They were so nice and encouraging and that silly little conversation brought me back. the trail goes alongside the river the whole way and is beautiful! If you’re not sure if you really want to hike the AT, consider the Foothills Trail as a test. I had plenty of food and at that moment I decided I was on a 6 day trip. Everything I read was like “haha, don’t even worry about it” and that annoyed me. The Foothills Trail is a 76-mile National Recreation Trail in South and North Carolina, for hiking and backpacking. For some reason, the Foothills Trail people don’t tell you where the good camping spots are online. Starting from the Bad Creek Trailhead, a 0.6 mile blue-blazed trail crossed the Whitewater River on a metal bridge to reach the Foothills Trail. This remote primitive campground has 10 sites and is open to tent camping all year. breathtaking. And between these “named” campsites are plenty of unnamed little makeshift sites. It was everything I needed. Around the lower elevations of Table Rock state park, autumnal colours were still in full swing. To my husband who’s back at work full time? I’ve filled out that hiker registration card a million times, but this time I circled “foothills” and looked back to see my husband driving away. The perfect companion to the Foothills Trail Guidebook. To make a reservation for camping, use the city's online reservation system. You are going to have to check the Foothills Tr Guidebook to make sure I have this correct as I don't have current access to the Foothills Tr Guidebook/Trail Description or Foothills Tr map, but yes there is a good flat campsite near, I believe, what is called Hickorynut Gap about 8 miles in from the Table Rock SP Foothills TH going from east to west. I hike to the next campsite and stop just for a snack. The Foothills Trail Conservancy publishes a map and guidebook that divides the trail up into 14 shorter segments, and shows access points (trailheads). The Chattooga River section is no joke. As much as I like to joke otherwise, I know he can take care of himself and he’s just fine when I leave, but I’m more calm knowing everything is okay at home and I feel safer when someone knows where I am. So I took off and got through the Whitewater area. I didn’t get wet at all. Seriously. One step at a time and next thing I know I’m at the top. I headed west on the trail toward Laurel Valley. The second, much more impressive, crosses the Toxaway River. I dropped my bag and immediately checked if I had signal too. I slept right through it and all that was left in the morning was a beautiful fog. See more ideas about hiking, camping, camping backpack. The trail goes between Table Rock State Park and Oconee State Park. The trail turns west to meet the Chatooga after crossing SC 107. It’s a competition with myself. It was a different sign and I think part of me couldn’t believe it was only 2 miles to the end, so it must mean park boundary? The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Ascent. 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. The trail crosses two bridges here. The 76-mile Foothills Trail runs through Upstate South Carolina, climbs the state’s tallest peak, rambles through temperate rain forest, crosses the border into North Carolina, and passes countless waterfalls, including some along the Chattooga River. . This National Recreation Trail is South Carolina’s longest trail. Either way, I sat there and caught my breath for a while. And there were two guys up there, one of them on his phone. Stretch out the approach by walking 9.1 miles on the Foothills Trail from Table Rock State Park to the summit. I agree. Elevation Change. Hang out at camp. The Foothills Trail is a 76 mile long stretch of handcut trail that is really a jewel, and not many people know about it. It’s what hikers call it because it’s, well, heartbreaking. The Foothills Trail. A. Luckily, there are plenty of established campsites along this stretch of trail, with water access and fire rings. Suddenly I see a truck go by and the road is a lot closer than I realized. There are several state parks within a day’s hike. Well, guess what, when you’ve been walking 5 days and your feet are 60% blisters nothing is easy. Except the first part, 3 miles down to US 178. 18 Trip Reports for this trail, below Hike by WTA Staff: Charlie Wakenshaw. The second, much more impressive, crosses the Toxaway River. Relax. I don’t know their names, where they’re from, what they do…only that we have this shared experience of these beautiful surroundings. The sign did say any hikers who proceed do so at their own risk, which made me giggle. Day three, I wake up early, pack up camp, wrap my feet in duct tape, and mentally prepare myself for heartbreak ridge. 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. I am a strong tomato. Left at 0745 and reached Toxaway camp at 1500. This National Recreation Trail is South Carolina’s longest trail. South Fork Campground. Like. That will add 6 miles round-trip to your route. It also has a soft shoulder path for equestrians. 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. The wind picked up considerably and these are really not my favorite conditions for being on top of a mountain. On the other side of the creek, there are some camping flats, in the middle of which is a trail … From the campground, cross the river via a footbridge to find the trailhead. This is a paved trail that stretches for 21 miles between eastern Puyallup and the White River in the town of Buckley. Day two. The campground is near the Kaweah River, 20 minutes from the Foothills Visitor Center and 40 minutes from the Giant Forest. The trail ends 3 miles (5 km) near one of the lowest-elevation sequoia groves. Nothing. I made it. Easier backpacking trips in the park include a hike to the quiet, trailside campsites along the Middle Saluda River in Jones Gap, and the access points to the Foothills Trail. Last Thursday, Craig & I set off to hike the Foothills Trail. 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. It runs from Table Rock State park to Oconee State Park. This campground that’s “a mile outside the corridor”…bullshit. Finding a place to sleep isn’t a big deal. And thanks to my fellow hikers for being so cool. Get Here. The birds chirping, wind rustling the leaves, water rushing over rocks. 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.. Might as well, right? This was the last time I had to pack up. I’d love to tell you how bad that storm was, but I really don’t even know. 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. My husband and I drove to Oconee State Park, left my car, and then he took me to Table Rock. 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. The Foothills Trail continues forward to NC HWY-281, but you need to turn right onto the Upper Whitewater Falls Trail. I get to the Whitewater campground and I hear thunder in the distance. I was going to do it. My wife and I trail-ran this trail in preparation for the AT last Fall. Like I said…irrational. This is where it felt real. What was I rushing for? It passes through the Andrew Pickens Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest, Ellicott Rock Wilderness, Whitewater Falls, and Lake Jocassee. The Port Angeles Washington Foothills is a local trail, too short or interesting to be a destination ride, but worth checking out if camping in the area. The Southeastern Serpentine Trail (SST) is a 583 mile (938 km) trek through the southern part of the Appalachian mountains. But you better believe I’m in contact with home when I can be. But this way has the benefit of two falls you can check out. This expedition lengthens the 76 mile trail to over 120 miles. 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. Description: Perhaps no other trail in South Carolina provides such an extraordinary backcountry experience as the difficult, Foothills Trail in the northwest corner of the state. TH:2150' Avg Ascent:1850' Ascent Incline. You'll pass 400-foot cliffs, the highest waterfall drop in the East, and the wild Chattooga River (where Deliverance was filmed).-Mapped by Shannon Davis. The trail crosses two bridges here. EASY. The Foothills Trail is a 12-foot wide non-motorized asphalt trail / linear park suitable for bicycles, walking, in-line skates and wheel chairs. I love the trails for the nature and the exercise and just being outdoors, but I also really love the people I meet. PARKING. Yes, even from overseas. Must have been a decent win Another day and another large elevation change, mostly up. I spent my evening with my feet in the creek. is. SMT001. I will never find the words to describe how amazing this was. Trail Facts. (Spoiler: YES IT WILL). ON HIS PHONE. I finally did fall asleep for a few hours and as I packed up camp I couldn’t believe this was it. South Fork Campground. I think hiking gets romanticized a bit. You’re basically driving to Spartanburg, then spending another hour on some South Carolina rural highways. OK, maybe “high country” is a stretch. 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. For sure. I wouldn’t know. Camping: Towle Camp is a seasonal campground available for tent camping from May 1 to October 31. I eventually found a fantastic campsite right on the river and then that river kept me up all night. It wasn’t that bad! Today we walked on several If you’re a monster, you could double back and finish this as a 22-mile day hike. The first one is a small span that crosses the Toxaway Creek. I’ve worn these shoes on a million hikes. It runs from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park, crossing the area north of 7,656-acre Lake Jocassee, in the northwest corner of the state. 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. I don’t know you either, but I will never look at Dr. Pepper the same. I’m still on pace finish in 5 days at this point, and I got to the Thompson River. Scott Lynch’s “Hiking South Carolina’s Foothills Trail” and the Foothills Trail Conservancy’s guidebook are two excellent resources for planning a hike. Foothills Trail Hike Info. I could do without the blisters, but I quite enjoyed the rest of it. You’d be surprised at how many assholes automatically assume this means I’m in an unhappy marriage. I was in the library studying.). Once at the top of Pinnacle Mountain, there are signs every half mile following the Foothills Trail … Occasionally I’d join them and occasionally I’d find myself saying, “I. Compliments of Taz. This trail profile appeared originally in The Trek.. This is not its official name. Finding a place to sleep isn’t a big deal. I tackled the Foothills Trail during a three day two night fastpack in early January. 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. Thank you. It tops out at 3,563 feet — roughly half as tall as Mount Mitchell. 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. Quite a few good looking isolated camping spots the further down you go with swimming and fishing points all down the river. I packed up, laced up, and kept going. Massive thanks to the Foothills Trail Conservancy, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and anyone else who’s worked on that trail. Left at 0750 . We descended the 800 feet of Sassafras mountain to climb right back up Pinnacle Mountain to 3200 feet. This was it. Overnight backpacking trip on the Foothills Trail from Bad Creek Access to Burrell's Ford Campground - January 13-14th 2016 - 33 miles (16.5mi/day) Foothills Trail Hike Info. I wanted an answer, but here I am about to join that chorus….don’t even worry about it. Avg: 6mi. Three miles later, you’ll hit a much bigger waterfall — the Laurel Fork Falls. Lots of small ups and downs, some stiff ridges, and more than a few switchbacks. Day 7 - 10.90 Miles - From Bear Creek Camp To Toxaway Camp - A long day. It’s impressively well maintained. We chatted a bit about the area and I headed on my way. Put the phone away!! You can buy a mapahead of time, or wait until you get there and scout one out. In my researching the trail I really liked reading others experiences, so I figured I should throw mine out there too. To an extent. Am. Never a single problem. That will add 6 miles round-trip to your route. Table Rock, Pinnacle, Paris Mountain, Lake Jocassee and Bad Creek are all in view and it. Isn’t this whole trek at my own risk? I nearly cried. Overview of the Foothills Trail The Foothills National Recreation Trail extends 77 miles from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park along the South Carolina/ North Carolina border. From Sassafras Mountain, you have a good number of options. It’s one of the reasons I love hiking so much. Crossed Horsepasture River and many smaller streams. Two people are having a lazy morning and they couldn’t have been nicer. I’m going. I don’t care. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking. I had a fairly uneventful morning. The trail goes between Table Rock State Park and Oconee State Park. Ate a cold breakfast and packed as usual. To run home to my job that doesn’t exist anymore? Met hiking partner Achin at 1300 and left truck in parking lot for a resupply point. Last Thursday, Craig & I set off to hike the Foothills Trail. 2 miles to the end? My feet are starting to not do so well. Gorgeous. The 77-mile Foothills Trail straddles the North Carolina and South Carolina border for much of its trek through the Southern Blue Ridge Escarpment. I’m absolutely livid over this blister. This is a campground made near an old homesite on Sassafras Mountain. I did. Keowee-Toxaway A hike on the Raven Rock Trail to sites along the scenic shoreline of Lake Keowee at Keowee-Toxaway will be rewarding for anyone ready for a true, rugged backcountry camping and hiking experience. You’re getting up 3 times to go to the bathroom tonight. The trail begins at South Fork Campground. Trail on Glen Eyre Number 3 Reservoir, Camp Creek, Douglas Creek, and Fountain Creek in Colorado Springs. Or was the climb breathtaking? It won’t get worse, right? Mile and a half to go. Luckily, there are plenty of established campsites along this stretch of trail, with water access and fire rings. Part 1 of our Backpacking Trip along the Foothills Trail in SC and NC. Between the two bridges another trail joins the Foothills Trail from the right. I considered stopping and checking my book and decided that was a complete waste of time. The campground is near the Kaweah River, 20 minutes from the Foothills Visitor Center and 40 minutes from the Giant Forest. 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. The sign to Table Rock State Park. 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. Lots of dead and newly downed timber thru this area. It is often overlooked in favor of big mountain hikes, but the Foothills Trail makes up for lack of majestic views and elevation by being a true back country experience, where you … You’re hiking! You can buy a map ahead of time, or wait until you get there and scout one out. 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. This also meant I wasn’t going to have time to do the Lower Whitewater spur trail and I was sooooo sad about that. This topo-style, double-sided map gives the big picture of the Trail, and includes trailhead access maps with point-to-point distances, elevation maps, and designated campsite information. It extends from Table Rock State Park to Oconee State Park. 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.. There are campsites everywhere. A spur trail connects it to Caesars Head State Park. Scott Lynch’s “Hiking South Carolina’s Foothills Trail” and the Foothills Trail Conservancy’s guidebook are two excellent resources for planning a hike. I have no idea who most of you are, but thanks for the laughs and the encouragement. I was STRUGGLING and I got to this point where three people were kinda just hanging out. Distance: 13.9; Waypoints. Enjoy, but be considerate. I have hiked the 7 mile trail (up and back) up to Table Rock over a dozen times. Think of the trail as a “short” 100-Mile Wilderness. For more information, visit the Foothills Park Towle Campground page or call 650-329-2423. Enjoy! And maybe rightfully so. It’s a mile, sure, but not if you’re on the Foothills Trail, which I did not realize. Peace of mind was worth the few ounces of weight. Last day. Reminded me a lot of the Middle Saluda at Jones Gap State Park. If you complete the 77 miles of the main trail you are eligible for the really nice Peregrine Patch. I’m falling into a routine by this point. So my feet are starting to hurt more, but I am determined to make it to Rock Creek in Gorges State Park so I can do heartbreak ridge first thing in the morning. Summary. Honestly, looking back, I would do this whole thing in like 10 days and take my sweet time. Oct 9, 2016 - The source for information, inspiration, and materials needed for our upcoming Trek of a Lifetime this May! I’m a total sucker for sounds. Onwards. I’m up early, I have some breakfast, I wrap up the one blister I have, and off I go. NOAA Well, is it 2 miles to the park boundary? I get out of the Whitewater area, I still hear thunder, but no rain. Along the way it parallels the Carbon River for a stretch just east of Orting. And why shouldn’t I?! Foothills Trail - A4 to A8 is a 30.4 mile point-to-point trail located near Sunset, South Carolina that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. I’m not even complaining. I head on and was going to just make this a short day. $23.25 – Includes shipping! Everyone is so friendly and so helpful. 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. I made it. The Foothills Trail Want to get more involved? Finishing day: 67.6-76.2m. Campground address: Generals Highway (California 198), Sequoia National Park, CA 93262 Campground coordinates: 36.521846, -118.76352 (36° 31′ 18.64″N 118° 45′ 48.67″W) Use the map below to view the trail and get directions: 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. Lynch’s book has some itineraries for 5, 6, and 7 day thru-hikes and for all of them they end day 1 at the Cantrell homesite campground. This remote primitive campground has 10 sites and is open to tent camping all year. If you’re a normal person, you’ll camp at some point and make it a weekend trip. Dogs are also able to use this trail. There’s something about the sound of the forest switching over from day to night that I just love. Celebrating 46 Years of the Foothills Trail Over 2,481 volunteer hours in 2020 Planning a hike? 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. This is a paved trail that stretches for 21 miles between eastern Puyallup and the White River in the town of Buckley. I got irrationally angry at a sign that said “Oconee State Park, 2 miles” on it. I mean, sunrises, sunsets, mountain vistas, nights under the stars, waterfalls, the sounds of the forest, the smell of the outdoors ... What's not to love?! Day 3 - 8.70 Miles - From Chatooga River camp To East Fork Camp (Sloan’s Camp) - Awoke without much in the way of cramps this morning, just sore muscles in the legs. View current trail conditions and closures.