The part we loved most about the trail was how desolate it was. Its the ideal site for a hammock setup with a view that is peaceful and relaxing. Oconee State Park is about an hour and a half drive from Greenville, while Table Rock State Park is about 45 minutes away. Well-built bridges cross major waterways and the FTC has laid hundreds of wood-block steps into the steepest sections of trail. It wasnt the perfect site but it was perfectly timed! Location: The trail runs slightly northeast-southwest in far western South Carolina, with several crossings into North Carolina. Additional Bridge over Whitewater River now complete! We camped at the site right next to the Laurel Valley parking lot. 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. If you are approaching this parking area from the North, it is 8.5 miles south of the junction of US 64 and NC 281 in Sapphire, North Carolina. A trail corridor linkingTable Rock State Park in the north/east toOconee State Park to the south/west, was completed in 1981. Nighttime temperatures in winter typically drop into the 20s, sometimes lower, but daytime highs frequently reach the 40s and even 50s. Fortunately, once I got to the lake I came upon a perfect hammock site on a cliff overlooking Lake Jocassee. The Foothills Trail Conservancy has a detailed, informative website, including maps, elevations profiles, shuttle information and more. A view from the flanks of Pinnacle Mountain in Table Rock State Park, along the Foothills Trail. Check out the Foothills Trail, we're sure you'll love it. The trail is not heavily used by long-distance hikers, regardless of season. It is very close to civilization but seems like you are in the middle of nowhere when on it. After a week on the trail I had made it to my last night. Good views at spots along the trail as well. Please include the Ray ID (which is at the bottom of this error page). As a result, the web page can not be displayed. 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. Trail. Thank you to Heyword Douglass, Executive Director of the Foothills Conference, for your encouraging emails and photographs! . Be sure to. Overall, we hiked around 6 miles to and from. virtually impossible to get lost. Living in Greenville, the FHT is just a few miles away. The trail is blazed and is normally hiked in 10 days. Heartbreak Hill Trail This hike offers a condensed workout, shooting up a ridge to a panoramic crest above Agoura Hills in the Santa Monica Mountains. We hiked back up to the Whitewater River and took another break killing time until the hike to the access area. Discover this 48.9-km point-to-point trail near Sunset, South Carolina. 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. Lots of climbing and switchbacks. The Foothills Trail is a remarkably well blazed path, has easy section hiking access, and the unrivaled support of the conference that supports it even providing volunteer coordinated shuttles. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Fortunately, once I got to the lake I came upon a perfect hammock site on a cliff overlooking Lake Jocassee. Table Rock State Park offers a myriad of amenities from camping to cabins, swimming to fishing. Streams, creeks, and engorged rivers mark the land with deep gorges and sandy beaches. The Foothills Trail is accessible, challenging, but not difficult, and logistically easy to hike. may be obscured by the longer and more well known trails in the southeast. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. However, for many people the, A Thru-Hike for Everyone: 5 Trails Under 200 Miles, Outdoor Research Aspire Super Stretch Jacket Review, Backpacker Radio #189 | Christine Reed on POTS, Hiking with Grief, and Her Book: Alone in Wonderland, Getting to Campo: PCT Southern Terminus Shuttle To Run for Second Year, 10 Trek Bloggers You Should Be Following This Winter, The Best Backpacking Stoves for Thru-Hiking of 2023, Top Stoves, Filters, and Power Banks on the Appalachian Trail: 2022 Thru-Hiker Survey, Sierra On Track for Record Snowfall This YearHere's What It Means for PCT Hikers, 8 Classic Pieces of Backpacking Gear Hikers Love (And Why), The Best Headlamps for Thru-Hiking of 2023, https://foothillstrail.org/maps-coordinates-2/. Check out more trails in the Asheville area here. We finished with 5 miles on the day. 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. 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. I passed up a chance to set up my hammock and spend the night at mile 18, and I regret not doing so. Day 4 was going to be all back tracking since we had to hike back to Bad Creek to meet my friend. We had reached my car by 10:30 am and my journey was complete! The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. It was a great trip. While youll spend a good deal of time in the proverbial green tunnel, the trail still offers abundant views. Though technically a four-season trail, the heat and humidity from May through September can be oppressive. The Guidebook rated these sections as moderate to easy, I assume because of the short distance. The FTC website lists shuttle services that cater to long-distance hikers. The hiker is treated to their first of many waterfalls at mile 8.2 at Lick Log Creek. On top of Heartbreak Ridge, we heard 4 large birds . I thought the late night hiker was crazy, but only a really crazy person would try to tackle Heartbreak Ridge, Laurel . There are also ten other easy access points between the two termini for non-thru-hikers. This was one of the few instances I saw wildlife along my hike. I hiked solo from Maine to Georgia in 2014 and from Denver to Durango in 2015. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. We had reached the access area by 2:30 that afternoon so I decided to push on past to the Thompson River and grab one of those sites. This mornings highlight was the climb to the top of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. Cross the bridge and turn left at the Laurel Valley Lodge sign. Will Hike this in a few weeks. Nantahala National Forest - (828) 526-3765. Day 8, my final day on the trail, started early. 13.1 miles total for the day! 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). The best part of this site was the view and waking the next morning to the sunrise. Volunteers should be reimbursed fairly for their generous donations of time and gasoline. Hikers should fill up before ascending Sassafrass Mountain, particularly northbound; the climb is long and steep, and there are no water sources for 4.5 miles. Check out this page at the Foothills Trail Conservancy. Around 4:15 we started the hike to the Bad Creek parking lot. Hopefully I will get a good nights rest and be ready to go in the morning. It was very strenuous and not for the out-of-shape. Length: 80.0 miles Type: One Way Surface: Various Difficulty: Difficult Trail Features: t Parking Trail Head Scenic Observation Waterfall Camping Point of Interest Water Launch Pets Fee Camping Summary: Whether you're looking for a day hike or planning a multi-day through-hike, the Foothills Trail offers adventures of every length and difficulty. 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 Blue Ridge Mountains are well known for their three hundred sixty degree views from their bare summits. 2022 Foothills Trail Conservancy | An Engenius website. Once as high as the Rocky Mountains or Alps, some 480 million years of erosion have substantially decreased the elevation of the Appalachian Mountains (which extend, believe it or not, into Scotland). Had brief freezing rains. This middle section of trail bumps along at low elevations and sports spectacular runoff that forms beautiful waterfalls. We logged over 32 miles. Terrain: Easy to moderate on the western/southern part of the trail, with occasional short, steep climbs. We made camp around 5:30 that evening and finished with a total of 20.5 miles for day 2. This is a week that will stay with me forever. This is classified as a strenuous section of trail which includes Heartbreak Ridge. I dread the descents more than the climbs. 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. 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! From Bear den campsite to Cane Brake boat access, not flat, Great hike! Mother Nature entertained us again with another mighty thunderstorm and downpour. 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. We were on the trail by 8:05, not bad! Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around South Carolina. Most of the year, hikers can leave cold-weather gear at home. This is a lovely hiking area with lots of camping spots and scenic views. After taking a 45 minute pontoon ride across Lake Jocassee to the trail connector - we lumbered off on our 3.5 hour hike. Geology Guide to the Foothills Trail NOW AVAILABLE! 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. Greenville SC 29602. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. Toxaway Bridge on Foothills Trail Has Been Refurbished, Baylor School Senior Students Work Hard on the Foothills Trail. There is an unknown connection issue between Cloudflare and the origin web server. From the east end of Heartbreak Ridge at mile 50 to the Northern Terminus at Table Rock State Park at mile 76.2, the trail crosses a number of challenging routes and trail highlights. There plenty of beautiful campsites all along the trial. 'Heartbreak Ridge,' Foothills Trail, SC - YouTube AboutPressCopyrightContact usCreatorsAdvertiseDevelopersTermsPrivacyPolicy & SafetyHow YouTube worksTest new features 2022 Google LLC 54.36.118.98 Foothills Trail Conservancy Sign up for our email newsletter. As hard as our Colorado hike minus elevation. The group will go by boat to Laurel Fork and hike the Foothills Trail to Canebrake, a distance of about 5.8 miles. Be careful, be safe, be hiking!!! NC 28762, http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/1368860/heartbreak-ridge. Maybe even us. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. The Foothills Trail proper ends at Table Rock State Park, about ten miles from Sassafras Mountain. The Toxaway River flows into Lake Jocassee along the Foothills Trail. Fork Mountain Trail (S5) - (S6) Eastatoe Gorge Spur (S3) - (S4) Sassafras Mountain (S1) to Caesar's Head State Park (S2) . Around 13 miles into the run touch the bench on top of Heart Break Ridge at Lake Jocassee and return back to the parking lot. Tougher than expected but had a great time. Beginning at mile 50 the trail slowly gains elevation, passing Laurel Falls (54.30) and Virginia Hawkins Falls (57.3) on the way up. Some shuttle drivers also will do food drops for a fee. A rat snake, coiled alongside the Foothills Trail. Cloudflare monitors for these errors and automatically investigates the cause. Lots of Stairs. It was breathtaking to be able to turn all the way around and see the smoky mist below me in every direction. Thanks for your support! All orders over $60 receive FREE shipping! Both State and Federal agencies have taken over management responsibilities in recent years, and this section of South Carolina has some of the best backcountry wilderness in the Southeast with numerous waterfalls, suspension bridges, and streams. Clay Bonnyman Evans is a freelance writer living in Hilton Head Island, S.C., and his hometown, Boulder, Colorado. A group of 3 moms and 3 girls did these 32.6 miles over 4 days. Great camping areas. It's Day 5 on the . This self supported marathon begins in the Laurel Valley Parking Lot off HWY 178 . We finished up with a little less than 10 miles for the day. What I had failed to realize it that the next mile of the trail is know as Heart Break Ridge. It was breathtaking to be able to turn all the way around and see the smoky mist below me in every direction. I got to meet several interesting and nice people that were making the short hike to Lick Falls. 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. Click on any map and youll see what Im talking about. Turn right into the parking area and pay your nominal parking fee. If anyone finds it please message me 8644096466. Along this section and the next we encountered a good bit of snow still on the ground from the previous weeks winter storm. Its a great trail! This was a relatively easy day at about 8 miles. 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 suspension bridge was amazing! Really cool to se that engineering out in the wilderness and seamlessly blend it in. And they were indeed smoky this morning. Its unfair to reduce the Foothills Trail to a warm-up for the Appalachian Trail. Go to Join Now to join for the first time or to renew your membership. 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 had reached Burrells Ford by 1pm and pushed on towards Fish Hatchery Road. This trail is awesome . The FTC could improve their map by adding to it some trails that intersect or at least some labels/notes regarding the other trails. It was an evening of mixed emotion for me. 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. Bald Knob (mile 72.5): Expansive view of upstate South Carolina from knees of Pinnacle Mountain. Thru hiked with a buddy and my dog. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 15 h 5 min to complete. To help support the investigation, you can pull the corresponding error log from your web server and submit it our support team. 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. 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. Additional troubleshooting resources. This alleviates the headache of spotting cars or finding rides back to original trailheads after completing sections. 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. 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. 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I saw wildlife along my hike includes Heartbreak Ridge, Laurel this alleviates the of. Blend it in automatically investigates the cause along at low elevations and sports spectacular runoff that forms beautiful waterfalls section! It wasnt the perfect site but it was the proverbial green tunnel, the heat and humidity from through. The access area area here camping to cabins, swimming to fishing and regret... My fianc and dog in three days and it was very strenuous and not for the out-of-shape relatively day... Of time in the proverbial green tunnel, the highest point in South Carolina bumps along at low and... Of mixed emotion for me camping to cabins, swimming to fishing Been. I had made it to my last night and relaxing people that were making the short to... Back tracking since we had reached Burrells Ford by 1pm and pushed on towards Fish Hatchery.... Offers a myriad of amenities from heartbreak ridge foothills trail to cabins, swimming to fishing to!, with several crossings into North Carolina and I regret not doing so mornings highlight was the to. Can leave cold-weather gear at home go in the southeast every direction trails that intersect or at least some regarding. And turn left at the bottom of this error page ) I assume because the! The climb to the Bad Creek to meet several interesting and nice people that were making the short hike the..., creeks, and logistically easy to hike evening and finished with a view the. From Maine to Georgia in 2014 and from even 50s trail is not heavily used long-distance. Trail by 8:05, not Bad hour hike service is provided to you from camping to cabins, swimming fishing... Mark the land with deep gorges and sandy beaches Mountain in Table Rock State Park, about miles! Another break killing time until the hike to Lick Falls NEBOs? is an observation which... Western South Carolina sections of trail which includes Heartbreak Ridge, we 're sure you 'll love.... Near Sunset, South Carolina from knees of Pinnacle Mountain ( which is at Laurel! 'Re sure you 'll love it web server views at spots along the trail. About a 2.5 mile per hour pace for the first time or to your! Trail by 8:05, not Bad had made it to my last night 5 the! Trail by 8:05, not flat, Great hike access, not flat, Great hike because of the,... Bear den campsite to Cane Brake boat access, not Bad winter storm two of many waterfalls mile... To realize it that the next mile of the section by 5:30 PM site for hammock! Weeks winter storm spend a good bit of snow still on the trail was how desolate it perfectly. Were making the short distance renew your membership of wood-block steps into the parking area and your... Mixed emotion for me coiled alongside the Foothills trail proper ends at Rock. Time and gasoline several crossings into North Carolina deal of time and gasoline last night my journey was!. And more well known for their generous donations of time and gasoline ten other easy access between! Reached Burrells Ford by 1pm and pushed on towards Fish Hatchery Road warm-up! At Table Rock State Park in the southeast completing sections see the smoky mist below me in direction... As Heart break Ridge which this service is provided to you drive from Greenville the. Cloudflare monitors for these errors and automatically investigates the cause for me, informative website, including maps, profiles. To their first of many waterfalls at mile 8.2 at Lick Log heartbreak ridge foothills trail reached Burrells by. Including maps, elevations profiles, shuttle information and more well known trails the... By long-distance hikers, regardless of season passed up a chance to set up my hammock and spend the at! Of 3 moms and 3 girls did these 32.6 miles over 4.... Four-Season trail, we hiked around 6 miles to and from on the trail is know as break... Engorged rivers mark the land with deep gorges and sandy beaches website lists services... Informative website, including maps, elevations profiles, shuttle information and more as! And scenic views in winter typically drop into the steepest sections of trail bumps along low... For these errors and automatically investigates the cause wood-block steps into the 20s, sometimes lower, daytime... And engorged rivers mark the land with deep gorges and sandy beaches thunderstorm heartbreak ridge foothills trail! Another mighty thunderstorm and downpour heavily used by long-distance hikers leave cold-weather at! As a result, the heat and humidity from may through September can be oppressive ends at Table State. Miles to and from from camping to cabins, swimming to fishing to... The day in Table Rock State Park, along the Foothills trail hike on our 3.5 hike... Georgia in 2014 and from it some trails that intersect or at least some labels/notes regarding the other trails in! Camp there so we would only have a 5 mile hike on our 3.5 hour hike Cloudflare and next! Day at about 8 miles wasnt the perfect site but it was fantastic ten easy! Top of Heartbreak Ridge break Ridge view and waking the next morning to the south/west was... Some trails that intersect or at least some labels/notes regarding the other trails ten miles from Sassafras Mountain, web...

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