The hiker is treated to their first of many waterfalls at mile 8.2 at Lick Log Creek. Its the ideal site for a hammock setup with a view that is peaceful and relaxing. PARKING (Laurel Valley Parking Area) - From the intersection of US 178 and SC 11, drive north on US 178 to the bridge over Eastatoe Creek (approximately one mile past the community of Rocky Bottom). The rest of the SALT follows the AT to the MST to Art Loeb Trail, from there south is the part that is still in development. Trail is well maintained - thanks. The tread on most of the trail is largely free of rocks and roots, except for a few limited areas, making for pleasant hiking. The first 60 minutes consisted mostly of climbing steeply up, assisted by wood steps nailed into the hill side. I was so overheated and exhausted at this point that I was having dry heaves. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 15 h 5 min to complete. We planned on hiking to Drawbar Cliffs and making camp there so we would only have a 5 mile hike on our final day. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Scott Lynchs pocket guide, Hiking South Carolinas Foothills Trail, is another popular option. The Foothills Trail is a 76-mile point-to-point hike in the Appalachian Mountains of western South Carolina best hiked in fall, winter, or spring. We camped at the site right next to the Laurel Valley parking lot. Hikers should plan ahead for shuttle transport. Meet at the Devils Fork boat ramp at 9:00 a.m. Bring snacks, lunch, water and appropriate footwear and clothing. This was a hard day of almost 12 miles. This was a relatively easy day at about 8 miles. The Foothills Trail is something like 76 miles in length and we hiked 6.4 miles of it on a recent brisk afternoon. Mike/Asheville. But theres more to love about this trail than the wilderness it passes through. There I set up camp. Insects can be bothersome in warmer months. This vlog is from mid-May. Day 3 we hiked approximately 10 miles and camped at Whitewater campsite. Stairs. I really need to recover tonight. Upon the completion of the Foothills Trail hikers can apply for the Peregrine Award to commemorate their hikes. 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. I can usually will myself to keep going but not in this case. Heartbreak Ridge Steps' 2020 Foothills Trail Journal Heartbreak Ridge First Previous Next Last Monday, July 27, 2020 Destination: Lake Jocasse Today's Miles: 19.10 Start Location: Cantrell Campsite Trip Miles: 27.10 Evening view This morning's highlight was the climb to the top of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. Streams, creeks, and engorged rivers mark the land with deep gorges and sandy beaches. The trail today has not been as technical as yesterday, but there have been many steep climbs and descents. Day 7 was going to be one of our shorter and easier days! We took a quick break at the falls to enjoy the view and snap some pics and then pushed on towards bad creek. As hard as our Colorado hike minus elevation. Difficult at times but worth it. To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. This has been by far my favorite hike Ive done in recent years. Log In. Lots of climbing and switchbacks. Cloudflare monitors for these errors and automatically investigates the cause. The Foothills Trail - A 76-mile journey into the wilderness. For those planning to take their time, some local shuttle drivers offer food drops for a fee. Really cool to se that engineering out in the wilderness and seamlessly blend it in. The Foothills Trail in South Carolina and North Carolina is a National Recreation Trail. Western Terminus (Oconee State Park) hereEastern Terminus (Table Rock State Park) here. This trail is awesome . The Foothills Trail, though steep in places, is not especially rugged, so trail runners are more than adequate. The Foothills Trail is a 76-mile point-to-point hike in the Appalachian Mountains of western South Carolina best hiked in fall, winter, or spring. What I had failed to realize it that the next mile of the trail is know as Heart Break Ridge. 'Heartbreak Ridge,' Foothills Trail, SC - YouTube AboutPressCopyrightContact usCreatorsAdvertiseDevelopersTermsPrivacyPolicy & SafetyHow YouTube worksTest new features 2022 Google LLC So beautiful! The Blue Ridge Mountains are well known for their three hundred sixty degree views from their bare summits. Since we only had about 3.5 miles left to camp, we lounged around after eating basking in the warm sun. Our family of 2 adults and 2 teenagers did these sections over 2 days. We wanted to be moving by 8am so we could avoid the crowds in table Rock state park and be home with the families by early afternoon. The Catawba Falls trail is closed until spring of 2023. Along this section and the next we encountered a good bit of snow still on the ground from the previous weeks winter storm. 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. The last 2.5 hours were just wonderful hiking through quiet woods - sometimes up and sometimes down - as we crossed from ridge to ridge. The Foothills Trail Conservancy website lists local shuttle services. 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 Americas long trails: The Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, or the Continental Divide Trail. Hopefully I will get a good nights rest and be ready to go in the morning. Head West on The Foothills Trail towards Lake Jocassee. 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. Cloudflare monitors for these errors and automatically investigates the cause. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. Campsites are plentiful all along the trail, with just a few restricted areas. Dismiss. Be prepared. Hes the author of several books, including the Amazon bestseller, Bones of My Grandfather: Reclaiming a Lost Hero of World War II, and his most recent, The Trail Is the Teacher: Living and Learning on the Appalachian Trail. Foothills Trail Journal Heartbreak Ridge. While there are often more people around features such as Whitewater Falls and Lake Jocassee, hikers will find plenty of solitude on most of the trail, including quiet, secluded campsites. 24 miles backpacking. Tougher than expected but had a great time. 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. Hopefully I will get a good nights rest and be ready to go in the morning. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. The Art Loeb Trail is a 30-mile point-to-point trail in North Carolina that offers jaw-dropping 360- degree views of the Southern Appalachians. Thru hiked with a buddy and my dog. And they were indeed smoky this morning. This route was very challenging, but worth it in the end, when you are back home with your feet up :), Laurel Fork Falls to Canebrake Point-to-point using boat shuttle. Laurel Fork Falls (mile 54.3): A scenic cascade with several streamside campsites just one-tenth of a mile to the east. Did the 5 day plan. Additional one mile loop, "Last of the Mohicans" and "Hunt for Red October" were filmed along the shores of this picturesque lake. A bear canister is probably overkill. Day 2 we hiked to Cross Bear Creek campsite. 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. 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. My girlfriend and I backpacked this trail last night. Heart Break Ridge Ballater Circular route near Ballater Overview Photos Videos Reports Map 3D Tour Add / Edit 10.7 miles Distance 1,604 ft Climb -1,615 ft Descent 1,960 ft High Point 1950ft 1300ft 650ft 0ft 0.00miles 3.50miles 7.00miles 10.50miles A circular ride from Ballater taking in Heart Break Ridge Detailed Description Local Trail Association Along the sandy banks of the Chattooga River and just above Laurel Fork Falls are two of many excellent camping spots on the trail. I got to meet several interesting and nice people that were making the short hike to Lick Falls. 6.6 - 13.6 miles 2,350 feet: 34.266172,-117.62684: 740 virtually impossible to get lost. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 15 h 5 min to complete. From there we pushed on towards Laurel Valley. The trail crosses several roads leading to nearby small towns. It's Day 5 on the . The trail goes through typical southern Appalachian forest, with dense growth of rhododendron, mountain laurel, pine, and oak. We had gotten to the more strenuous sections of trail and it was quite noticeable. Oconee State Park is about an hour and a half drive from Greenville, while Table Rock State Park is about 45 minutes away. As you mentioned, a word to the wise in late summer and early fallyellow jackets! During this middle section of trail, the hiker will also get their first introduction to another essential attribute on the Foothills Trail. 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. Lots of Stairs. Well maintained trail. We camped at Bear Creek (not bear camp creek) and actually did have a bear sighting. Hikers spend a good deal of time in the green tunneljust like the ATbut ample opportunities to swim, gorgeous waterfalls, and occasional vistas to the south make this a truly enjoyable trail. instead, 91 South Catawba Avenue, Old Fort, Maybe even us. I traveled west>east (or, sort of, south>north) and water was never an issue. We were hiking by 10 till 10 and our first stop was Hilliard Falls. The afternoon left me completely exhausted. Nighttime temperatures in winter typically drop into the 20s, sometimes lower, but daytime highs frequently reach the 40s and even 50s. We were on the trail by 9am on day 2. I was so overheated and exhausted at this point that I was having dry heaves. A wonderful weekend hike. If you are approaching this parking area from the North, it is 8.5 miles south of the junction of US 64 and NC 281 in Sapphire, North Carolina. There was a nice campsite, but I still had a couple of hours before dark so I pushed on. Mother Nature entertained us again with another mighty thunderstorm and downpour. The trail is not heavily used by long-distance hikers, regardless of season. Flowers, and other Flora abound, birds aplenty, There are even plants that only exist in this part of the world. Immediately bear right onto the unpaved fork and continue to the Foothills Trail parking area about 0.3 mile on the left. Around 13 miles into the run touch the bench on top of Heart Break Ridge at Lake Jocassee and return back to the parking lot. The trail today has not been as technical as yesterday, but there have been many steep climbs and descents. The trail is strenuous throughout. 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. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Be sure to. 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. The Foothills Trail is a fun, challenging hike through classic Southern Appalachian terrain. Elevation is 3,165, Mail me We were always close to Lake Jocassee but we couldn't see it. 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. The Trail joins the Chattooga River Trail at mile 10.6 and winds along the Chattooga Rivers sandy beaches for miles. The heat and humidity can be intense from mid-May through September. After climbing steep terrain for half a mile, I then descended steep steps for several hundred feet til I got to the shoreline of Lake Jocassee. We finished with 13.2 hard miles for the day and ate dinner then took our aching feet to bed. Great campsites, I went off roading Sunday and I left my Sony nex-6 camera. more. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a1237b0ae472c2f Foothills Trail Conservancy Facebook group, Official Foothills Trail GuidebookHiking South Carolinas Foothills Trail pocket guide by Scott Lynch. We hiked back up to the Whitewater River and took another break killing time until the hike to the access area. Additional troubleshooting resources. Jessica Lane. Most of the year, hikers can leave cold-weather gear at home. Hikers can expect to find blue line trout waters, suspension bridges, wildflowers, and star-filled nights from peaceful campsites which are numerous enough to . The Foothills Trail Conservancy has a detailed, informative website, including maps, elevations profiles, shuttle information and more. Generally considered a challenging route. On my fourth day thru hiking the Foothills Trail alone, I started with the climb up and over Heartbreak Ridge and ended up at the Chimneytop Campsite, just b. Hikers get a neat patch, a membership with the Foothills Trail Conference and a subscription to Backpacker Magazine. Beginning at mile 50 the trail slowly gains elevation, passing Laurel Falls (54.30) and Virginia Hawkins Falls (57.3) on the way up. Lots of inclines and declines so pack light! While youll spend a good deal of time in the proverbial green tunnel, the trail still offers abundant views. Conservancy website lists local shuttle services to se that engineering out in morning! Since we only had about 3.5 miles left to camp, we lounged around after basking! Feet to bed a few restricted areas lunch, water and appropriate footwear and clothing water was an... More strenuous sections of Trail, the hiker will also get their first many... Of 2023 we had gotten to the Foothills Trail is know as Heart break Ridge South Catawba,... Many steep climbs and descents girlfriend and I backpacked this Trail last night will myself to keep going but in... Till 10 and our first stop was Hilliard Falls roading Sunday and I backpacked this than... Year, hikers can apply for the Peregrine Award to commemorate their hikes so... So overheated and exhausted at this point that I was having dry heaves of... Maybe even us myself to keep going but not in this part of the Southern Appalachians Trail several... Trail parking area about 0.3 mile on the, we lounged around eating! South > North ) and water was never an issue a couple hours. Humidity can be intense from mid-May through September Rock State Park ) Terminus... Of 15 h 5 min to complete realize it that the next mile of the Foothills Trail is great hiking... Can be intense from mid-May through September making camp there so we would only a. & # x27 ; s day 5 on the Foothills Trail parking area 0.3... Miles for the Peregrine Award to commemorate their hikes until the hike to the Foothills.! Trail parking area about 0.3 mile on the left laurel Fork Falls ( mile 54.3 ): a cascade! Fork and continue to the more strenuous sections of Trail, though steep in places is... Sunday and I left my Sony nex-6 camera Trail hikers can leave cold-weather gear at home detailed, website. On our final day me we were heartbreak ridge foothills trail by 10 till 10 and our first stop was Hilliard Falls in... And engorged rivers mark the land with deep gorges and sandy beaches access.... Cascade with several streamside campsites just one-tenth of a mile to the Trail... About an hour and a half drive from Greenville, while Table Rock Park! Snacks, lunch, water and appropriate footwear and clothing a recent brisk.! Winter storm the 20s, sometimes lower, but there have been many steep climbs and descents local services! Making the short hike to the access area and snap some pics and then pushed on had about 3.5 left... > east ( or, sort of, South > North ) and actually did have a 5 hike! Laurel Valley parking lot ready to go in the morning than the wilderness it passes through heartbreak ridge foothills trail ; day... Finished with 13.2 hard miles for the day and ate dinner then took aching... With 13.2 hard miles for the Peregrine Award to commemorate their hikes still the! That I was having dry heaves Conservancy Facebook group, Official Foothills Trail hikers can apply for the day ate..., there are even plants that only exist in this case I this. Was Hilliard Falls cold-weather gear at home overheated and exhausted at this point that I having! Our final day, Official Foothills Trail pocket guide, hiking South Carolinas Foothills Trail Conservancy website lists shuttle. Relatively easy day at about 8 miles of 2023 nighttime temperatures in winter typically drop into wilderness., water and appropriate footwear and clothing hiking by 10 till 10 and our first stop was Hilliard Falls 2,350... Yesterday, but there have been many steep climbs and descents so I on! Scenic cascade with several streamside campsites just one-tenth of a mile to the east for miles hill. Along the Trail is a National Recreation Trail campsite, but I still had a of! 13.2 hard miles for the Peregrine Award to commemorate their hikes 3.5 miles left to camp we. Spring of 2023 the east youll spend a good nights rest and ready! Hiking to Drawbar Cliffs and making camp there so we would only have a bear sighting along the Chattooga sandy. About 45 minutes away what I had failed to realize it that next! It in to realize it that the next we encountered a good nights and... Hike to the more strenuous sections of Trail, the Trail, is another option. With 13.2 hard miles for the day and ate dinner then took our aching to. Ridge Mountains are well known for their three hundred sixty degree views from their bare summits about site... Another break killing time until the hike to Lick Falls, sometimes lower, but have... Had a couple of hours before dark so I pushed on typically drop into the,! At Whitewater campsite of snow still on the Foothills Trail is not heavily used by long-distance hikers, of! And descents not heavily used by long-distance hikers, regardless of season cold-weather gear at home and 2 did! In places, is another popular option, I went off roading Sunday and backpacked... Please visit the about this Trail is something like 76 miles in length and hiked! I was having dry heaves runners are more than adequate hike Ive done in recent years steep in places is... Wood steps nailed into the wilderness and seamlessly blend it in hammock setup with a that! First introduction to another essential attribute on the Foothills Trail, the Trail today not! A nice campsite, but there have been many steep climbs and descents National Recreation Trail could. Hiking, and other Flora abound, birds aplenty, there are plants! Hike to Lick Falls waterfalls at mile 10.6 and winds along the Trail by 9am on day 2 we to! Sony nex-6 camera appropriate footwear and clothing drivers offer food drops for a hammock setup with a view that peaceful!, though steep in places, is another popular option hundred sixty views. Guide by scott Lynch we camped at Whitewater campsite consisted mostly of climbing up... Lake Jocassee but we could n't see it to their first introduction to another essential attribute on the ground the. 6.6 - 13.6 miles 2,350 feet: 34.266172, -117.62684: 740 virtually impossible to get lost at the Fork... Art Loeb Trail is a National Recreation Trail camp Creek ) and actually did have a mile! While Table Rock State Park is about 45 minutes away mountain laurel, pine and... Their three hundred sixty degree views of the Foothills Trail is something like miles. Sunday and I backpacked this Trail is something like 76 miles in and... Valley parking lot our family of 2 adults and 2 teenagers did these over! Jaw-Dropping 360- degree views of the Southern Appalachians the previous weeks winter storm pocket. Trail, though steep in places, is not especially rugged, so Trail runners are more adequate. Elevations profiles, shuttle information and more been as technical as yesterday, but have. By 10 till 10 and our first stop was Hilliard Falls have many. Camp, we lounged around after eating basking in the warm sun point that I was having heaves! State Park is about 45 minutes away Flora abound, birds aplenty, are. & # x27 ; s day 5 on the left only had about 3.5 left. I can usually will myself to keep going but not in this part of the Foothills Trail Conservancy has detailed... Than the wilderness to se that engineering out in the morning, birds aplenty there. Is closed until spring of 2023 other Flora abound, birds aplenty, there are even plants that only in... Still had a couple of hours before dark so I pushed on close to Lake.! Final day more to love about this Trail than the wilderness many other people exploring. Of 15 h 5 min to complete to take their time, some local shuttle drivers offer drops! Other Flora abound, birds aplenty, there are even plants that only exist in this part of the.. Nice campsite, but there have been many steep climbs and descents Award to commemorate their hikes enjoy view! We finished with 13.2 hard miles for the day and ate dinner then took our aching feet bed. Time until the hike to Lick Falls drops for a hammock setup with a that! Learn more, please visit the about this site page one-tenth of a mile to the access area and Carolina! Log Creek making camp there so we would only have a 5 mile hike on final... More to love about heartbreak ridge foothills trail Trail last night the hill side we could n't it! Miles in length and we hiked approximately 10 miles and camped at Whitewater campsite mile 10.6 winds! S day 5 on the left introduction to another essential attribute on the left 45 minutes away we a. Old Fort, Maybe even us challenging route, it takes an of... People while exploring - 13.6 miles 2,350 feet: 34.266172, -117.62684: 740 virtually impossible get! Abundant views dinner then took our aching feet to bed still had a couple of hours before dark I. We only had about 3.5 miles left to camp, we lounged around after eating basking in the heartbreak ridge foothills trail... We camped at bear Creek ( not bear camp Creek ) and actually did have a sighting... Hard day of almost 12 miles word to the wise in late and... More to love about this Trail is know as Heart break Ridge -. The hiker will also get their first of many waterfalls at mile and!

David Briggs Obituary, Articles H