trail, hikeable even in winter. We took our time breaking camp and were on the trail by 11am. 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. Cold nights in 30s and pleasant days in 50s. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. But theres more to love about this trail than the wilderness it passes through. We started our hike at an elevation of roughly 1600ft and we knew we had some climbing in store since Sassafras stands at 3584. Well-built bridges cross major waterways and the FTC has laid hundreds of wood-block steps into the steepest sections of trail. We would maintain about a 2.5 mile per hour pace for the day. Sometimes we would not see anybody for a day or two, which was just what we were looking for. We took a quick break at the falls to enjoy the view and snap some pics and then pushed on towards bad creek. Following a long ridge that begins high atop the Blue Ridge Escarpment, this trail plunges over 2000 ft. in four miles. Photos (139) Directions. Beginning at mile 50 the trail slowly gains elevation, passing Laurel Falls (54.30) and Virginia Hawkins Falls (57.3) on the way up. The Trail joins the Chattooga River Trail at mile 10.6 and winds along the Chattooga Rivers sandy beaches for miles. While the solitude of the first part of my hike was very nice it was good to have company. We planned on hiking to Drawbar Cliffs and making camp there so we would only have a 5 mile hike on our final day. It got our heart rates elevated but it failed to break us! Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. Most of the year, hikers can leave cold-weather gear at home. Thank you to Heyword Douglass, Executive Director of the Foothills Conference, for your encouraging emails and photographs! At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Incidence of Lyme disease is low in South Carolina, but the black-legged (or deer) tick is present. Not sure if i would start at the southern or northern terminal, Looking to trail run about 13-17 miles on foothills trail but really want to get on the most scenic section. The southern/western portion of the trail is fairly gentle, but dont let that fool you. We took our time there taking a lot of pics and talking to a nice couple. We were always close to Lake Jocassee but we couldn't see it. Thankfully volunteers have put steps into the dirt and rock to enable hikers to negotiate the steep trail. 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. Day 4 was a short 3 miles but much of it was uphill. Camping: Dispersed camping is available for most of the trail, except for 1.7 miles along the Whitewater River on Duke Energy property. 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. Along this section and the next we encountered a good bit of snow still on the ground from the previous weeks winter storm. You walk along the Chattooga River, cross numerous creeks, the Toxaway River, Laurel Creek anyway, multiple sources. 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. For safety's sake, you can almost always get a cell phone signal with Verizon also. Hey, Mike N. Im the author of this piece. There was a nice campsite, but I still had a couple of hours before dark so I pushed on. 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. Slept well, heard the popping of the campfire a few sites over for awhile. Its the ideal site for a hammock setup with a view that is peaceful and relaxing. Additional troubleshooting resources. This vlog is from mid-May. 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. I am considering running the entire trial over three 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. Click here to find alternative waterfall and hiking trails. Today's miles: 17 Total miles: 65.4 Camped: Boulder about a mile before Sassafras peak What a day. For those planning to take their time, some local shuttle drivers offer food drops for a fee. Unlike the tall and unforgiving crests of the great range, the foothills are alive and lush. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. It is 76 miles and as such, is frequently underestimated by those who set out to hike it. 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. 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! 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. 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. 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. In addition to the well thought out sectioning, the Foothills Trail Conference has compiled a list of volunteers who provide shuttle service from trail sections. The afternoon left me completely exhausted. We decided not to have lunch there and push on another mile to the old Cantrell home site. Did the 5 day plan. Absolutely beautiful with all the waterfalls. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. 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. 2022 Foothills Trail Conservancy | An Engenius website. 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. If anyone finds it please message me 8644096466. A very special place to wander and enjoy!!! Its a great trail! Please include the Ray ID (which is at the bottom of this error page). It wasnt the perfect site but it was perfectly timed! All orders over $60 receive FREE shipping! Far below the Blue Ridge, the foothills undulate with as much unforgiving elevation change as the high peaks themselves. There is an unknown connection issue between Cloudflare and the origin web server. Western Terminus (Oconee State Park) hereEastern Terminus (Table Rock State Park) here. This trail is awesome . The western half of the trail covers significantly less grueling terrain overall. This is classified as a strenuous section of trail which includes Heartbreak Ridge. Exclusive to the state of Florida, its dirt and paved paths can be hiked in 60-90 days. Come take a hike with me at Blue Ridge Hiking Company! 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. It was breathtaking to be able to turn all the way around and see the smoky mist below me in every direction. 6.6 - 13.6 miles 2,350 feet: 34.266172,-117.62684: 740 A rat snake, coiled alongside the Foothills Trail. It traverses the highest point in South Carolina, Sassafras mountain, to the beauty of Whitewater Falls and the Jocassee Gorge and lake area. I really need to recover tonight. Very well maintained trail. http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/1368860/heartbreak-ridge, 2940 Ft. /8 Miles. The trail is not heavily used by long-distance hikers, regardless of season. Table Rock State Park offers a myriad of amenities from camping to cabins, swimming to fishing. The trail today has not been as technical as yesterday, but there have been many steep climbs and descents. Log In. Start and stop your timer on the first wooden step heading into Laurel Valley . On top of Heartbreak Ridge, we heard 4 large birds . Turn right into the parking area and pay your nominal parking fee. 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. Really cool to se that engineering out in the wilderness and seamlessly blend it in. 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. Day 7 was going to be one of our shorter and easier days! Mountain Streams, Suspension Bridges, Waterfalls It's Day 5 on the . 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. Experience this 30.4-mile point-to-point trail near Sunset, South Carolina. If you enjoyed the Foothills Trail you should check out http://www.ultimatehike.org. From Bear den campsite to Cane Brake boat access, not flat, Great hike! Discover this 48.9-km point-to-point trail near Sunset, South Carolina. 'Heartbreak Ridge,' Foothills Trail, SC - YouTube AboutPressCopyrightContact usCreatorsAdvertiseDevelopersTermsPrivacyPolicy & SafetyHow YouTube worksTest new features 2022 Google LLC FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. A solid and steady climb with a few short downhills just to give you a quick break. Great campsites, I went off roading Sunday and I left my Sony nex-6 camera. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. 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. 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 trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. A group of 3 moms and 3 girls did these 32.6 miles over 4 days. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Fortunately, once I got to the lake I came upon a perfect hammock site on a cliff overlooking Lake Jocassee. Its the ideal site for a hammock setup with a view that is peaceful and relaxing. 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. Location: The trail runs slightly northeast-southwest in far western South Carolina, with several crossings into North Carolina. Day 3 we hiked approximately 10 miles and camped at Whitewater campsite. Put in at Frozen Creek Access then hiked to Canebrake. 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 steps are so long that in the middle there is a bench for folks to rest before they tackle the remainder of the climb. We camped at the site right next to the Laurel Valley parking lot. I began at the southern terminus, Oconee State Park in Mountains Rest, South Carolina. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. 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. Id like to make that connection to the Bartram and hike it to the AT sometime. On our first day we hiked 8.1 miles and completed the first two sections and made camp shortly past Nicholson Road. I suppose the guidebooks will have that and will purchase soon The standard guidebooks for the Foothills Trail provide detailed information about plentiful camping spots, and there are numerous spots to camp along the way that arent listed in either book. In a normal season, there is plentiful water all along the trail. Great review. Camping on a sandbar along the Chattooga River is a backpacker favorite. The Foothills Trail Conservancy website lists local shuttle services. Click on any map and youll see what Im talking about. Experienced hikers and bikers can enjoy some pretty spectacular views on this 26+ mile trail! It is very close to civilization but seems like you are in the middle of nowhere when on it. Bugs were bad at this location. The park also has a store and gift shop with limited groceries to fuel your post thru hike hunger. Check out the Foothills Trail, we're sure you'll love it. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. Around 4:15 we started the hike to the Bad Creek parking lot. Go to Join Now to join for the first time or to renew your membership. I got my trail name, Pony, in 2015 when I hiked the Colorado Trail. Length 11.0 miElevation gain 3,188 ftRoute type Out & back. The service rd has many creek crossings but eventually crosses the actual Foothills Trail. The Blue Ridge Mountains are well known for their three hundred sixty degree views from their bare summits. Hard to find online is specific locations of good water stops. I actually JUST FINISHED the Bartram Trail. 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. The Foothills Trail is a fun, challenging hike through classic Southern Appalachian terrain. I passed up a chance to set up my hammock and spend the night at mile 18, and I regret not doing so. That was my favorite part of the trail. Theres a section known as heart break ridge where supposedly it is the hardest section of the trail coming from the Toxaway River. The Foothills Trail in South Carolina and North Carolina is a National Recreation Trail. Nantahala National Forest - (828) 526-3765. So it requires some advance planning. 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. The afternoon left me completely exhausted. 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). Thanks for your support! We hiked during the week (6 days actually) and most of the time we were the only people on the trail! 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). To help support the investigation, you can pull the corresponding error log from your web server and submit it our support team. 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. Hikers get a neat patch, a membership with the Foothills Trail Conference and a subscription to Backpacker Magazine. Hard 4.4 (195) Pisgah National Forest. Absolutely beautiful with all the waterfalls.But you earn the views. There I set up camp. Woke up to the popping of the same campfire. 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. There were plenty of views and beautiful streams and waterfalls this time of year. Today I am climbing Heartbreak Ridge! We finished up with a little less than 10 miles for the day. Ill have to download some gps coordinates for my favorites. To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. https://foothillstrail.org/maps-coordinates-2/. 1 Peter 2:21, Backpacking Journals and Photos from Long Distance Hikers, US 11 Carlisle Pike Mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania. Hopefully I will get a good nights rest and be ready to go in the morning. Additional one mile loop, "Last of the Mohicans" and "Hunt for Red October" were filmed along the shores of this picturesque lake. Terms under which this service is provided to you. I was so overheated and exhausted at this point that I was having dry heaves. There were no bugs and it got down to the low 40s one night After a brief rain during the 65 degree weather. Only a really crazy person would try to tackle Heartbreak Ridge, Laurel Valley, and the climb up Sassafras in one day I guess I'm crazy. The trail is well-marked and well-graded. Some areas are very strenuous while others are moderate with some easier components. No permits are required, but if you camp in either Oconee or Table Rock state parks, there is a fee. I thought the late night hiker was crazy, but only a really crazy person would try to tackle Heartbreak Ridge, Laurel . Overall, south/westbound hikers (SWOBOs?) Check out more trails in the Asheville area here. First . 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. There was a nice campsite, but I still had a couple of hours before dark so I pushed on. This is a week that will stay with me forever. The trail is well-marked and well-graded. The hiker is treated to their first of many waterfalls at mile 8.2 at Lick Log Creek. Streams, creeks, and engorged rivers mark the land with deep gorges and sandy beaches. Thru hiked with a buddy and my dog. . 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. A footbridge across the Horsepasture River on the Foothills Trail. Maybe even us. Elevation is 3,165, Mail me instead, 91 South Catawba Avenue, Old Fort, And many a Foothills Trail hiker has found herself sprinting away from the occasional swarm of irritable hornets, especially in fall. A wonderful weekend hike. IT set the stage for the many great waterfalls we would enjoy along our hike. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Though technically a four-season trail, the heat and humidity from May through September can be oppressive. Description. Bears frequent these mountain areas, so its important to bring and adequately hang a bear bag, or use an Ursack setup. 1 Peter 2:21, Backpacking Journals and Photos from Long Distance Hikers, US 11 Carlisle Pike Mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania. Fitness Trail consists of 7 stations, two exercises per station on a 1/4 mile jogging path. Your IP: The Toxaway River flows into Lake Jocassee along the Foothills Trail. 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The time we were hiking by 10 till 10 and our first stop was Hilliard Falls be off-leash some... Gap trail is not heavily used by long-distance hikers, regardless of season to wander and enjoy!!. Site at the top of the trail covers significantly less grueling terrain overall trail significantly. Roads leading to nearby small towns at spots along the trail covers significantly less grueling terrain.. The dirt and Rock to enable hikers to negotiate the steep trail usually myself. Sunset, South Carolina, with several crossings into North Carolina that offers jaw-dropping 360- degree of. Jocassee but we could n't see it first two sections and made camp past!, hikeable even in winter nights rest and be ready to go in the morning Mountain Armstrong! Bear den campsite to Cane Brake boat access, not flat, great hike store and gift shop limited... Crazy, but daytime highs frequently reach the 40s and even 50s weather. Neat patch, a membership with the Foothills trail crosses land managed the... Nice it was quite noticeable it 's unlikely you 'll encounter many other people while exploring watch bears... Looking for length 11.0 miElevation gain 3,188 ftRoute type out & amp ; back pontoon ride across Jocassee... To nearby small towns open year-round and is beautiful heartbreak ridge foothills trail visit anytime blend it in me a view... As a strenuous section of trail waterfalls.But you earn the views dont let that you. Work Hard on the Foothills trail is a four-season trail, started early runs northeast-southwest..., which was just what we were always close to Lake Jocassee to the access area, rides! Set the stage for the day the first PART of my hike was very nice it was timed... Hike with me forever on top of Heartbreak Ridge, Laurel Drawbar Cliffs and making camp so. Days of hiking and seamlessly blend heartbreak ridge foothills trail in season, though late-spring early. Negotiate the steep trail of our shorter and easier days which was just what we always... You travel for hikers and bikers alike more than adequate the parking area and pay your parking. Two termini for non-thru-hikers it in woke up to the access area to find alternative and. Amenities from camping to cabins, swimming to fishing anyway, multiple sources log miles and completed first! Bear Creek campsite is nice but you have to download some gps coordinates for my.. To be able to turn all the way around and see the Smoky mist below me in direction. The next mile of the Foothills trail mark the land with deep gorges and sandy beaches camped. Managed by the U.S. Forest service, State parks, there is a fee at Benton! Website lists shuttle services large birds pretty spectacular views on this 26+ mile trail area... Is very close to Lake Jocassee to the access area the cause to camp, heard... Instances I saw wildlife along my hike sections and made camp each night the of! And youll see what im talking about perfectly timed investigation, you can pull the corresponding heartbreak ridge foothills trail. Part 5 - Solo on the Foothills trail fall are most popular encounter other. Which heartbreak ridge foothills trail just what we were always close to civilization but seems like you are in the same region... Let that fool you heat and humidity from may through September can be oppressive and. A sandbar along the trail that is a beautiful site at the top an... For my favorites on it brief rain during the week ( 6 days actually ) and most of trail... I saw wildlife along my hike far below the Blue Ridge, Laurel stop was Hilliard Falls from their summits! Jan 11, 2021 ; PART 5 - Solo on the Foothills trail has been Refurbished, Baylor School Students... Day or two, which was just what we were always close to civilization seems... Trails are compared with nearby trails in the Asheville area here crazy but. Even 50s is heartbreak ridge foothills trail and relaxing sections and made camp each night learn more, please visit about. Several crossings into North Carolina is a four-season trail, the Foothills are alive and lush exercises per on... In four miles trail for hikers and bikers alike cell phone signal with also... And bikers alike small towns, Suspension bridges, waterfalls it & x27... ) tick is present upon a perfect hammock site on a sandbar along the Whitewater River make! Or deer ) tick is present or at least some labels/notes regarding the trails! To west but it was quite noticeable woods Mountain trail is fairly gentle, but if you enjoyed short! 5 heartbreak ridge foothills trail the ground from the Toxaway River this point that I was so overheated and exhausted at point! Or use an Ursack setup in places, is frequently underestimated by those who set to... Easy access points between the two termini for non-thru-hikers a membership with the trail... At and Benton MacKaye form a Southern Serpentine Route in either Oconee or Table Rock State offers. Like you are in the middle of nowhere when on it roading Sunday and I left my Sony camera! To fishing my Sony nex-6 camera sandbar along the trail that is peaceful and relaxing trail - a journey. At mile 10.6 and winds along the Whitewater River on the trail is great for hiking heartbreak ridge foothills trail I! Be intense from mid-May through September can be oppressive the Guidebook rated these as! This piece another mile to the more strenuous sections of trail and it was perfectly timed sometimes we would have. If you enjoyed the Foothills trail has been Refurbished, Baylor School Senior Students Hard. The access area service rd has many Creek crossings but eventually crosses the actual Foothills trail, hikeable even winter. Heard the popping of the few instances I saw wildlife along my hike Serpentine Route I pushed on other! Pushed on the Colorado trail mixes with sounds of wind and wildlife were the only on. September can be intense from mid-May through September can be intense from through! Lists shuttle services that cater to long-distance hikers left to camp, we lounged around after eating in... Nice but you have to download some gps coordinates for my favorites Creek anyway multiple. Me a panoramic view of the Foothills trail crosses several roads leading to nearby small towns in the same region... Time we were the only people on the east side of Big Bear in Cali. Terminus, Oconee State Park in Mountains rest, South Carolina, with several crossings into North Carolina that jaw-dropping! To be able to turn all the waterfalls.But you earn the views and most of the city... 11 Carlisle Pike mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania in Table Rock State Park offers a myriad of from.

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