Very well maintained trail. We finished with 5 miles on the day. 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 15 h 5 min to complete. Discover this 48.9-km point-to-point trail near Sunset, South Carolina. It offers multiple distance choices with a challenging hill climb and scenic views of surrounding . NC 28762, http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/1368860/heartbreak-ridge. virtually impossible to get lost. The trail goes between Table Rock State Park and Oconee State Park. Following a long ridge that begins high atop the Blue Ridge Escarpment, this trail plunges over 2000 ft. in four miles. It was breathtaking to be able to turn all the way around and see the smoky mist below me in every direction. I got my trail name, Pony, in 2015 when I hiked the Colorado Trail. I started my hike on Sunday February 16th from Oconee State Park. Bears frequent these mountain areas, so its important to bring and adequately hang a bear bag, or use an Ursack setup. My friend arrived at 5:30 and I restocked my food and we decided to night hike to the site on the ridge above the Thompson River. My wife dropped me, and my dog Spencer, off at 10:45am and after our goodbyes and a few pictures, we set off on our journey. It was breathtaking to be able to turn all the way around and see the smoky mist below me in every direction. My girlfriend and I backpacked this trail last night. Great camping areas. Death Valley Cottonwood-Marble Canyon Loop, CA, Smoky Mountains National Park Loop, NC / TN, Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport, Total elevation gain is 10,000-11,000 feet, depending on direction, Sustained climbs of more than 2,000 feet; some short, very steep sections, Heat and humidity can be a challenge from late spring through early fall, Dispersed camping allowed along most of the trail. It wasnt the perfect site but it was perfectly timed! We reached the end of the section by 5:30 PM. Continue on an old road to your left after entering a field to . This mornings highlight was the climb to the top of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. The plan is to make a full loop of about 375 miles (I think). We would maintain about a 2.5 mile per hour pace for the day. The trail crosses several roads leading to nearby small towns. The Guidebook rated these sections as moderate to easy, I assume because of the short distance. Check out this 19.1-mile point-to-point trail near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 58 min to complete. A bear canister is probably overkill. more. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans photo. Cross the NC/SC state line into North Carolina and continue for about a mile to the Whitewater Falls parking area which is marked with a large U.S. Forest Service sign. Overall, south/westbound hikers (SWOBOs?) 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. Cloudflare monitors for these errors and automatically investigates the cause. 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! I really need to recover tonight. There was a nice campsite, but I still had a couple of hours before dark so I pushed on. There I set up camp. 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. Experience this 30.4-mile point-to-point trail near Sunset, South Carolina. I had both time to be alone and reflect and time with great company to share in my experience. Be prepared. I am considering running the entire trial over three days. 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/. In 2016, I hiked the Appalachian Trail; 2018, Foothills Trail and Alabama Pinhoti Trail; 2019, Great Plains Trail pilot trail in South Dakota and Nebraska; on April 7, 2021 I will start the Pacific Crest Trail. Region: Deep South, Lower Appalachians (South Carolina)Length: 76.2 miles (5-8 days), Elevation: 500 3,553 feet Total Elevation Gain: ~10,900 feet (westbound); ~10,000 (eastbound). Those hiking east-west will encounter the most challenging parts of the trail immediately, while those going from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park get a much easier introduction to the trail. Absolutely beautiful with all the waterfalls. Sept of 2014. There were no bugs and it got down to the low 40s one night After a brief rain during the 65 degree weather. The western half of the trail covers significantly less grueling terrain overall. Fortunately, once I got to the lake I came upon a perfect hammock site on a cliff overlooking Lake Jocassee. Since we only had about 3.5 miles left to camp, we lounged around after eating basking in the warm sun. I actually JUST FINISHED the Bartram Trail. The service rd has many creek crossings but eventually crosses the actual Foothills Trail. There is an unknown connection issue between Cloudflare and the origin web server. Had brief freezing rains. The trail today has not been as technical as yesterday, but there have been many steep climbs and descents. Flowers, and other Flora abound, birds aplenty, There are even plants that only exist in this part of the world. An off-road running race held in the northwestern foothills of your Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Theres a section known as heart break ridge where supposedly it is the hardest section of the trail coming from the Toxaway River. But from its well blazed path to its active trail conservancy, it is a trail well worth the walk. We had reached Burrells Ford by 1pm and pushed on towards Fish Hatchery Road. The climate is mild due to lower elevations, which usually means oppressive heat and humidity in late spring, summer, and early fallgood training for the ATs mid-Atlantic in July. The Blue Ridge Mountains are well known for their three hundred sixty degree views from their bare summits. We parked the truck at a red gate and began hiking down the service road. Trail is well maintained - thanks. a Insects can be bothersome in warmer months. My wife and I hiked the Foothills Trail in April of 2007, and as we tried to gather information from other websites on their experiences, we found that there were not many pages to be found. However from Sassafras Mountain there is a 14.2 mile spur trail to Ceasars Head State Park in South Carolinathat some choose as an alternate northern terminus for the trail. Fortunately, once I got to the lake I came upon a perfect hammock site on a cliff overlooking Lake Jocassee. Exited at Bad Creek parking lot access. 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). We had the overlook to ourselves and time to kill, so we broke for lunch and I read while Spencer napped in the sun. Thru hiked with a buddy and my dog. Overall Id say its moderate to difficult, but I was cruising at 2.5 miles per hour each day to get it down before work on the third evening. . Come take a hike with me at Blue Ridge Hiking Company! We hiked during the week (6 days actually) and most of the time we were the only people on the trail! Login to Update Event. It looks like a small pool of water but it is the top of the falls. IT set the stage for the many great waterfalls we would enjoy along our hike. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. This is a week that will stay with me forever. The eastern end of the trail includes some strenuous climbing, including the infamous 500 steps up Heartbreak Ridge and the summit of Sassafras Mountain, but there are also long stretches of easy strolling. The Foothills Trail Conservancy has a detailed, informative website, including maps, elevations profiles, shuttle information and more. You can hike for a few hours or spend days or a week or so hiking here and never do the same hike twice. I had planned on making camp for the evening along the spur trail below Grassy Knob that led to 281, but there was too much snow on the ground. Dont take it for granted.The shuttle service ( Taz) is the best.Went from Oconne to Table Rock. Maybe even us. Several campsites along the trails and we eventually set up camp at one right along the creek that runs to Laurel Fork. 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. There was a nice campsite, but I still had a couple of hours before dark so I pushed on. Think of this as a heatmap, more rides = more kinetic energy = warmer colors. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a1237b0ae472c2f Waterfalls abound at mile 16.3 via a side trail at King Creek Falls, and another at mile 23.2. The trail is well-marked and well-graded. Nearly eighty miles of this scenic landscape straddle the border of South and North Carolina under the famed peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 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. We were on the trail by 10am on Day 6 and we enjoyed the half mile warm up along the shore of Jocassee before we started to ascend the infamous Heartbreak Ridge. Along this extended spur lies views of the East Fork of the French Broad River, as well as the sheer rock faces of Raven Cliff Falls. Day 7 was going to be one of our shorter and easier days! Lots of Stairs. Tougher than expected but had a great time. The Foothills Trail is a part of the nearing completion Southern Appalachian Loop Trail. Heartbreak Ridge - 19.10 Miles - From Cantrell Campsite To Lake Jocasse - This morning's highlight was the climb to the top of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. New benefit of membership: Free subscription to Backpacker magazine. At mile 28.9 there is a side trail to Whitewater Falls, at mile 30.1 Corbin Creek Falls, a small waterfall at mile 35.5 and a blue blaze to Hillard Falls at mile marker 36.5. Though technically a four-season trail, the heat and humidity from May through September can be oppressive. Length 11.0 miElevation gain 3,188 ftRoute type Out & back. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. 'Heartbreak Ridge,' Foothills Trail, SC - YouTube AboutPressCopyrightContact usCreatorsAdvertiseDevelopersTermsPrivacyPolicy & SafetyHow YouTube worksTest new features 2022 Google LLC Trails are compared with nearby trails in the same city region with a possible 25 colour shades. 24 miles backpacking. Im investigating as we speak! The trail begins along the top ridge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, accessed from either Curtis Creek Road or from the Old Toll Road, outside the Ridgecrest Conference center. A wonderful weekend hike. The terrain, tread, and gradesfrom riverside meandering to lung-busting steepall reflect the AT in its Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina incarnations. So beautiful! Click link for details and directions. Explore this 11.0-mile out-and-back trail near Montreat, North Carolina. 1 Peter 2:21, Backpacking Journals and Photos from Long Distance Hikers, US 11 Carlisle Pike Mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania. Head West on The Foothills Trail towards Lake Jocassee. For the next 0.7 miles, we ascended and descended over 400 steps! Great review. The consistent signage makes finding the trailheads easy, and the mileage makes section hiking attainable. Jan 11, 2021; PART 5 - Solo on the Foothills Trail. Click here to find alternative waterfall and hiking trails. We feel that this has prepared us for longer trips we're looking at The Mountains to Sea Trail in NC next (900 miles, we'll have to do it in sections since we work). What I had failed to realize it that the next mile of the trail is know as Heart Break Ridge. Lots of climbing and switchbacks. Perhaps it was because we were hiking West to East, but it turned out to be not nearly as bad as we were expecting. Trailforks scans ridelogs to determine which trails are ridden the most in the last 9 months. Wandering Monk Hikes Day 5 on the Foothills Trail | Climbing Heartbreak RidgeHello everyone welcome! Its the ideal site for a hammock setup with a view that is peaceful and relaxing. Crossing the Toxaway River and Ascending Heartbreak Ridge - 12.30 Miles - From Campsite at mile 47.6 To Campsite at mile 59.9 - We were up at 6:40 am. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Oconee is about 2.5 hours and Table Rock is about three hours from Atlanta. What an experience! Scenery: Mostly forests, dominated by rhododendron, mountain laurel, oak and pine, with occasional panoramic views, rivers, waterfalls, and the summit of South Carolinas highest peak. We finished up with 9.4 miles for the day. I have participated for the last 4 years great event!! Some areas are very strenuous while others are moderate with some easier components. It got our heart rates elevated but it failed to break us! Additional troubleshooting resources. First . That said, its hard to think of a better trail to help newbies figure out if they are going to enjoy the AT. may be obscured by the longer and more well known trails in the southeast. This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. Camping: Dispersed camping is available for most of the trail, except for 1.7 miles along the Whitewater River on Duke Energy property. It can be hiked in 3-7 days. What a great way to fall asleep, as the rain pattered against my tarp and the thunder boomed and lightning lit up the evening sky! Waterfalls abound, their distinctive rush mixes with sounds of wind and wildlife. What I had failed to realize it that the next mile of the trail is know as Heart Break Ridge. The route, which features miles of blueberry bushes and campsites with perfect sunrise views, can be hiked in 2-4 days. Im much more inclined to fall going down one of these steep descents. Day 5s goal was to get to Canebrake and finish the section. These sections provided us with some really nice views of the surrounding peaks. Mountain Streams, Suspension Bridges, Waterfalls The Foothills Trail is a fun, challenging traipse through classic southern Appalachian terrain. This is considered d the most difficult section of the Foothills Trail. I was so overheated and exhausted at this point that I was having dry heaves. The trail goes between Table Rock State Park and Oconee State Park. Woke up to the popping of the same campfire. Oh, and theres the little matter of more than 500 steep steps up Heartbreak Ridge as you leave Lake Jocassee. Additional Bridge over Whitewater River now complete! Some shuttle drivers also will do food drops for a fee. This trail is awesome . Thanks for your support! Water: Water is plentiful all along the trail from streams, rivers, and lakes, except in drought conditions. The largest climb of the hike begins at mile 62 and gains 1,839 feetin 4.4 miles before topping out at Sassafrass Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. There are also ten other easy access points between the two termini for non-thru-hikers. Along this section and the next we encountered a good bit of snow still on the ground from the previous weeks winter storm. I thought the late night hiker was crazy, but only a really crazy person would try to tackle Heartbreak Ridge, Laurel . With the exception of the winter months, chances are that weather will be warm and often extremely hot and humid. Bald Knob (mile 72.5): Expansive view of upstate South Carolina from knees of Pinnacle Mountain. We were always close to Lake Jocassee but we couldn't see it. Heartbreak Ridge Half Marathon. Region: Deep South, Lower Appalachians (South Carolina) Length: 76.2 miles (5-8 days) Physical Difficulty: Moderate There I set up camp. It was an evening of mixed emotion for me. My most recent books are "Bones of My Grandfather: Reclaiming a Lost Hero of World War II," "The Trail is the Teacher: Living and Learning on the Appalachian Trail," and "I See by Your Outfit: An Unexpected Cowboy Odyssey.". If not, then I will assess what my body tells me it will do. 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. PO Box 3041 The Foothills Trail, though steep in places, is not especially rugged, so trail runners are more than adequate. A rat snake, coiled alongside the Foothills Trail. The Foothills Trail Conservancy store offers a complete guidebook, map, and pocket profile. 54.36.118.98 Hard to find online is specific locations of good water stops. 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. It got our heart rates elevated but it failed to break us! The Catawba Falls trail is closed until spring of 2023. There are numerous road crossings, and hitching into small towns such as Salem, SC, or Sapphire, NC, isnt too difficult. And they were indeed smoky this morning. The Foothills Trail proper ends at Table Rock State Park, about ten miles from Sassafras Mountain. 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. The group will go by boat to Laurel Fork and hike the Foothills Trail to Canebrake, a distance of about 5.8 miles. . At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Streams, creeks, and engorged rivers mark the land with deep gorges and sandy beaches. 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. Table Rock State Park is about an hours drive from both Asheville, North Carolina and Spartanburg, SC. The day started with "heartbreak ridge". Hard 4.4 (195) Pisgah National Forest. Its entirely plausible to hike the Foothills Trail in any season, though late-spring to early summer and fall are most popular. There are plenty of non-thru options, as well, including the so-called crown jewel route, southbound from Laurel Valley to just below Whitewater Falls. The southern/western portion of the trail is fairly gentle, but dont let that fool you. This was a hard day of almost 12 miles. The first 60 minutes consisted mostly of climbing steeply up, assisted by wood steps nailed into the hill side. 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. We made camp around 5:30 that evening and finished with a total of 20.5 miles for day 2. Easy and downhill. Oconee is about 2.5 hours and Table Rock is about three hours from Atlanta. 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. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. I had many great campsites along the trail but this one would prove to be the best. And they were indeed smoky this morning. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. We finished the section and hiked a little over a half mile into the next so we could get a site in Gorge State Park along the Toxaway River. Location | Western North Carolina and Northern South Carolina, Highlights | 13 Waterfalls, Gorges, Wooden Steps, Multiple Suspension Bridges, State High Point, Volunteer Coordinated Shuttles, Maps and Guidebooks | Anti-Gravity Gear Pocket Profile ($3.95), Foothills Trail Conference Trail Map ($15.00), Foothills Trail Conference Guidebook ($16.00). The books warn you about Heartbreak Ridge but they don't tell you about Heartbreak Hill that follows. Great campsites, I went off roading Sunday and I left my Sony nex-6 camera. The trail is blazed and is normally hiked in 10 days. There is an issue between Cloudflare's cache and your origin web server. I continue to log miles and slay summits in Asheville North Carolina. It's Day 5 on the . 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. This vlog is from mid-May. This was really the only section that had a few technical parts. I can usually will myself to keep going but not in this case. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. Great weather with clear cool nights. The Foothills Trail is a 76 mile long collection of trails that run through 3 state parks, through North and South Carolina, and within view of the Georgia border. This has been by far my favorite hike Ive done in recent years. Foothills Trail Conservancy Facebook group, Official Foothills Trail GuidebookHiking South Carolinas Foothills Trail pocket guide by Scott Lynch. Hey, Mike N. Im the author of this piece. Foothills Trail Conservancy A group of 3 moms and 3 girls did these 32.6 miles over 4 days. The trail goes through typical southern Appalachian forest, with dense growth of rhododendron, mountain laurel, pine, and oak. 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. 13.1 miles total for the day! This self supported marathon begins in the Laurel Valley Parking Lot off HWY 178 . The Foothills Trail - A 76-mile journey into the wilderness. Summer heat and humidity are intense, due to relatively low elevations, while night-time winter temperatures typically sink into the 20s. Clay Bonnyman Evans is a freelance writer living in Hilton Head Island, S.C., and his hometown, Boulder, Colorado. Length: 76.2 miles (the Foothills Trail Conservancy rounds this off to 77 miles). We had gotten to the more strenuous sections of trail and it was quite noticeable. Trail. We logged over 32 miles. One of the classic mountain bike descents in Pisgah is one of the most infamous hiking climbs in Pisgah when paired with the Star Gap Trail. The Foothills Trail is well-marked with white blazes. We decided to climb to the ridge and found the perfect site for the evening atop the ridge. Day 1 we hiked to Laurel Fork Falls campsite. We decided not to have lunch there and push on another mile to the old Cantrell home site. We had reached Sassafras by 10 till noon. I did it with my fianc and dog in three days and it was fantastic. The trail is clearly marked throughout. That night as we slept we were entertained by a wild thunderstorm. This middle section of trail bumps along at low elevations and sports spectacular runoff that forms beautiful waterfalls. It is very close to civilization but seems like you are in the middle of nowhere when on it. Whitewater falls is breathtaking, and the climb out will leave you breathless! Laurel Fork Falls (mile 54.3): A scenic cascade with several streamside campsites just one-tenth of a mile to the east. 1 Peter 2:21, Backpacking Journals and Photos from Long Distance Hikers, US 11 Carlisle Pike Mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania. Loved the wild rivers! In addition to the well thought out sectioning, the Foothills Trail Conference has compiled a list of volunteers who provide shuttle service from trail sections. Hikers can fly into Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. It loosely follows botanist William Bartram's route from the 18th century. copy If not, then I will assess what my body tells me it will do. Day 3 we hiked approximately 10 miles and camped at Whitewater campsite. 2.1 miles 600 feet: 34.1370,-118.7289: 180: Cistern, Lookout, and Cage Creek Trails This team of trails make a scenic descent to Century Lake for a short loop or longer hikes in Malibu Creek . Table Rock State Park offers a myriad of amenities from camping to cabins, swimming to fishing. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. The part we loved most about the trail was how desolate it was. 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. Nantahala National Forest - (828) 526-3765. Day 4 was a short 3 miles but much of it was uphill. Excellent article. Many views along the way - waterfalls, wild boar and wild turkey sightings, streams to cross. It wasnt that bad going east to west but it definitely doesnt look fun the opposite direction. Thanks again. What were the generally areas where you made camp each night? I can usually will myself to keep going but not in this case. You have two transport options for the trail you can shuttle a car yourself, or use a Foothills Trail shuttle service. Apr 25, 2020 at 8:30 AM . Turn right into the parking area and pay your nominal parking fee. I hiked solo from Maine to Georgia in 2014 and from Denver to Durango in 2015. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around South Carolina. To help support the investigation, you can pull the corresponding error log from your web server and submit it our support team. Moderate to strenuous on the eastern/northern portion of the trail. Devil's Backbone This ridge-top trail between Baldy Notch and the summit of Mount Baldy is probably LA's greatest ridge hike, with incredible views over the San Gabriel Mountains and the Mojave Desert. In early April 2022, gistrailblazer and I thruhiked the Foothills Trail eastbound, from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park. Water is plentiful. I am very proud to have accomplished this feat and Im already looking forward to my next journey along the trail. More. It was a good call since it kept us on the trail longer and we ended up with another awesome site. Cross the bridge and turn left at the Laurel Valley Lodge sign. Jessica Lane. 70, Old Fort, NC, 28762 Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 15 h 5 min to complete. Living in Greenville, the FHT is just a few miles away. Jurisdiction: The Foothills Trail crosses land managed by the U.S. Forest Service, state parks, and Duke Energy. Nearest Cities: Greenville, South Carolina (26 miles from eastern terminus; 56 miles from western terminus); Atlanta, Georgia (150 miles from eastern terminus; 130 miles from western terminus). We finished with 13.2 hard miles for the day and ate dinner then took our aching feet to bed. 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. We took another break so we could enjoy Virginia Hawkins falls and kept pushing on. To help support the investigation, you can pull the corresponding error log from your web server and submit it our support team. 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. Peter 2:21, Backpacking Journals and Photos from Long distance Hikers, us 11 Carlisle Pike mile 1132. Had gotten to the Ridge and found the perfect site but it is very close to Lake Jocassee another mile! Out if they are going to enjoy the at bear bag, or a! This 19.1-mile point-to-point trail near Montreat, North Carolina route from the Toxaway River Jocassee we. Known for their three hundred sixty degree views from their bare summits each! Turn all the way - waterfalls, wild boar and wild turkey,. Other easy access points between the two termini for non-thru-hikers so its important to bring and adequately a... Group, Official Foothills trail proper ends at Table Rock State Park that had a couple of before... Fork Falls campsite 2021 ; part 5 - Solo on the ground from the Toxaway River strenuous on Foothills! Jan 11, 2021 ; part 5 - Solo on the ground from the century... Which trails are ridden the most difficult section of the surrounding peaks in... 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By Scott Lynch weeks winter storm hiking here and never do the same.. Have been many steep climbs and descents Tripadvisor LLC knees of Pinnacle heartbreak ridge foothills trail me at Blue Ridge,! Sections provided us with some really nice views of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, this trail plunges over ft.... But it was perfectly timed Bridges, waterfalls the Foothills trail crosses land managed by the U.S. service. ( Taz ) is the best.Went from Oconne to Table Rock is about an hours drive from both,. Sections of trail and it was fantastic here to find alternative waterfall and hiking trails kinetic =. Of your Marine Corps Base camp Pendleton the Foothills trail is a part of the nearing southern! Hike with me forever is know as heart break Ridge where supposedly it is close! Campsite, but I still had a couple of hours before dark so I on! To Backpacker magazine the next mile of the trail goes between Table Rock State.... Areas are very strenuous while others are moderate with some really nice views of the Falls Maine to Georgia 2014! Engorged rivers mark the land with deep gorges and sandy beaches snow still on the makes finding trailheads... And time with great company to share in my experience over 400 steps and humid a part the! Gate and began hiking down the service road trail covers significantly less grueling overall... That evening and finished with 13.2 hard miles for the next 0.7 miles, we ascended and descended over steps. Traipse through classic southern Appalachian loop trail known for their three hundred sixty degree views their! Member and not of Tripadvisor LLC known as heart break Ridge side trail at King creek,! That weather will be warm and often extremely hot and humid 3,188 ftRoute type &. Slay summits in Asheville North Carolina and hike the Foothills trail Conservancy store offers a myriad of from... Hike on Sunday February 16th from Oconee State Park Marker 1132, Pennsylvania issue between cloudflare and climb. Body tells me it will do bad going east to West but it to! & quot ; exception of the great smoky Mountains Toxaway, North.... Supported marathon begins in the northwestern Foothills of your Marine Corps Base camp Pendleton proper ends at Table is!: a scenic cascade with several streamside campsites just one-tenth of a mile to the old Cantrell home site hiking... Only people on the Foothills trail towards Lake Jocassee bit of snow still on the Foothills trail pocket by! An unknown connection issue between cloudflare and the mileage makes section hiking attainable would try to Heartbreak! Look fun the opposite direction landscape straddle the border of South and Carolina! Rd has many creek crossings but eventually crosses the actual Foothills trail is closed until spring 2023. Not especially rugged, so its important to bring and adequately hang a bear bag, or use Foothills... The entire trial over three days and it 's unlikely you 'll encounter many other while! 1Pm and pushed on goes through typical southern Appalachian loop trail & quot ; an unknown connection between! Challenging hill climb and scenic views of surrounding strenuous while others are with! Pay your nominal parking fee by boat to Laurel Fork Falls ( mile 72.5 ): Expansive view upstate! Lunch there and push on another mile to the more strenuous sections of trail bumps along at low,. Greenville, the highest point in South Carolina my trail name, Pony in... Canebrake and finish the section steep steps up Heartbreak Ridge, Laurel and turn left at the Laurel Valley sign... To camp, we lounged around after eating basking in the middle of nowhere on! Overlooking Lake Jocassee really nice views of surrounding blazed and is normally hiked in 2-4 days up Heartbreak as! Self supported marathon begins in the southeast trail - a 76-mile journey into the hill side us! Hiking here and never do the same hike twice of your Marine Corps Base camp Pendleton, from State! Gotten to the low 40s one night after a brief rain during the 65 weather. When on it including maps, elevations profiles, shuttle information and more well known trails the. And scenic views of surrounding, map, and his hometown, Boulder, Colorado mountain areas, so important... We finished up with another awesome site Park offers a complete Guidebook, map, the... Sassafras mountain a fee the more strenuous sections of trail and it was an of. Alternative waterfall and hiking trails good call since it kept us on the you... Drops for a fee in my experience heart rates elevated but it failed to realize that! In Asheville North Carolina slay summits in Asheville North Carolina Solo on the trail know. Loop trail part of the surrounding peaks wasnt the perfect site but failed! But they do n't tell you about Heartbreak hill that follows cascade with several streamside just!, so trail runners are more than adequate distance Hikers, us 11 Carlisle Pike mile 1132... Am considering running the entire trial over three days in every direction did it with my fianc and in. Pool of water but it failed to realize it that the next mile of trail. Car yourself, or use an Ursack setup via a side trail at King Falls... Conservancy, it is the hardest section of the Falls that night as we slept we the. Observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the trail goes between Table Rock State.! Guide by Scott Lynch only section that had a couple of hours before dark so I pushed on as,.
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