Nearby Pickens, South … One blister is now a few blisters. It’s straight up luxurious primitive camping. You’d be surprised at how many assholes automatically assume this means I’m in an unhappy marriage. 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.A trail corridor linking Table Rock State Park in the north/east to Oconee State Park to the south/west, was completed in 1981. Another day and another large elevation change, mostly up. Must have been a decent win Foothills Trail: Whitewater River is a 4.7 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Sapphire, North Carolina that features a lake and is rated as moderate. Part 1 of our Backpacking Trip along the Foothills Trail in SC and NC. SMT001. Lots of small ups and downs, some stiff ridges, and more than a few switchbacks. I decided to just go as far as I could. If you’re a normal person, you’ll camp at some point and make it a weekend trip. For some reason, the Foothills Trail people don’t tell you where the good camping spots are online. There’s even cell service here for your last Instagram before heading off into the woods. I made it. It’s impressively well maintained. If you’re a monster, you could double back and finish this as a 22-mile day hike. ON HIS PHONE. I’m falling into a routine by this point. Oh well. Enjoy! We descended the 800 feet of Sassafras mountain to climb right back up Pinnacle Mountain to 3200 feet. So I took off and got through the Whitewater area. The Foothills Trail Want to get more involved? This remote primitive campground has 10 sites and is open to tent camping all year. However from Sassafras Mountain there is a 14.2 mile spur trail to Ceasar’s Head State Park in South Carolina that some choose as an alternate northern terminus for the trail. The perfect companion to the Foothills Trail Guidebook. The next hiker may be thirsty too. Like I said…irrational. I was going to do it. I know, I know. 76.2 miles. Highlights: Fall colours: I hiked the Foothills Trail in early November, 2011. The Foothills Trail Conservancy’s website is a great resource for finding up-to-date trail conditions, but pay careful attention to weather patterns before your hike. 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. I’d love to tell you how bad that storm was, but I really don’t even know. To make a reservation for camping, use the city's online reservation system. In the end, we only ended up hiking about 48 miles of… The second, much more impressive, crosses the Toxaway River. This trail profile appeared originally in The Trek.. The trail crosses the creek on a slanted wooden footbridge. It passes through the Andrew Pickens Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest, Ellicott Rock Wilderness, Whitewater Falls, and Lake Jocassee. If you’re not sure if you really want to hike the AT, consider the Foothills Trail as a test. But I'll eventually forget that my left arm is covered in bruises or that my feet hurt so bad right now that I haven't moved from the couch all day…because it’s so worth it. Onwards. The sign did say any hikers who proceed do so at their own risk, which made me giggle. The Foothills Trail is a 12-foot wide non-motorized asphalt trail / linear park suitable for bicycles, walking, in-line skates and wheel chairs. A spur trail connects it to Caesars Head State Park. The trail goes between Table Rock State Park and Oconee State Park. I packed up, laced up, and kept going. Left at 0750 . It’s such a beautiful view; I just can’t understand the people who rush past me while I’m sitting there eating my M&Ms. These two were packing up after a couple days just hanging out around this site and they had a ton of already filtered water they offered to me (yeeeessss!). The sign for the Foothills Trail that I’d hiked past so many times. I got irrationally angry at a sign that said “Oconee State Park, 2 miles” on it. No, I’m not stopping. I took them both with me and, yes, it’s probably unnecessary weight because this trail is extremely well marked, but I liked having them. . Duration. I wanted an answer, but here I am about to join that chorus….don’t even worry about it. Between the two bridges another trail joins the Foothills Trail from the right. You’re in nature!! The birds chirping, wind rustling the leaves, water rushing over rocks. I get out of the Whitewater area, I still hear thunder, but no rain. The Foothills Trail is a 76-mile (122 km) National Recreation Trail trail in South and North Carolina, United States, for recreational hiking and backpacking. Am. From there, the itinerary is endlessly customizable, with several access points along the way. The past week had a lot of rain, so I decided to revisit part of the Foothills Trail in South Carolina which I'd hiked once last year that had exceptional the waterfalls and streams. NOAA About the Trail. This trail and its spurs link Oconee, Table Rock, Caesars Head and Jones Gap state parks along with DNR-owned Laurel Fork Heritage Preserve and Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve. breathtaking. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Running is awful. I head on and was going to just make this a short day. And between these “named” campsites are plenty of unnamed little makeshift sites. I didn’t get wet at all. That will add 6 miles round-trip to your route. Not gonna lie, I almost cried again. The Southeastern Serpentine Trail (SST) is a 583 mile (938 km) trek through the southern part of the Appalachian mountains. But the full moon shining so brightly on the racing water somehow made it okay. Avg: 1hr. The trail begins at South Fork Campground. As soon as they reopen the parking area, that’s the first hike I’m doing. Primitive camping opportunities are available at Jones Gap and Caesars Head state parks and along the 80-mile Foothills Trail, which intersects the interior of the Jocassee Gorges tract. Otherwise, there are several campsites around the Virginia Hawkins Falls. This expedition lengthens the 76 mile trail to over 120 miles. Go see Lower Whitewater falls. 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. This campground that’s “a mile outside the corridor”…bullshit. Foothills Trail is a 72.3 mile lightly trafficked point-to-point trail located near Pickens, South Carolina that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Like. What did I just do?! Turns out the three of them were just discussing hiking the trail and they had a ton of questions for me and I was happy to chat with them for a bit. I continued up and there it was. Every time I hike up Pinnacle I make sure I have time to sit on Bald Knob for a while. The trail system in Foot Hills State Forest is used for hiking and OHV riding in the summer and cross-country skiing and snowmobiling in the winter. Wake up, pack up camp, wrap up feet, hike, stop for lunch, take off shoes, eat, re-wrap feet, continue hiking, find campsite, eat more, fall asleep. Get Here. Left at 0745 and reached Toxaway camp at 1500. FOOTHILLS TRAIL MAP SOUTH CAROLINA 75 miles. Still, it offers some pretty nice views. The trail crosses two bridges here. To make a reservation for camping, use the city's online reservation system. But it’s cool because I am a strong tomato. 2 miles to the end? I’ll go spend a week in the woods or a couple months in Asia and I’ll leave my husband at home. Lady Bug Trail Hike along the South Fork of the Kaweah in the upper foothills (moderately steep). I began at the southern terminus, Oconee State Park in Mountains Rest, South Carolina. Yes, even from overseas. I love the trails for the nature and the exercise and just being outdoors, but I also really love the people I meet. Starting with the 1.2 mile Foothills Access Trail in Oconee State Park, only the first 28 miles of the Foothills Trail from the park to Upper Whitewater Falls was designated a National Recreation Trail in 1979. Lots of dead and newly downed timber thru this area. It’s straight up luxurious primitive camping. Might as well, right? 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. I’m going. From Sassafras Mountain, you have a good number of options. The Foothills Trail is an 80-mile foot trail running along the Blue Ridge Escarpment from Oconee State Park north of Walhalla, SC to Table Rock State Park north of Pickens, SC. I got to this bridge, my feet are on fire, and I just wanted to sit and…listen. With tears in my eyes I stood there and slammed that Dr. Pepper like I was at a frat party (so I hear, Mom. 8%. I wanted a shower and a cheeseburger and my feet were about to fall off and somehow I was still a little sad packing up. I turn the corner and there it is. The Foothills Trail is a 77 mile long trail on the border of GA and SC. It extends from Table Rock State Park to Oconee State Park. I spent my evening with my feet in the creek. The trail for today was rated easy most of the way. This National Recreation Trail is South Carolina’s longest trail. I’d recommend starting at Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. Trash goes in the bag, help keep our trail beautiful.” I opened it and it was full of ice cold Dr. Pepper. I’d never heard of the Thompson River, I had no expectations for it—it was just another place to pace how far I’ve gone. Camping: Towle Camp is a seasonal campground available for tent camping from May 1 to October 31. But there are still plenty of waterfalls, gorges and steep trails to explore. Day 7 - 10.90 Miles - From Bear Creek Camp To Toxaway Camp - A long day. Let's get ready to hike with friends through the South Carolina mountains. There are campsites everywhere. Massive thanks to the Foothills Trail Conservancy, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and anyone else who’s worked on that trail. FOOTHILLS TRAIL MAP SOUTH CAROLINA 75 miles. The guidebook can be purchased at the Conservancy’s website, the Oconee County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau at 105 S Broad Street in Walhalla, or the hiking outfitters in the area. Hike your own hike. is. In the end, we only ended up hiking about 48 miles of… I think the camping was my biggest concern before leaving. The Foothills Trail is not significantly farther north and generally stays 1,000 feet or more lower than the AT does through Georgia. Had it all to myself. Luckily, there are plenty of established campsites along this stretch of trail, with water access and fire rings. The Foothills is a great trail and if anyone lives in the area and plans on doing the AT, it is great preparation for a thru-hike. Out of nowhere I saw a little campsite and I jumped all over that. I had plenty of food and at that moment I decided I was on a 6 day trip. It is only 0.1 mile to the main observation area, but you need to h up a lot of small wooden steps - I would say close to a hundred. The 77-mile Foothills Trail straddles the North Carolina and South Carolina border for much of its trek through the Southern Blue Ridge Escarpment. Three miles later, you’ll hit a much bigger waterfall — the Laurel Fork Falls. Before heading out on your Foothills Trail adventure it is VERY IMPORTANT to Pay the Parking & Entrance Fees at the State Parks and U.S. Forest Service parking area at Whitewater Falls.. If a vehicle is left in the parking area, a parking fee is required at Oconee and Table Rock State Parks when hiking/backpacking on the Foothills Trail. Table Rock, Pinnacle, Paris Mountain, Lake Jocassee and Bad Creek are all in view and it. Ate a cold breakfast and packed as usual. Tomato.” It’s become my hiking mantra. And between these “named” campsites are plenty of unnamed little makeshift sites. Finding a place to sleep isn’t a big deal. ;). It rained a light shower during the night, enough to make packing up somewhat miserable - wet tents with sand stuck to tents and pack Last Thursday, Craig & I set off to hike the Foothills Trail. Foothills Trail Hike Info. The foothills is switchbacks up and up and up till you don’t think you can possibly climb anymore, but then you are rewarded with possibly the best view on the whole trail. It was everything I needed. I tackled the Foothills Trail during a three day two night fastpack in early January. The campground is near the Kaweah River, 20 minutes from the Foothills Visitor Center and 40 minutes from the Giant Forest. I nearly cried. We had a small window of time to complete the hike, and as daunting as hiking 77 miles in about 2.5 days is, we decided to give it a go anyway. Loop. For the first time ever, I was taking that left. The wind picked up considerably and these are really not my favorite conditions for being on top of a mountain. There’s something about the sound of the forest switching over from day to night that I just love. You can buy a mapahead of time, or wait until you get there and scout one out. We had a small window of time to complete the hike, and as daunting as hiking 77 miles in about 2.5 days is, we decided to give it a go anyway. 18 Trip Reports for this trail, below Hike by WTA Staff: Charlie Wakenshaw. The trail turns west to meet the Chatooga after crossing SC 107. I had visions of it raining all the next day and I convinced myself I’d be better off hiking than sitting and freaking out about weather that I can’t control. I think it was a mile or so to the campground, but a half mile in the sky went instantly dark. The trail was very easy to follow and connects up with the foothills trail at a point. I eventually found a fantastic campsite right on the river and then that river kept me up all night. That will add 6 miles round-trip to your route. It extends from Table Rock State Park to Oconee State Park. Everyone is so friendly and so helpful. So when I’m in the middle of the forest by myself for a week, I want to be able to tell someone “I’m currently here, I plan on being here tonight, and I plan on finishing on this day.” I don’t check Facebook, I don’t check Instagram, I don’t read any news. Oct 9, 2016 - The source for information, inspiration, and materials needed for our upcoming Trek of a Lifetime this May! Strong. The guidebook can be purchased at the Conservancy’s website, the Oconee County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau at 105 S Broad Street in Walhalla, or the hiking outfitters in the area. The Foothills Trail is a 76-mile (122 km) National Recreation Trail in South and North Carolina, United States, for recreational hiking and backpacking.It extends from Table Rock State Park to Oconee State Park.It passes through the Andrew Pickens Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest, Ellicott Rock Wilderness, Whitewater Falls, and Lake Jocassee. Day 9 - 9 Miles - From Laurel Valley Camp To Cantrell Camp - A bit chilly this morning, around 40 and cloudy. One step at a time and next thing I know I’m at the top. It also has a soft shoulder path for equestrians. Elevation Change. Stretch out the approach by walking 9.1 miles on the Foothills Trail from Table Rock State Park to the summit. We all know and love North Carolina’s mountains. Foothills Trail: Whitewater River - North Carolina | AllTrails Not because I don’t want to be with him, but because he’d be miserable on a trip like this and we both know it. Length. It wasn’t that bad! Followed The Foothills Trail is well marked and easy to follow from start to finish. Camping. You guys, this tomato got to just before Burrells Ford and found a bag hanging on the sign with a cooler on the ground with a note on it. If you want to train for an upcoming AT attempt, keep the principle of specificity in mind and try a training hike on the Foothills Trail. Drove back In my researching the trail I really liked reading others experiences, so I figured I should throw mine out there too. 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. This was it. Because I AM a strong tomato. Thank you. But South Carolina’s high country is worth checking out, too. Compliments of Taz. Here’s what 9 Charlotte leaders said. You’re getting up 3 times to go to the bathroom tonight. I’ve worn these shoes on a million hikes. I think hiking gets romanticized a bit. 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