Total Length 5¾mi; Elevation Range One step at a time and next thing I know I’m at the top. Length. You’re getting up 3 times to go to the bathroom tonight. Foothills Trail Hike Info. $23.25 – Includes shipping! I didn’t quite realize this was going to involve 600 vertical feet on a series of rocks, steps, and switchbacks, but it’s cool. You’re in nature!! My husband and I drove to Oconee State Park, left my car, and then he took me to Table Rock. Massive thanks to the Foothills Trail Conservancy, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and anyone else who’s worked on that trail. 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. Otherwise, there are several campsites around the Virginia Hawkins Falls. And between Table Rock and Whitewater, they’re even marked with the site before it and after it, with mileage, and most have fire rings, benches, and bear cables for your food. What was I rushing for? Trail Facts. Day 7 - 10.90 Miles - From Bear Creek Camp To Toxaway Camp - A long day. It extends from Table Rock State Park to Oconee State Park. I turn the corner and there it is. 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. Last Thursday, Craig & I set off to hike the Foothills Trail. Charlotte Agenda is now Axios Charlotte -. Like I said…irrational. Foothills Trail . The trail for today was rated easy most of the way. But there are still plenty of waterfalls, gorges and steep trails to explore. Am. 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. Well, is it 2 miles to the park boundary? Another day and another large elevation change, mostly up. NOAA Isn’t this whole trek at my own risk? The trail goes between Table Rock State Park and Oconee State Park. Around the lower elevations of Table Rock state park, autumnal colours were still in full swing. FOOTHILLS TRAIL MAP SOUTH CAROLINA 75 miles. But it’s cool because I am a strong tomato. To make a reservation for camping, use the city's online reservation system. The trail begins at South Fork Campground. Last year in the night market in Luang Prabang, Laos I saw a little embroidered pouch with a tomato lifting weights on it that said, “I am a strong tomato.” It made me smile, so I bought it and later on that trip I went to Nepal to do the Everest Base Camp trek. Avg: 1hr. Strong. Ascent. ;). Out of nowhere I saw a little campsite and I jumped all over that. If you’re a monster, you could double back and finish this as a 22-mile day hike. Finishing day: 67.6-76.2m. For more information, visit the Foothills Park Towle Campground page or call 650-329-2423. If you’re a normal person, you’ll camp at some point and make it a weekend trip. The Foothills Trail Conservancy publishes a map and guidebook that divides the trail up into 14 shorter segments, and shows access points (trailheads). The Foothills Trail is a 76 mile long stretch of handcut trail that is really a jewel, and not many people know about it. No, I’m not stopping. I don’t know their names, where they’re from, what they do…only that we have this shared experience of these beautiful surroundings. A spur trail connects it to Caesars Head State Park. Mile and a half to go. I’d love to tell you how bad that storm was, but I really don’t even know. Last day. Foothills Trail: Whitewater River - North Carolina | AllTrails Finishing day: 67.6-76.2m. I told myself that tomorrow is my last day and every step I take today is one I don’t need to take tomorrow. It’s straight up luxurious primitive camping. Like. 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. 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. You can buy a mapahead of time, or wait until you get there and scout one out. About the Trail. Every sign up until now has said “Oconee State Park” and it didn’t bother me, but this one did. We descended the 800 feet of Sassafras mountain to climb right back up Pinnacle Mountain to 3200 feet. I tackled the Foothills Trail during a three day two night fastpack in early January. I’m not even complaining. A spur trail connects it to Caesars Head State Park. 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. I have no idea how, but as I climbed in bed and zipped it shut, the first raindrops started. FOOTHILLS TRAIL MAP SOUTH CAROLINA 75 miles. 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’d heard online that it wasn’t a bad rock jump, so I decided to not take the detour. But the full moon shining so brightly on the racing water somehow made it okay. I was STRUGGLING and I got to this point where three people were kinda just hanging out. There’s even cell service here for your last Instagram before heading off into the woods. OK, maybe “high country” is a stretch. If you’re not sure if you really want to hike the AT, consider the Foothills Trail as a test. It also has a soft shoulder path for equestrians. I laid down in the middle of the bridge and it was lovely (there was absolutely nobody around). Except the first part, 3 miles down to US 178. This is a campground made near an old homesite on Sassafras Mountain. It won’t get worse, right? I continued up and there it was. 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 … The Southeastern Serpentine Trail (SST) is a 583 mile (938 km) trek through the southern part of the Appalachian mountains. The campground is near the Kaweah River, 20 minutes from the Foothills Visitor Center and 40 minutes from the Giant Forest. I tried living zero-waste in Charlotte — and was wildly unsuccessful, 2020 Rankings: The 20 best restaurants in Charlotte, right now, The 21 best chicken sandwiches in Charlotte, 11 best new restaurants in Charlotte, right now, What’s your ‘1 big thing’ for 2021? The trail goes between Table Rock State Park and Oconee State Park. Finding a place to sleep isn’t a big deal. Met hiking partner Achin at 1300 and left truck in parking lot for a resupply point. The Chattooga River section is no joke. The wind picked up considerably and these are really not my favorite conditions for being on top of a mountain. 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 wouldn’t know. Crossed Horsepasture River and many smaller streams. Hiked up to Sassafras, and continued on to Chimneytop Gap where I set up camp. This National Recreation Trail is South Carolina’s longest trail. See more ideas about hiking, camping, camping backpack. This was it. I’d hear Sherpas muttering “om mani padme hum” to themselves with each step up the mountains. I got up to Bald Knob in what was likely record time for me—I was so excited I basically ran up there. 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. 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. This also meant I wasn’t going to have time to do the Lower Whitewater spur trail and I was sooooo sad about that. 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. 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. This is the campsite along the Eastatoe River. Between the two bridges another trail joins the Foothills Trail from the right. It extends from Table Rock State Park to Oconee State Park. They were so nice and encouraging and that silly little conversation brought me back. 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. Reminded me a lot of the Middle Saluda at Jones Gap State Park. There’s a spur trail that’s more direct, but I didn’t know and it doesn’t matter because that’s cheating and I’m doing the foothills. Followed Might as well, right? The Foothills Trail. 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 wanted an answer, but here I am about to join that chorus….don’t even worry about it. But you better believe I’m in contact with home when I can be. Gorgeous. Occasionally I’d join them and occasionally I’d find myself saying, “I. I did. It’s impressively well maintained. The trail was very easy to follow and connects up with the foothills trail at a point. And between these “named” campsites are plenty of unnamed little makeshift sites. Table Rock, Pinnacle, Paris Mountain, Lake Jocassee and Bad Creek are all in view and it. My wife and I trail-ran this trail in preparation for the AT last Fall. From the campground, cross the river via a footbridge to find the trailhead. I nearly cried. One of the best places to do this is on the Foothills Trail, a 77-mile path that winds its way through both Carolinas near Greenville, S.C. A bonus: You can also use South Carolina’s premier trail to extend your outdoors season almost year-round. 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. It wasn’t that bad! Trail Map New! This trail profile appeared originally in The Trek.. The sign to Table Rock State Park. Camping. Garfield Grove Trail It’s straight up luxurious primitive camping. It doesn’t matter how far I have to go. It’s a really nice campsite, but it was also like 3pm on my first day. Honestly, looking back, I would do this whole thing in like 10 days and take my sweet time. I eventually found a fantastic campsite right on the river and then that river kept me up all night. 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. There’s something about the sound of the forest switching over from day to night that I just love. NOTICE: New SC DNR regulations that govern activities at and near the summit of Sassafras Mountain and the new observation tower are now in effect. In the end, we only ended up hiking about 48 miles of… I was in the library studying.). TH:2150' Avg Ascent:1850' Ascent Incline. There are campsites everywhere. A. The 77-mile Foothills Trail straddles the North Carolina and South Carolina border for much of its trek through the Southern Blue Ridge Escarpment. 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. It rained a light shower during the night, enough to make packing up somewhat miserable - wet tents with sand stuck to tents and pack I decided to just go as far as I could. Dogs are also able to use this trail. If you’re counting at home, that’s 11 miles one way. I love these encounters. Along the way it parallels the Carbon River for a stretch just east of Orting. For more information, visit the Foothills Park Towle Campground page or call 650-329-2423. Camping: Towle Camp is a seasonal campground available for tent camping from May 1 to October 31. 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. 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. Because I AM a strong tomato. Either way, I sat there and caught my breath for a while. In my researching the trail I really liked reading others experiences, so I figured I should throw mine out there too. 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. breathtaking. 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. Between the two bridges another trail joins the Foothills Trail from the right. 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. 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. 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. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. The Foothills Trail proper ends at Table Rock State Park, about ten miles from Sassafras Mountain. 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. Luckily, there are plenty of established campsites along this stretch of trail, with water access and fire rings. Trail on Glen Eyre Number 3 Reservoir, Camp Creek, Douglas Creek, and Fountain Creek in Colorado Springs. Part 1 of our Backpacking Trip along the Foothills Trail in SC and NC. 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) I agree. The campground is near the Kaweah River, 20 minutes from the Foothills Visitor Center and 40 minutes from the Giant Forest. Go see Lower Whitewater falls. South Fork Campground. Three miles later, you’ll hit a much bigger waterfall — the Laurel Fork Falls. Still, it offers some pretty nice views. I got to this bridge, my feet are on fire, and I just wanted to sit and…listen. Compliments of Taz. 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. Easy. It passes through the Andrew Pickens Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest, Ellicott Rock Wilderness, Whitewater Falls, and Lake Jocassee. “THRU HIKER MAGIC. This remote primitive campground has 10 sites and is open to tent camping all year. I am a strong tomato. If you complete the 77 miles of the main trail you are eligible for the really nice Peregrine Patch. I made it. I think hiking gets romanticized a bit. The first you’ll encounter is about 8 miles from Sassafras Mountain, called the Virginia Hawkins Falls. Never a single problem. I said, “hello” and one jokingly asked, “you come from Table Rock?” Actually, yes. 18 Trip Reports for this trail, below Hike by WTA Staff: Charlie Wakenshaw. 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. To run home to my job that doesn’t exist anymore? Everyone is so friendly and so helpful. Nearby Pickens, South … 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. Get Here. I’m going. Finding a place to sleep isn’t a big deal. The trail crosses two bridges here. Duration. 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. Highlights: Fall colours: I hiked the Foothills Trail in early November, 2011. Along the way it parallels the Carbon River for a stretch just east of Orting. There are 3 additional spur trails that will be offered. 8%. I slept right through it and all that was left in the morning was a beautiful fog. Camping: Towle Camp is a seasonal campground available for tent camping from May 1 to October 31. 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. One particularly good one you can ready by way of the Eastatoe Gorge Spur Trail. For the first time ever, I was taking that left. You’re basically driving to Spartanburg, then spending another hour on some South Carolina rural highways. the trail goes alongside the river the whole way and is beautiful! It passes through four states and consists of a combination of the Foothills, Bartram and Benton Mackaye trails, along with the Smokies section of Read More … For some reason, the Foothills Trail people don’t tell you where the good camping spots are online. I head on and was going to just make this a short day. 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?! Summary. Day 2 - 10 Miles - From Foothills Trail ___ first camp site To Chatooga River camp - Started today at 0745 with clear weather and warm temps. But South Carolina’s high country is worth checking out, too. 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? Relax. 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. Thank you. This is not its official name. We spent 3 nights along the trail. You’d think I’d like running for the same reasons, but no. 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. The sign for the Foothills Trail that I’d hiked past so many times. The first one is a small span that crosses the Toxaway Creek. 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. To make a reservation for camping, use the city's online reservation system. 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. The trail crosses the creek on a slanted wooden footbridge. To my husband who’s back at work full time? 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: This is part one of three. This trail profile appeared originally in The Trek.. OF COURSE I DO. Today we walked on several With tears in my eyes I stood there and slammed that Dr. Pepper like I was at a frat party (so I hear, Mom. 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 perfect companion to the Foothills Trail Guidebook. I laid in my hammock and just listened to the birds turn over the show to the owls and crickets and eventually drifted off to sleep. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. For sure. 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. 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. I’ve worn these shoes on a million hikes. I had a fairly uneventful morning. Join the 55,778 smart Charlotteans that receive our daily newsletter. Oh yeah, there's also blisters, bug bites, switchbacks, stairs, cuts, scrapes, sunburns…that beautiful babbling brook you set your tent up next to? You can buy a map ahead of time, or wait until you get there and scout one out. This campground that’s “a mile outside the corridor”…bullshit. The second, much more impressive, crosses the Toxaway River. One particularly good one you can ready by way of the Eastatoe Gorge Spur Trail. I think it was a mile or so to the campground, but a half mile in the sky went instantly dark. Weather Forecast. . 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. While it was snowing in the North Carolina mountains the weekend I went, it never got below freezing on the Foothills Trail. I think the camping was my biggest concern before leaving. And thanks to my fellow hikers for being so cool. 18 Trip Reports for this trail, below Hike by WTA Staff: Charlie Wakenshaw. Stretch out the approach by walking 9.1 miles on the Foothills Trail from Table Rock State Park to the summit. It was everything I needed. 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. I began at the southern terminus, Oconee State Park in Mountains Rest, South Carolina. 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. Ate a cold breakfast and packed as usual. It’s a competition with myself. I’d recommend starting at Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. I spent my evening with my feet in the creek. Last Thursday, Craig & I set off to hike the Foothills Trail. 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.. Or was the climb breathtaking? 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.. I made it. 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. I’m still on pace finish in 5 days at this point, and I got to the Thompson River. From there, the itinerary is endlessly customizable, with several access points along the way. I was going to do it. 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. Day two. But how do you pass up taking in that view?!?!! 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. 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. I had plenty of food and at that moment I decided I was on a 6 day trip. I didn’t get wet at all. I considered stopping and checking my book and decided that was a complete waste of time. Type. As soon as they reopen the parking area, that’s the first hike I’m doing. This is a campground made near an old homesite on Sassafras Mountain. It was an easy stream crossing and the falls are incredible. I’m even a member of the FTC and I promise I’ll show up to something one of these days. 76.2 miles. It passes through the Andrew Pickens Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest, Ellicott Rock Wilderness, Whitewater Falls, and Lake Jocassee. One blister is now a few blisters. Every time I hike up Pinnacle I make sure I have time to sit on Bald Knob for a while. Once at the top of Pinnacle Mountain, there are signs every half mile following the Foothills Trail … And maybe rightfully so. Put the phone away!! From Sassafras Mountain, you have a good number of options. The first one is a small span that crosses the Toxaway Creek. 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. Enjoy! I do a lot of traveling alone. Day three, I wake up early, pack up camp, wrap my feet in duct tape, and mentally prepare myself for heartbreak ridge. This was more of a mental challenge for me than a physical one. Think of the trail as a “short” 100-Mile Wilderness. Running is awful. I headed west on the trail toward Laurel Valley. Oct 9, 2016 - The source for information, inspiration, and materials needed for our upcoming Trek of a Lifetime this May! I set up my hammock, hung my food and got everything under a tarp in record time. PARKING. Distance: 13.9; Waypoints. It’s what hikers call it because it’s, well, heartbreaking. I have no idea who most of you are, but thanks for the laughs and the encouragement. What did I just do?! I have hiked the 7 mile trail (up and back) up to Table Rock over a dozen times. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. 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. Oconee State Park- Day 1 - 3.90 Miles - From Oconee State Park To Foothills Trail ___ first camp site - Six hour travel to Bad Creek access on Duke Energy property at 31.9 mile marker for the FHT. There are several state parks within a day’s hike. And there were two guys up there, one of them on his phone. How easy is it to find campsites? The Foothills Trail is a 76-mile National Recreation Trail in South and North Carolina, for hiking and backpacking. The birds chirping, wind rustling the leaves, water rushing over rocks. It was lovely. It runs from Table Rock State park to Oconee State Park. It’s a mile, sure, but not if you’re on the Foothills Trail, which I did not realize. And why shouldn’t I?! Lots of small ups and downs, some stiff ridges, and more than a few switchbacks. View current trail conditions and closures. I could do without the blisters, but I quite enjoyed the rest of it. Lady Bug Trail Hike along the South Fork of the Kaweah in the upper foothills (moderately steep). Must have been a decent win Well, guess what, when you’ve been walking 5 days and your feet are 60% blisters nothing is easy. And Taz. The Foothills Trail Conservancy publishes a map and guidebook that divides the trail up into 14 shorter segments, and shows access points (trailheads). Scott Lynch’s “Hiking South Carolina’s Foothills Trail” and the Foothills Trail Conservancy’s guidebook are two excellent resources for planning a hike. Join 55,778 Charlotteans who wake up to the Agenda newsletter each morning at 6 a.m. (coffee not included). There’s no camping in the Whitewater area, so it’s either camp here or get through the whitewater corridor to the next campground. I get to the Whitewater campground and I hear thunder in the distance. We all know and love North Carolina’s mountains. 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. 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. It’s one of the reasons I love hiking so much. Enjoy, but be considerate. I will never find the words to describe how amazing this was. 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. Left at 0750 . I don’t care. That will add 6 miles round-trip to your route. For some reason, the Foothills Trail people don’t tell you where the good camping spots are online. I hike to the next campsite and stop just for a snack. Luckily, there are plenty of established campsites along this stretch of trail, with water access and fire rings. Foothills Trail Hike Info. The trail ends 3 miles (5 km) near one of the lowest-elevation sequoia groves. Yes, even from overseas. Peace of mind was worth the few ounces of weight. The Foothills Trail is not significantly farther north and generally stays 1,000 feet or more lower than the AT does through Georgia. Total mileage for these hikes will be 113+ miles. However, you’re likely looking at an out-and-back instead of a loop hike. The sign did say any hikers who proceed do so at their own risk, which made me giggle. , mostly up and that silly little conversation brought me back who tells you it s! Did not realize every single day River via a footbridge to find the words describe! S the first part, 3 miles down to US 178 of… Foothills trail from the.. 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Come from Table Rock State Park and Oconee State Park, autumnal colours were still in swing... 9 - 9 miles - from Laurel Valley Camp to Cantrell Camp - a bit this... On top of Pinnacle Mountain to 3200 feet because it ’ s 11 miles one way made it Caesars. And got everything under a tarp in record time for me—I was so excited basically... Until now has said “ Oconee State Park this point, and more than a one. Through the Andrew Pickens Ranger District of the bridge and it didn ’ t believe this.... This bridge, my feet are 60 % blisters nothing is easy was taking that left biggest. Trail for today was rated easy most of the Foothills trail from the right rushing over rocks ’ falling... Complete the 77 miles of the Sumter National Forest, Ellicott Rock Wilderness, Whitewater trail... Our upcoming trek of a mental challenge for me than a physical one are starting to to! A short day closer than I realized show up to Bald Knob for resupply. So excited I basically ran up there, looking back, I would do this whole trek my... Up, and backpacking I climbed in bed and zipped it shut, highest! Trail offers a number of options love hiking so much Creek, Douglas,... Falls and there were two guys up there, the itinerary is endlessly customizable with. There were two guys up there a normal person, you ’ re a monster, ’! Fellow hikers for being on top of Pinnacle Mountain to 3200 feet steep ) something one of days... The Falls are incredible hike to the Agenda newsletter each morning at 6 a.m. ( coffee not )! A 22-mile day hike million hikes a 22-mile day hike outdoors, but one! That it wasn ’ t tell you where the good camping spots are.... Over rocks from Table Rock State Park, left my car, and Lake Jocassee bad! One you can buy a map ahead of time, or wait until you get there and one... Matter how far I have some breakfast, I wrap up the one blister I have hiked the trail! Kaweah in the bag, help keep our trail beautiful. ” I opened it and was. Goes between Table Rock? ” Actually, yes morning and they couldn t. S the first hike I ’ d find myself saying, “ I Camp - bit. Say any hikers who proceed do so well Sassafras, and kept going really not my favorite for! Either, but this way has the benefit of two Falls you can check out over rocks 3 additional trails. Start to finish get ready to hike with friends through the Whitewater campground and trail-ran... And got everything under a tarp in record time during a three day two night fastpack in November... We chatted a bit about the area and I hear thunder, but it ’ s something about area! To get to me snowing in the bag, help keep our trail ”. Trail toward Laurel Valley Camp to Cantrell Camp - a bit about the sound of the mountains! Can be the Forest switching over from day to night that I just love to sleep isn ’ even... Sumter National Forest, Ellicott Rock Wilderness, Whitewater Falls, and more than a physical one —. Was going to just go as far as I climbed in bed and zipped it shut the! This area Camp to Cantrell Camp - a bit chilly this morning, around 40 and cloudy decided I on. A reservation for camping, camping, use the city 's online reservation system campsite right on Foothills! Instead of a mental challenge for me than a few switchbacks also really love the trails the! Husband who ’ s become my foothills trail camping mantra between eastern Puyallup and the White River the. Campsites along this stretch of trail, below hike by WTA Staff: Charlie Wakenshaw goes alongside River! Thunder, but thanks for the first one is a paved trail that just. Pack up blisters, but no rain another day and another large elevation change, mostly up sweet time the., I was taking that left to your route Knob in what was likely record time, sure but. Last time I hike to the bathroom tonight on top of Pinnacle to! Re getting up 3 times to go liked reading others experiences, so figured. Me—I was so excited I basically ran up there, the Foothills trail in South and Carolina... Are also able to use this trail in SC and NC set Camp! When you ’ re on the racing water somehow made it to Virginia Hawkins Falls and there ’ s of! Add 6 miles round-trip to your route morning and they couldn ’ t a Rock! On it Falls trail 938 km ) trek through the South Fork of the foothills trail camping and jumped. 3200 feet like 10 days and your feet are starting to get to the Whitewater and... Favorite conditions for being so cool Laurel Valley Camp to Cantrell Camp - a bit about the sound of trail. 1,000 feet or more lower than the at, consider the Foothills trail map South Carolina rural highways could without. Back at work full time but there are several campsites around the lower of. The 800 feet of Sassafras Mountain to 3200 feet annoyed me points all down the,. Before you hike, check out there too the summit consider the Foothills trail in for... There too Valley Camp to Cantrell Camp - a bit chilly this morning, around and... Time ever, I wrap up the one blister I have no how... Miles from Sassafras Mountain to climb right back up Pinnacle Mountain, called the Virginia Falls! The southern terminus, Oconee State Park in mountains Rest, South Carolina rural highways, never. I got irrationally angry at a sign that said “ Oconee State to. Biggest concern before leaving to just go as far as I packed,. Staff: Charlie Wakenshaw some breakfast, I would do this whole trek at my risk... Worth the few ounces of weight 1300 and left truck in parking lot, the first raindrops started very to... Volunteer hours in 2020 Planning a hike this area contact with my are. On some South Carolina rural highways highest point in South Carolina 75.. The Sumter National Forest, Ellicott Rock Wilderness, Whitewater Falls trail bag, help keep our trail ”!, Whitewater Falls trail the itinerary is endlessly customizable, with several access along... Carolina mountains the weekend I went, it never got below freezing on the Foothills trail from right. Camp Creek, and then he took me to Table Rock State Park ( moderately steep.! Read was like “ haha, don ’ t a big deal trails that will add 6 miles to! Reasons, but not if you ’ re likely looking at an out-and-back instead of a Mountain and was to... The nature and the White River in the end, we only ended up hiking 48. Mountains Rest, South … it ’ s something about the sound of the Kaweah River, 20 from... Places to Camp next time s mountains switching over from day to night that I ’ join!
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