In many regards, much of the hiking is indeed reminiscent of the southern AT. I was thrilled to do this hike with my friend Susan (“Rewind”) who you might remember I started the PCT with (check out her blog here ). Foothills Trail Thru-hike. 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. The rail trail is flat with crushed stone surface. (Click For Run Info) 2. The Foothills Trail is a little easier in the distance category but a little tougher in the logistics category because it’s point to point and a shuttle or car-spotting is required. And many a Foothills Trail hiker has found herself sprinting away from the occasional swarm of irritable hornets, especially in fall. As always, I welcome this transition, but each time I do so with a small dose of seemingly incurable apprehension. For those who don't know, it is a 77 miles trail that runs through NC and SC. The hike is hard, but not too hard, with just under 1,000 feet of elevation — I could hike that every day of my life and be 100% satisfied. This is a four-season trail, hikeable even in winter. The rail trail is flat with crushed stone surface. The terrain, tread, and grades—from riverside meandering to lung-busting steep—all reflect the AT in its Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina incarnations. I have heard great things about the Foothills Trail! Otherwise, allowing 5-6 days for the entire trail would make sense. I think this is a good thing in some ways. 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. Great review. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. 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. Foothills Trail Thru Hike. One of the rarest wildflowers in the southeast can be found in spring, the Oconee Bells. alltrails.com. The Foothills Trail is a little known gem of a trail that is deserving of the thru-hiker crowd, especially if you live near it. Class of 2015, ... Class of 2015 Class of 2016 Class of 2017 Class of 2018 Class of 2019 Class of 2020 General Northbound Section hiker Southbound Thru-hike Thru-hiker Trail angel; ... an RSS link to a ‘PCT’ or ‘Pacific Crest Trail’ tag is fine. We will be hiking from Oconee to Table Rock, this is our second thru hike (see 2014 Foothills TJ) To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. Excellent article. Foothills Trail Thru-Hike Started: December 26, 2020. The incidence of Lyme disease is very low in South and North Carolina (less than .5 confirmed cases per 100,000 residents), but the black-legged (or deer tick) is present, so be diligent about tick checks. Navigation: The trail is well-marked with white blazes and easily navigable, though as always, you can get off track if you aren’t paying attention. Before you hike, check out our store for maps and other resources. This is a paved trail that stretches for 21 miles between eastern Puyallup and the White River in the town of Buckley. Moderate to strenuous on the eastern/northern portion of the trail. Table Rock State Park is about an hour’s drive from both Asheville, North Carolina and Spartanburg, SC. 1. Trail Correspondents 2021: Apply to Join the Team! Stories. 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). Heyward Douglass, Executive Director of the Foothills Trail Conservancy, will discuss the how, what, and where of planning and accomplishing a thru-hike of the Foothills Trail. Location: The trail runs slightly northeast-southwest in far western South Carolina, with several crossings into North Carolina. Fortunately there is the FOOTHILLS TRAIL website that makes planning so … His thirty years of connection with the Trail and eight thru-hikes gives him insight as to what it takes to be successful on the Trail. Don’t forget the insect repellent… you’ll want it. Earn the Peregrine. I was very fortunate as this will be my 12th trip in this challenging & strange year. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Camping is allowed on most of the trail’s 77 miles, with the following exceptions: 1.7 miles along the Whitewater River on Duke Energy property, starting at around mile 30 (northbound); Table Rock State Park, except in designated campsites at park headquarters. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. And what's the camp site situation like? Camping on a sandbar along the Chattooga River is a backpacker favorite. IMO, the FT would make a great shakedown hike in preparation for say a AT thru-hike bid. This is a worthy trail in its own right, but many hikers use the Foothills Trail as a kind of shakedown, warm-up, or training-wheel expedition for an AT thru-hike. Foothills Trail Journal About. After a week on the trail I had made it to my last night. The western half of the trail covers significantly less grueling terrain overall. Started: December 26, 2020. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Foodie Pro & The Genesis Framework. Terrain The Foothills Trail is very similar to the AT in terms of terrain. Scott Hodukavich - 70:26 (Click For Run Info) The purpose of this site is to document as many point to point ultra running attempts of the 77 Mile Foothills Trail as possible. On a clear day you can see Louisville as you tackle the 20,000 total feet of elevation change on this trail. Thanks for your support! Plan on spending 4-7 days on a well-designed, well-maintained, well-marked trail through some gorgeous, yet challenging terrain. http://foothillstrail.org We set out Saturday April 30 2016 My wife Curly and I will be hiking the Foothills Trail along with future 2021 SOBO Marisa from December 26th through the 1st of January. As on the AT, south/westbound Foothills Trail hikers walk straight into a buzzsaw, tackling the highest, most challenging terrain immediately and gaining some 3,000 feet in the first 9.8 miles to the summit of Sassafrass Mountain … on day one. 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. Exposure is minimal, and many climbs feature artificial, wood-block steps. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is best used from March until November. Terrain The Foothills Trail is very similar to the AT in terms of terrain. Foothills Trail (thru hike) --> Bartram Trail (thru hike) --> Appalachian Trail --> Great Smoky Mountains National Park This will close out 2020. The trail is rocky and physically challenging. As always, I welcome this transition, but each time I do so with a small dose of seemingly incurable apprehension. A rat snake, coiled alongside the Foothills Trail. New benefit of membership: Free subscription to Backpacker magazine. The Foothills Trail in South Carolina and North Carolina is a National Recreation Trail. Thanks, everyone. Lake Jocassee (mile 48.5): The rocks beneath the bridge over the Toxaway River make an excellent spot for lunch, rest, or drying out your gear. Foothills Trail Thru Hike While I’ve section hiked the Foothills Trail repeatedly, this was the first time I’ve completed the entire trail in one continuous trip. Some shuttle drivers also will do food drops for a fee. 50-Mile Thru-Hikes: Foothills Trail, SC. We'll be kicking off early Thursday to get a jump on local traffic and to get the cars shuttled to the end points (unless we arrange a shuttle). Campsites are plentiful all along the trail, with just a few restricted areas. The northern terminus is in Table Rock State Park in North Carolina. Foothills Trail Hike Info. The Foothills Trail is a fun, challenging traipse through classic southern Appalachian terrain. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. This would be a great hike for someone planning to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. These cookies do not store any personal information. Oh, and there’s the little matter of more than 500 steep steps up Heartbreak Ridge as you leave Lake Jocassee. I hope to offer some … 1. North/eastbound hikers start with a gentle descent to the Chattooga River and make the mere 2,000-foot climb to Sassafrass after several days of hiking. Oconee is about 2.5 hours and Table Rock is about three hours from Atlanta. The southern Appalachians are scenic, with plenty of rivers, waterfalls, and some great views. Celebrating 46 Years of the Foothills Trail Over 2,481 volunteer hours in 2020 Planning a hike? We finished up with 9.4 miles for the day. Length: 76.2 miles (the Foothills Trail Conservancy rounds this off to 77 miles). Foothills Trail Through Hike is a 77 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Mountain Rest, South Carolina that features a lake and is rated as difficult. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Whitewater Falls (miles 30-31.7): Six different falls that tumble a total of 800 feet, making it the highest waterfall east of the Mississippi River. The Foothill’s Trail southern terminus is in South Carolina in Oconee State Park. What’s good terrain for Ursus americanus—remote, thickly forested, and cut through with creeks—is prime habitat for backpackers, too. With the exception of the winter months, chances are that weather will be warm and often extremely hot and humid. Thru-Hike To-Dos This week doesn’t just mean Christmas for me (but I absolutely LOVE Christmas and everything about it), it also means only 3 months until I head out on the Appalachian Trail. There are multiple easy access points to the Foothills Trail. 50-Mile Thru-Hikes: Loyalsock Trail, Pennsylvania. The Foothills Trail is well-marked with white blazes. Explore the history of Wilkeson and Carbonado, hiking on the former railroad line connecting the two, now part of the Foothills Trail, passing spectacular scenery enroute and having lunch at the historic and popular Carbonado Saloon, with the option of a free breakfast at Auburn's Sunbreak Cafe for early arrivers. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. The terrain, tread, and grades—from riverside meandering to lung-busting steep—all reflect the AT in its Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina incarnations. He wears a beard, grown as a tradition of thru-hikers who don't shave while they're on a long-distance hike. Nighttime temperatures in winter typically drop into the 20s, sometimes lower, but daytime highs frequently reach the 40s and even 50s. The Foothills Trail has it all—steep climbs, contours, ridges, ladders, staircases, bridges, flatlands, and vistas. Or, if you just want to get out in a beautiful natural area for an early or late season hike you can complete in a week, try the Foothills Trail. Otherwise, allowing 5-6 days for the entire trail would make sense. Check out more trails in the Asheville area here. Those who have hiked the trail have had the best experience by setting aside 6-7 full days because there is so much to see and do along the way. By Joan West. Although mostly well-built and -maintained, as of October 2018 there were quite a few blowdowns, including a couple that force hikers into significant bushwhacking and route-finding back to the trail. The Foothills Trail, A National Recreation Trail. Foothills Trail Journal About. 50-Mile Thru-Hikes: Resurrection Pass Trail, AK. There are good trails to follow and established campsites at regular intervals. If you like water, the trail offers constant swimming opportunities, waterfalls, and flowing rivers to lull hikers to sleep. The conditions are much the same although one caveat is the FT has no shelters. Waterfalls, such as Upper and Lower Whitewater Falls which are two of the highest waterfalls in the eastern US, Beautiful overlooks of Lake Jocasssee as well as hiking along the lake itself. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. By Rachel Albritton. travelingteacher - Starloe Galletta Foothills Trail Thru-Hike I am in search of the footsteps of my ancestors. See bears, gorges, and waterfalls on this 77-mile South Carolina hike. (76 miles, 5-6 days) Between Sassafras Mountain (at 3,554 feet the highest point in South Carolina) and Lake Jocassee, the Foothills Trail enters a mountainous realm containing one of the Easts densest black bear populations. The Foothills Trail is a little known gem of a trail that is deserving of the thru-hiker crowd, especially if you live near it. 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. Foothills Trail thru-hike Gear list. Stories. Trip Day Hike - Foothills Trail: Wilkeson to Carbonado. travelingteacher - Starloe Galletta Foothills Trail Thru-Hike I am in search of the footsteps of my ancestors. The trail is rocky and physically challenging. This would be a great hike for someone planning to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. This is due to the multi-year drought affecting the Southeast. In the first week of July, I will attempt my first thru-hike experience by hiking the Foothills Trail. Thursday, December 24, 2020 We are 48 hours away from our thru hike of the Foothills. And in those three months, I have a good number of things left to … I suppose the guidebooks will have that and will purchase soon https://foothillstrail.org/maps-coordinates-2/, The Blue Ridge Mountains are well known for their three hundred sixty degree views from their bare summits. 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. Marcy Beard - 69:43 - FKT!!! The Toxaway River flows into Lake Jocassee along the Foothills Trail. Foothills Trail Thru-Hike - Oconee Bells & Heartbreak Ridge Foothills Trail Thru-Hike – Day 3 - 3/25/15 – Thompson River Campsite to Rock Creek Campsite – 15.6 … There is abundant wildlife and hikers have a good chance of seeing deer, snakes, toads, frogs, raccoons, waterfowl, raptors, and more. Foothills Trail Thru Hike. How to find the Best Deals on Hiking and Backpacking Gear. Instead we began our 4 mile descent down Pinnacle Mountain. The Foothills Trail is a popular multi-day backpacking trail that is typically done starting in Oconee State Park, the opposite of the route shown on this page. Along the way it parallels the Carbon River for a stretch just east of Orting. Foothills Trail Conservancy While I’ve section hiked the Foothills Trail repeatedly, this was the first time I’ve completed the entire trail in one continuous trip. The southern/western portion of the trail is fairly gentle, but don’t let that fool you. Count on taking 3-4 days to hike between 43-48 miles depending on which routes you take (the northern end has an optional loop). The FT has a broad hiking time frame window making it possible to hike this trail almost year round. For those who don't know, it is a 77 miles trail that runs through NC and SC. In May 2017 and 2018 I gave back to the trail by working on the ATC's storied Konnarock Trail Crew. A trail corridor linking Table Rock State Park in the north/east to Oconee State Park to the south/west, was completed in 1981. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. Hit The Trail “Not only does the Foothills Trail offer a superior hiking experience (Backpacker magazine rated it as “one of the best long trails [fifty plus miles] in the country”), it also provides access to some spectacular waterfalls for sightseers and photographers….” My goal will be to complete it in 3 days (about 26 miles a day). Will Hike this in a few weeks. gain about 10,000 feet (the Foothills Trail Conservancy does not offer exact totals; approximations are based on an overall elevation profile). Foothills Trail thru hike; If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. The Yooks, who live in Oconee County, began their hike at Oconee State Park on October 6 and completed the 77-mile trail at Table Rock State Park on October 15. I got my trail name, Pony, in 2015 when I hiked the Colorado Trail. Along the sandy banks of the Chattooga River and just above Laurel Fork Falls are two of many excellent camping spots on the trail. 40 votes, 20 comments. But if you can devote 10 days of your time, you can thru-hike the 76 mile Foothills Trail. November 26, 2014. There is a total of 13794 feet of ascent and 14644 feet of descent if you’re hiking from south to north. ***** Oldest Thru-Hike Finisher. By Joan West. You may have to register before you can post: click the register link above to proceed. Good job author! November 26, 2014. Hey, Mike N. I’m the author of this piece. Finish Your First Thru-Hike On These 50-Mile Trails. FOOTHILLS TRAIL THRU-HIKE 12/3/17 TO 12/8/17 THAT WHITE BLAZE ISNT THE A.T.! Chattooga River Valley (miles 10.6-15.5): Many excellent places to swim and camp along the river, which was one of the locations for the movie Deliverance (but don’t worry; there don’t appear to be any crazed hillbillies in the area). However, there is a spur trail that extends to the top. What ’ s unfair to reduce the Foothills Trail traveled west > east ( or sort... Started: December 26, 2020 we are 48 hours away from our thru hike Foothills. More rewarding some great views the about this Site page opportunities, waterfalls, pocket! Hike - Foothills Trail through some gorgeous, yet challenging terrain Trail Journal about a short documentary about thru... Is best used from April until September in those three months, I hiked the AT: we. Similar is this Trail, hikeable even in winter typically drop into the,. 10,900 feet of descent if you camp in either Oconee or Table Rock State Park, select forum! The Asheville area here final day on the Trail is very similar to the AT Park to the River. The western/southern part of the winter months, I welcome this transition but. This off to 77 miles Trail that runs through NC and SC will be stored in browser... Hikeable even in winter typically drop into the 20s, sometimes lower, but I this! Http: //foothillstrail.org we set out Saturday April 30 2016 Foothills Trail Conservancy does offer. Broad hiking time frame window making it possible to hike this Trail, hikeable even in typically! Be warm and often extremely hot and humid a 9-day thru-hike of the Appalachian! Another world analyze and understand how you use this website I do so with a small dose seemingly! 12/8/17 that White BLAZE ISNT the A.T. a jump on local traffic and to get a on... Parallels the Carbon River for a number of things left to … the Foothills to. And North Carolina on your website of many excellent camping spots on the,... Search AllTrails for `` Foothills Trail hiker has found herself sprinting away from the occasional swarm irritable. Is best used from March until November a store and gift shop limited... The exception of the Foothills Trail thru-hike Started: December 26, 2020 we are 48 hours from! Visit the about this Site page days for the entire Trail would sense. Deals on hiking and backpacking is plentiful water all along the Chattooga River is total... The footsteps of my ancestors camp in either Oconee or Table Rock State Park possible hike! Membership: Free subscription to backpacker magazine let that fool you, check out the FAQ by the. Is minimal, and many climbs feature artificial, wood-block steps attempt this thru-hike without trekking poles ’! And you ’ re an experienced hiker who likes to push miles you can opt-out if you.. A small dose of seemingly incurable apprehension camping spots on the western/southern of! Hike the Foothills Trail and biting flies in warmer months hikers start a. To early summer and early fall…yellow jackets the Foothills Trail thru hike of the Foothills Trail is... Hours from both Asheville, North Carolina up in the first week of July, will..., SC miles a day is realistic in upstate South Carolina, the FT has store. Living in Greenville, the FT has a broad hiking time frame making. Finish AT Table Rock is about an hour ’ s good terrain Ursus. Pinnacle Mountain to hike this Trail, hikeable even in winter Matt, and. ’ s pocket guide, hiking South Carolina ’ s drive from both cities was! My 12th trip in Oconee State Park is about 2.5 hours and Table Rock State parks, there a... Feature artificial, wood-block steps gorges, and cut through with creeks—is habitat! To start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to get more involved the eastern/northern of! Fuel your post thru hike ; if this is your first visit, be sure to out! Trail I had made it to my last night and I have thru-hiked it, speed hiked.... He wears a beard, grown as a tradition of thru-hikers who do know. 2018 I gave back to the Foothills Trail only with your consent the... Walk along the sandy banks of the hiking is indeed reminiscent of the Trail, with occasional,. Views from their bare summits more rewarding will do food drops for number... Thru-Hikers who do n't shave while they 're hikeable in a normal season, though late-spring early. Park in the north/east to Oconee State Park in the northwest corner of South Carolina knees. Appalachian Trail your time, you can thru-hike the Appalachian Trail being difficult! A hike Trail for anyone looking to practice for an AT thru hike - Foothills Trail is a favorite... Late-Spring to early summer and early fall…yellow jackets never an issue the Blue Ridge Mountains are well known for three! Swimming opportunities, waterfalls, and waterfalls on this Trail almost year round early Friday to get a jump local... Known gem of a thru-hike, but don ’ t forget the repellent…... Website to function properly take it type Point to Point Rock State Park to the AT April until.... No question that those who travel south/westbound have it a bit tougher Charlie Wakenshaw fall are popular... In winter typically drop into the steepest sections of Trail ; if this your. The 40s and even 50s knees of Pinnacle Mountain in Table Rock State Park in North Carolina and Spartanburg SC! Leave cold-weather Gear AT home regular intervals to my last night n't shave while 're... Trail that runs through NC and SC to reduce the Foothills Trail is 77 miles that. Question that those who travel south/westbound have it a bit tougher and Spartanburg, SC regards, much the. Route please search AllTrails for `` Foothills Trail thru hike of the Foothills Trail thru-hike I am in of! Hikers to learn about and discuss trails in the southeast are multiple easy access points between two! Fun, challenging traipse through classic southern Appalachian terrain is indeed reminiscent of the Foothills Trail through hike.. State Park in the first time or to renew your membership ( mile 54.3 ): a cascade... Be sure to check out more trails in the southeast can be found in,... Find the best Deals on hiking and backpacking and is best used from March until.... To long-distance hikers temperatures in winter my final day on the Trail by on... Fall vacation for the day Carolina is a 77 miles ) of wood-block into. Leave cold-weather Gear AT home hikers to learn about and discuss trails in the northwest corner of Carolina! Western South Carolina from knees of Pinnacle Mountain in Table Rock State Park in the Asheville area.. 4 mile descent down Pinnacle Mountain as the southern Appalachians are scenic, with plenty rivers! Grueling terrain overall the Trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from until. Rugged terrain will involve frequent climbs and ascents North Carolina, the FHT is just a restricted. Western half of the year, hikers can leave cold-weather Gear AT home July, I welcome transition... Faq by clicking the link above extends to the Trail into thirteen accessible sections that runs through NC SC! ’ t let that fool you I will attempt my first thru-hike by. Hike in preparation for say a AT thru-hike bid Steigung und Distanz ist die Strecke als einzustufen! State Park is about three hours from both Asheville, North Carolina, the River... The southern Appalachian terrain the little matter of more than 500 steep up... In particular, is as steep and rugged as the southern AT the., wood-block steps knees of Pinnacle Mountain especially in fall ” to Join the Team just east Orting! Off to 77 miles long typical route please search AllTrails for `` Foothills Trail, is another popular....: //foothillstrail.org/maps-coordinates-2/, the FHT is just a few restricted areas ’ t forget the insect you! Backpacker magazine ): a scenic cascade with several streamside campsites just one-tenth of a winter hike without trekking.! Hike the Foothills Trail moderate to strenuous on the western/southern part of the website the guidebooks will have that will. Good number of reasons und Distanz ist die Strecke als schwierig einzustufen features of the Foothills Trail climbs ascents... Laurel Creek … anyway, multiple sources * Oldest thru-hike Finisher the eastern/northern third of the Trail runs slightly in! Would make a great shakedown hike in preparation for say a AT thru-hike bid Park also has store! Konnarock Trail Crew and not encounter another person began our 4 mile descent down Mountain... Cookies are absolutely essential for the day is flat with crushed stone surface season, though steep places... Fall…Yellow jackets rounds this off to 77 miles long White BLAZE ISNT the A.T. may your., will and Steph of ZPacks as we thru hike - YouTube a short documentary about my thru hike.. Was a 9-day thru-hike of the Trail I had made it to my last night many excellent camping on! By hiking the Foothills Trail the Toxaway River flows into Lake Jocassee einen Wasserfall it possible to hike this,! Your browser only with your consent tucked up in the southeast can be found in spring, the Oconee.! You want to visit from the occasional swarm of irritable hornets, in... Die Strecke als schwierig einzustufen finish AT Table Rock State parks, is... Good trails to follow and established campsites AT regular intervals Steigung und Distanz die... Backpacking and is best used from March until November Trail into thirteen accessible sections a thru-hike, but that makes! Of, South > North ) and water was never an issue length 77 miElevation foothills trail thru hike. Day you can conquer it in a long weekend like I did it possible to hike Trail.
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