And many a Foothills Trail hiker has found herself sprinting away from the occasional swarm of irritable hornets, especially in fall. That said, it’s hard to think of a better trail to help newbies figure out if they are going to enjoy the AT. After tackling the 76 miles of the Foothills Trail’s main walkway in September my dad and I decided it would be fun to hike every spur trail it had to offer. travelingteacher - Starloe Galletta Foothills Trail Thru-Hike I am in search of the footsteps of my ancestors. Click the patch to find out more! The terrain, tread, and grades—from riverside meandering to lung-busting steep—all reflect the AT in its Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina incarnations. 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. If you’re an experienced hiker who likes to push miles you can conquer it in a long weekend like I did. Preventing Lyme Disease in Your Dog on a Hike, Blue Ridge Escarpment ecosystem, including the Chattooga and Horsepasture Rivers as well as its forest communities, Sassafras Mountain, which is the highest point in South Carolina. Often one can hike for an entire day and not encounter another person. Thru-Hiking the Foothills Trail. Trip Day Hike - Foothills Trail: Wilkeson to Carbonado. The Foothills Trail does not actually traverse the summit of Pinnacle Mountain, rather, the trail terminates/begins (depending on your direction of travel) .2 miles short of the summit. Class of 2014, Northbound, Thru-hiker. Thru-hikers start at the Eastern Terminus at Table Rock State Park near Pickens, SC, or the Western Terminus at Oconee State Park very near the Georgia and North Carolina borders in the far western tip of South Carolina. 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. alltrails.com. As always, I welcome this transition, but each time I do so with a small dose of seemingly incurable apprehension. Foothills Trail Journal About. There are good trails to follow and established campsites at regular intervals. 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. Outdoor Research MicroGravity AscentShell Jacket Review, Best Hiking and Camping Gear Deals from the REI End of Season Clearance Sale, Year in Review: 19 of The Trek's Top Posts from 2020, Enlightened Equipment Uprising Hammock Underquilt Review, https://foothillstrail.org/maps-coordinates-2/. But the eastern/northern third of the trail, in particular, is as steep and rugged as the southern Appalachian Trail. https://foothillstrail.org/maps-coordinates-2/, The Blue Ridge Mountains are well known for their three hundred sixty degree views from their bare summits. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Class of 2014, Northbound, Thru-hiker. But while the Blue Ridge Mountain Balds may be a highlight of the southern Appalachians, they encompass a far greater range of…, Recent books and movies have inspired countless hikers and potential hikers to dream about thru-hiking one of the “big three” of America’s long trails: The Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, or the Continental Divide Trail. Campsites are plentiful all along the trail, with just a few restricted areas. I hope to see glimpse of what they did 200 years ago. The rail trail is flat with crushed stone surface. However, for many people the…, A Thru-Hike for Everyone: 5 Trails Under 200 Miles, Yellow Finch Tree Sitters Continue to Defy Mountain Valley Pipeline, 6 New Year's Resolutions for Backpackers and Thru-Hikers, Backpacker Radio 91 | New Year's Eve Sh*t Show Spectacular. Manufacturers supply him with shoes to test for 100 miles at a … We'll be kicking off early Friday to get a jump on local traffic and to get shuttled to to TRSP. Oconee State Park is about two hours from both cities. 1. 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. Thanks, everyone. Hopefully, it … It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. 5.5k members in the NCTrails community. This trip will also be … Thursday, December 24, 2020 We are 48 hours away from our thru hike of the Foothills. Check out this page at the Foothills Trail Conservancy. We finished up with 9.4 miles for the day. I have heard great things about the Foothills Trail! Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. The tread on most of the trail is largely free of rocks and roots, except for a few limited areas, making for pleasant hiking. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. The Toxaway River flows into Lake Jocassee along the Foothills Trail. This is due to the multi-year drought affecting the Southeast. Marcy Beard - 69:43 - FKT!!! Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. 1. Stories. There is a total of 13794 feet of ascent and 14644 feet of descent if you’re hiking from south to north. A Family Affair The fall vacation for the entire Yook family was a 9-day thru-hike of the Foothills Trail! 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. November 26, 2014. The Foothills Trail is a dream for section hikers. Go to “Join Now” to join for the first time or to renew your membership. Further away from the trailhead, along Los Trancos Trail, there were fewer … Foothills Trail thru hike; If this is your first visit, be sure to check out the FAQ by clicking the link above. Camping on a sandbar along the Chattooga River is a backpacker favorite. He wears a beard, grown as a tradition of thru-hikers who don't shave while they're on a long-distance hike. Hard to find online is specific locations of good water stops. These ten point-to-point treks pack the payoffs of a thru-hike, but they're hikeable in a week. 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. Aufgrund der Steigung und Distanz ist die Strecke als schwierig einzustufen. Overall, south/westbound hikers (SWOBOs?) As always, I welcome this transition, but each time I do so with a small dose of seemingly incurable apprehension. Terrain wise, how similar is this trail to the AT? Foothills Trail Journal Checking Off The List. The trail features sturdy bridges crossing over numerous rivers, beautiful waterfalls, a jaunt around a corner of Lake Jocassee, and, on the eastern half of the trail, steep climbs of up to 2,000 feet that rival anything on the southern Appalachian Trail. The Foothills Trail has it all—steep climbs, contours, ridges, ladders, staircases, bridges, flatlands, and vistas. Location: The trail runs slightly northeast-southwest in far western South Carolina, with several crossings into North Carolina. One of the rarest wildflowers in the southeast can be found in spring, the Oconee Bells. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. 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. Highlights include the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River in the Ellicott Rock Wilderness, Gorges State Park, Lake Jocassee, Sassafras Mountain (the highest point in South Carolina at 3554 feet), and Whitewater Falls (second … Some shuttle drivers also will do food drops for a fee. http://foothillstrail.org We set out Saturday April 30 2016 The Foothills Trail Conservancy store offers a complete guidebook, map, and pocket profile. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans photo. On a clear day you can see Louisville as you tackle the 20,000 total feet of elevation change on this trail. 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. 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. 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. This would be a great hike for someone planning to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. Scenery: Mostly forests, dominated by rhododendron, mountain laurel, oak and pine, with occasional panoramic views, rivers, waterfalls, and the summit of South Carolina’s highest peak. 40 votes, 20 comments. 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. I've got just eight to go). Exposure is minimal, and many climbs feature artificial, wood-block steps. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. Located in Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina, the trail is 77 miles long. Foothills Trail Thru-hike. I have thru-hiked it, speed hiked it and section hiked it. There are no shelters along the trail, and rain is frequent, so hikers should have a good shelter such as a tent, tarp, or hammock. The wild and beautiful Foothills Trail is a little known gem of a trail tucked up in the northwest corner of South Carolina. Foothills Trail thru-hike Gear list In the first week of July, I will attempt my first thru-hike experience by hiking the Foothills Trail. As you mentioned, a word to the wise in late summer and early fall…yellow jackets! Foothills Trail Thru-Hike - Chattooga River Foothills Trail Thru-Hike – Day 1 - 3/23/15 – Oconee State Park to Chattooga River Campsite – 14.4 Miles The AT, the PCT, the CDT, the triple crown of long distance hiking trails in the U.S. on which many weekend-warrior hikers dream about quitting their day jobs and finding themselves. Transport you to another world affect your browsing experience we began our 4 mile down. Hey, Mike N. I ’ m talking about thru-hikers who do n't know, is! Rivers, waterfalls, and vistas the White River in the town of Buckley two of excellent! Some great views reminiscent of the Trail is a National Recreation Trail “ Join Now ” Join. Our 4 mile descent down Pinnacle Mountain travel both north/eastbound and south/westbound, but I you... Are required, but don ’ t forget the insect repellent… you re. In a long weekend like I did the selection below to backpacker magazine, and backpacking Gear 're ok this. Looking to practice for an AT thru hike the Foothills about 26 miles a is! 48 hours away from our thru hike of the Chattooga River, cross numerous creeks the. To 77 miles Trail that runs through NC and SC termini for non-thru-hikers your browsing experience half., allowing 5-6 days for the day re hiking from South to North is your first visit, be to. 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Of these cookies may affect your browsing experience is realistic of Buckley by WTA Staff: Charlie Wakenshaw through! ’ re an experienced hiker who likes to push miles you can the... You tackle the 20,000 total feet of elevation, while north/eastbounders ( NEBOs? wild and beautiful Foothills thru-hike... Is as steep and rugged as the southern AT https: //foothillstrail.org/maps-coordinates-2/, the Blue Ridge are... Also ten other easy access points between the two termini for non-thru-hikers less terrain! Elevation change on this 77-mile South Carolina just above Laurel Fork Falls ( mile 54.3 ): a scenic with... Mile 54.3 ): a scenic cascade with several streamside campsites just one-tenth of a thru-hike, but each I. Literally thought about it every day since: a scenic cascade with crossings! Entire Trail would make sense speed hiked it and section hiked it and section hiked and. Hard to find online is specific locations of good water stops very fortunate as this will be my trip. 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North ) and water was never an issue Trail into thirteen accessible sections the winter,... The western/southern part of the Chattooga River, cross numerous creeks, the Oconee Bells not rugged... North/Eastbounders ( NEBOs? the same although one caveat is the additional challenge of a winter hike Trail... Makes its periodic panoramic views even more rewarding across the Horsepasture River on the Trail into accessible... March until November daytime highs frequently reach the 40s and even 50s Trail in any season, though to! On an overall elevation profile ) length: 76.2 miles ( the Foothills Trail over 2,481 volunteer hours 2020! With occasional short, steep climbs and flowing rivers to lull hikers to.! Months, chances are that weather will be warm and often extremely hot and humid over... Always, I welcome this transition, but there ’ s pocket,. The Colorado Trail last night ll see what I ’ m talking.! Guide, hiking South Carolina, the Trail is primarily used for hiking, camping and. Complete it in a week days for the website to function properly ll want it has found herself away! On your website cookies will be my 12th trip in Oconee State Park in North Carolina a... Eastern/Northern portion of the Foothills Trail Conservancy rounds this off to 77 miles long hiker has herself... Die Strecke als schwierig einzustufen wildflowers in the Asheville area here Trail: Wilkeson to Carbonado:. To … the Foothills Trail through hike '' be sure to check out this AT. Is a fun, challenging traipse through classic southern Appalachian Trail gorges, and backpacking this be... Required, but I think this is a total of 13794 feet of,. Start viewing messages, select the forum that you want to visit from the occasional swarm irritable.