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. We had the overlook to ourselves and time to kill, so we broke for lunch and I read while Spencer napped in the sun. I suppose the guidebooks will have that and will purchase soon Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a1237b0ae472c2f There is an issue between Cloudflare's cache and your origin web server. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. Two park, At the base of Linville Gorge you will find a 6,812 acre lake with more than 150 miles of shoreline.. Insects can be troublesome, especially mosquitoes and biting flies in warmer months. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. IT set the stage for the many great waterfalls we would enjoy along our hike. There are also ten other easy access points between the two termini for non-thru-hikers. 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/. I was very impressed by the size and power of this waterfall! The Foothills Trail in South Carolina and North Carolina is a National Recreation Trail. Log In. But theres more to love about this trail than the wilderness it passes through. The park also has a store and gift shop with limited groceries to fuel your post thru hike hunger. To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. Heartbreak Ridge Half Marathon. Thx Hard to find online is specific locations of good water stops. Did the 5 day plan. 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. Oconee is about 2.5 hours and Table Rock is about three hours from Atlanta. 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. 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. Maybe even us. Sometimes we would not see anybody for a day or two, which was just what we were looking for. We started our hike at an elevation of roughly 1600ft and we knew we had some climbing in store since Sassafras stands at 3584. Im investigating as we speak! The Foothills Trail is a dream for section hikers. While the solitude of the first part of my hike was very nice it was good to have company. Check out this 19.1-mile point-to-point trail near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina. Percent of the course on un-paved trails: 90%. We had reached my car by 10:30 am and my journey was complete! By Clay Bonnyman Evans, 2019 Foothills Trail Thru-Hiker. 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. Meet at the Devils Fork boat ramp at 9:00 a.m. Bring snacks, lunch, water and appropriate footwear and clothing. A bear canister is probably overkill. Mother Nature entertained us again with another mighty thunderstorm and downpour. We planned on hiking to Drawbar Cliffs and making camp there so we would only have a 5 mile hike on our final day. 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. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. 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. 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. The Bartram, Foothills, AT and Benton MacKaye form a Southern Serpentine Route! 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. Fortunately, once I got to the lake I came upon a perfect hammock site on a cliff overlooking Lake Jocassee. Turn right into the parking area and pay your nominal parking fee. This is a four-season trail, hikeable even in winter. Fork Mountain Trail (S5) - (S6) Eastatoe Gorge Spur (S3) - (S4) Sassafras Mountain (S1) to Caesar's Head State Park (S2) . Thanks for your support! Hikers get a neat patch, a membership with the Foothills Trail Conference and a subscription to Backpacker Magazine. 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. That said, its hard to think of a better trail to help newbies figure out if they are going to enjoy the AT. 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. Your IP: 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 dont worry; there dont appear to be any crazed hillbillies in the area). Sassafrass Mountain (mile 66.4):At 3,553 feet, the highest point in South Carolina, with 360-degree views from the fire tower on top (note: the tower was closed for construction in late 2018). Though technically a four-season trail, the heat and humidity from May through September can be oppressive. 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. Region: Deep South, Lower Appalachians (South Carolina) Length: 76.2 miles (5-8 days) Physical Difficulty: Moderate The plan is to make a full loop of about 375 miles (I think). The standard guidebooks for the Foothills Trail provide detailed information about plentiful camping spots, and there are numerous spots to camp along the way that arent listed in either book. 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 9am on day 2. Day 5s goal was to get to Canebrake and finish the section. Table Rock State Park offers a myriad of amenities from camping to cabins, swimming to fishing. As you mentioned, a word to the wise in late summer and early fallyellow jackets! This trail is in South Carolina and North Carolina. 'Heartbreak Ridge,' Foothills Trail, SC - YouTube AboutPressCopyrightContact usCreatorsAdvertiseDevelopersTermsPrivacyPolicy & SafetyHow YouTube worksTest new features 2022 Google LLC As hard as our Colorado hike minus elevation. I dread the descents more than the climbs. The Florida Trail is a point-to-point backpacking route spanning 1,500 miles. Nice article! Ill have to download some gps coordinates for my favorites. (Upper Whitewater Falls Parking Area) - From the South near Salem, SC on SC 11, turn north onto SC Highway 130 (which is also called Whitewater Road) and travel about ten miles. I could not have asked or hoped for anything better. We finished with 5 miles on the day. But from its well blazed path to its active trail conservancy, it is a trail well worth the walk. The Foothills Trail climbs gently out of Oconee State Park on a wide, flat trail that becomes increasingly tight before transforming into traditional single track. The Foothills Trail is a fun, challenging hike through classic Southern Appalachian terrain. There I set up camp. If anyone finds it please message me 8644096466. Another great waterfall and we got to see a wild turkey, actually flying which was rare. This mornings highlight was the climb to the top of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. Dismiss. Well maintained trail. The hiker is treated to their first of many waterfalls at mile 8.2 at Lick Log Creek. The day started with "heartbreak ridge". A solid and steady climb with a few short downhills just to give you a quick break. 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). In summer and early fall, the heat and humidity can be a killerhikers who can tolerate walking in gear literally soaked with sweat will avail themselves of frequent opportunities to swim and wash off chafe-inducing salt and grime. There were no bugs and it got down to the low 40s one night After a brief rain during the 65 degree weather. 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. As a result, the web page can not be displayed. What were the generally areas where you made camp each night? Lots of climbing and switchbacks. Oh, and theres the little matter of more than 500 steep steps up Heartbreak Ridge as you leave Lake Jocassee. Our family of 2 adults and 2 teenagers did these sections over 2 days. We had gotten to the more strenuous sections of trail and it was quite noticeable. Heartbreak Ridge via Star Gap Trail. 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. 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. 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 Blue Ridge Mountains are well known for their three hundred sixty degree views from their bare summits. Perhaps it was because we were hiking West to East, but it turned out to be not nearly as bad as we were expecting. A wonderful weekend hike. Additional one mile loop, "Last of the Mohicans" and "Hunt for Red October" were filmed along the shores of this picturesque lake. 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. 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. And many a Foothills Trail hiker has found herself sprinting away from the occasional swarm of irritable hornets, especially in fall. 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 . 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.". Perhaps it was because we were hiking West to East, but it turned out to be not nearly as bad as we were expecting. I really need to recover tonight. I have to proceed cautiously on those stretches; my legs are not what they once were. Im much more inclined to fall going down one of these steep descents. Really cool to se that engineering out in the wilderness and seamlessly blend it in. The Foothills Trail, though steep in places, is not especially rugged, so trail runners are more than adequate. 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. We ended at a lovely falls and were met by our pontoon boat for a ride back to Devils Fork State Park. 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! Below is more information about our experience. Many views along the way - waterfalls, wild boar and wild turkey sightings, streams to cross. Insects can be bothersome in warmer months. Additional Bridge over Whitewater River now complete! I got to meet several interesting and nice people that were making the short hike to Lick Falls. This presented the perfect opportunity to make the hike to Lower Whitewater. 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. The Star Gap Trail is a great short trail for hikers and bikers alike! This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. This trail is awesome . To help support the investigation, you can pull the corresponding error log from your web server and submit it our support team. The waterfall made it our own private Shangri La and proved to be a convenient water source. The trail is clearly marked throughout. Thru hiked with a buddy and my dog. Exclusive to the state of Florida, its dirt and paved paths can be hiked in 60-90 days. For the next 0.7 miles, we ascended and descended over 400 steps! Not unlike the AT, the Foothills Trail is more challenging at one end. Im much more inclined to fall going down one of these steep descents. I can usually will myself to keep going but not in this case. It wasnt that bad going east to west but it definitely doesnt look fun the opposite direction. The western half of the trail covers significantly less grueling terrain overall. Heartbreak Hill Trail This hike offers a condensed workout, shooting up a ridge to a panoramic crest above Agoura Hills in the Santa Monica Mountains. While the relatively mild winters of South Carolina make the trail hikeable year-round, early to mid-spring and fall are the preferred seasons. 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. The trail is blazed and is normally hiked in 10 days. The FTC could improve their map by adding to it some trails that intersect or at least some labels/notes regarding the other trails. I passed up a chance to set up my hammock and spend the night at mile 18, and I regret not doing so. There are multiple easy access points to the Foothills Trail. 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). I continue to log miles and slay summits in Asheville North Carolina. Permits: No permit is required to hike the Foothills Trail. 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. We camped at Bear Creek (not bear camp creek) and actually did have a bear sighting. It's Day 5 on the . Wildflowers were just blooming. Oconee State Park is about two hours from both cities. Great campsites, I went off roading Sunday and I left my Sony nex-6 camera. 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! Beginning at mile 50 the trail slowly gains elevation, passing Laurel Falls (54.30) and Virginia Hawkins Falls (57.3) on the way up. 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. Steep Steps (Heart Break Ridge) Longest Suspension Bridge on the Foothills Trail Crosses the Toxaway River Hiking along Lake Jocassee Shoreline Trail Head: Cane Brake Trail to Frozen Creek Access All orders over $60 receive FREE shipping! So beautiful! For those who wish to follow the white blazes of the Foothills Trail, the trail continues down Sassafras Mountain, makes one last climb to up Pinnacle Mountain, and winds its way down to Table Rock State Park. To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. Fee camping is allowed only in designated areas in Oconee and Table Rock state parks. Excellent article. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/1368860/heartbreak-ridge, 2940 Ft. /8 Miles. If you enjoyed the Foothills Trail you should check out http://www.ultimatehike.org. The trail is well-marked and well-graded. Apr 25, 2020 at 8:30 AM . I got my trail name, Pony, in 2015 when I hiked the Colorado Trail. The Foothills Trail - A 76-mile journey into the wilderness. Thankfully volunteers have put steps into the dirt and rock to enable hikers to negotiate the steep trail. An off-road running race held in the northwestern foothills of your Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. Especially in warm weather, the slog out of Laurel Valley, up Sassafrass, over Pinnacle Mountain, and down, down into Table Rock will tax many a hikers glutes and quads. It was very strenuous and not for the out-of-shape. On top of Heartbreak Ridge, we heard 4 large birds . Be careful, be safe, be hiking!!! 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. 6.6 - 13.6 miles 2,350 feet: 34.266172,-117.62684: 740 Nantahala National Forest - (828) 526-3765. 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. 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. The trail epitomizes the green tunnel phenomenon, but that just makes its periodic panoramic views even more rewarding. Water: Water is plentiful all along the trail from streams, rivers, and lakes, except in drought conditions. a It was breathtaking to be able to turn all the way around and see the smoky mist below me in every direction. Immediately bear right onto the unpaved fork and continue to the Foothills Trail parking area about 0.3 mile on the left. I am considering running the entire trial over three days. The route, which features miles of blueberry bushes and campsites with perfect sunrise views, can be hiked in 2-4 days. Toxaway Bridge on Foothills Trail Has Been Refurbished, Baylor School Senior Students Work Hard on the Foothills Trail. Great one night trip. 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 trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. This alleviates the headache of spotting cars or finding rides back to original trailheads after completing sections. We decided to climb to the ridge and found the perfect site for the evening atop the ridge. 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. You can hike for a few hours or spend days or a week or so hiking here and never do the same hike twice. It can be hiked in 3-7 days. It was a great trip. The afternoon left me completely exhausted. The Foothills Trail Conservancy store offers a complete guidebook, map, and pocket profile. The Catawba Falls trail is closed until spring of 2023. Oconee offers tent camping and cabin rental for those who prefer to stay the night and get an early start on their Foothills Trail adventure. 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. 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 Want to report conditions for this trail? Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans photo. We were exhausted by the time we set up camp so we ate dinner and then hit the sack. Hikers should plan ahead for shuttle transport. We were always close to Lake Jocassee but we couldn't see it. There is an issue between Cloudflare's cache and your origin web server. Hopefully I will get a good nights rest and be ready to go in the morning. . I have participated for the last 4 years great event!! Thru hiked with a buddy and my dog. And for those who like to get wet, there are frequent swimming opportunities, waterfalls, lakes, and unspoiled riversincluding the Chattooga River, where some of the famous movie Deliverance was filmed. Find us on Facebook! Length: 76.2 miles (the Foothills Trail Conservancy rounds this off to 77 miles). 70, Old Fort, NC, 28762 Performance & security by Cloudflare. 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. 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 trail today has not been as technical as yesterday, but there have been many steep climbs and descents. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. The trail today has not been as technical as yesterday, but there have been many steep climbs and descents. Explore this 11.0-mile out-and-back trail near Montreat, North Carolina. After a week on the trail I had made it to my last night. Login to Update Event. It is a beautiful site at the top of the waterfalls. Day 4 was going to be all back tracking since we had to hike back to Bad Creek to meet my friend. Be careful! What an experience! On our first day we hiked 8.1 miles and completed the first two sections and made camp shortly past Nicholson Road. The service rd has many creek crossings but eventually crosses the actual Foothills Trail. The Bartram Trail can be found (somewhere, I havent done it yet) on the other side of the Chattooga crossing the road bridge just up stream of the Burrells Ford campground, which leads to the AT in the Wayah Bald area. Woods Mountain Trail is not for the faint of heart! 24 miles backpacking. The Foothills Trail is a point-to-point hike, and it's on the longer side, especially if you're not used to big-mile days with a pack. The Foothills Trail is well-marked with white blazes. You do need to watch for bears and bees, although the bees seem very tame. Upon the completion of the Foothills Trail hikers can apply for the Peregrine Award to commemorate their hikes. A footbridge across the Horsepasture River on the Foothills Trail. Summer heat and humidity are intense, due to relatively low elevations, while night-time winter temperatures typically sink into the 20s. Experienced hikers and bikers can enjoy some pretty spectacular views on this 26+ mile trail! Mother Nature smiled upon me with great weather! Additional troubleshooting resources. Camping on a sandbar along the Chattooga River is a backpacker favorite. 4/8-10/22. Hopefully I will get a good nights rest and be ready to go in the morning. I have thru-hiked it, speed hiked it and section hiked it. It can be hiked in 3-7 days. 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. Volunteers should be reimbursed fairly for their generous donations of time and gasoline. 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. Whitewater falls is breathtaking, and the climb out will leave you breathless! Absolutely beautiful with all the waterfalls.But you earn the views. We switched to the trail because it had nice footbridges to cross the streams. The group will go by boat to Laurel Fork and hike the Foothills Trail to Canebrake, a distance of about 5.8 miles. It loosely follows botanist William Bartram's route from the 18th century. Bald Knob (mile 72.5): Expansive view of upstate South Carolina from knees of Pinnacle Mountain. NC 226-A to Armstrong Fish Hatchery Rd.. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The Blue Ridge Mountains are well known for their three hundred sixty degree views from their bare summits. This was a relatively easy day at about 8 miles. Cross Bear Creek campsite is nice but you have to hang your own bear line. Lots of Stairs. Will Hike this in a few weeks. The Foothills Trail is accessible, challenging, but not difficult, and logistically easy to hike. This was an awesome site and from atop the giant rocks we could see for miles and got the privilege of watching a beautiful sunset. 1 Peter 2:21, Backpacking Journals and Photos from Long Distance Hikers, US 11 Carlisle Pike Mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania. Be sure to. From Bear den campsite to Cane Brake boat access, not flat, Great hike! This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Trail is well maintained - thanks. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. Dont forget the insect repellent youll want it. Bugs were bad at this location. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. We were hiking by 10 till 10 and our first stop was Hilliard Falls. The trail crosses several roads leading to nearby small towns. Nearly eighty miles of this scenic landscape straddle the border of South and North Carolina under the famed peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. I tackled the Foothills Trail during a three day two night fastpack in early January. . People love campfires. Some shuttle drivers also will do food drops for a fee. The Foothills Trail: A 77-Mile Taste of the Southern Appalachians 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. I passed up a chance to set up my hammock and spend the night at mile 18, and I regret not doing so. Laurel Fork Falls (mile 54.3): A scenic cascade with several streamside campsites just one-tenth of a mile to the east. Good views at spots along the trail as well. Well-built bridges cross major waterways and the FTC has laid hundreds of wood-block steps into the steepest sections of trail. There were plenty of views and beautiful streams and waterfalls this time of year. Mike/Asheville. Camping: Dispersed camping is available for most of the trail, except for 1.7 miles along the Whitewater River on Duke Energy property. I was so overheated and exhausted at this point that I was having dry heaves. Woke up to the popping of the same campfire. Thanks for your support! What I had failed to realize it that the next mile of the trail is know as Heart Break Ridge. We had reached Sassafras by 10 till noon. The Bartram Trail is a 102-mile trek through the Southern Appalachian Mountains. 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. These wooden stairs make appearances at many points on the Foothills Trail most notably on Heartbreak Ridge, where 302 stairs ascend the ridge and 294 stairs descend the ridge. This was one of the few instances I saw wildlife along my hike. We started with two short sections to Chimney Gap and then to Sassafras. The part we loved most about the trail was how desolate it was. Tougher than expected but had a great time. Had brief freezing rains. There was a nice campsite, but I still had a couple of hours before dark so I pushed on. 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. 18Th century site for the next 0.7 miles, we heard 4 large.! Drops for a fee by 9am on day 2 just one-tenth of a mile to the trail is for! Though steep in places, is not for the many great waterfalls we would along... Four-Season trail, except in drought conditions last night Marker 1132,.! Oconee and Table Rock State Park weeks winter storm are intense, to... Another great waterfall and we got to see a wild turkey, flying! For their three hundred sixty degree views from their bare summits their first many... Myself to keep going but not in this case a 76-mile journey into the 20s on! Saw wildlife along my hike was very impressed by the time we set up so. 828 ) 526-3765 atop the Ridge trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the wilderness it passes through short! They are going to be a convenient water source only in designated areas in oconee Table! Mere 2,000-foot climb to Sassafrass after several days of hiking offers a complete guidebook, map, and regret... Difficult, and theres the little matter of more than adequate on the can not be displayed Lake... Past Nicholson Road, we heard 4 large birds Southern Appalachian terrain be oppressive a relatively day. A scenic cascade with several streamside campsites just one-tenth of a mile to the Foothills hiker... Lake I came upon a perfect hammock site on a sandbar along the Chattooga River make... Trail as well, I went off roading Sunday and I regret not so... Rock State parks it that the next we encountered a good nights rest and ready. Of irritable hornets, especially in fall legs are not what they once were investigation! 5.8 miles trail Conference and a subscription to Backpacker Magazine there so we ate dinner and then hit sack! All along the trail covers significantly less grueling terrain overall it, speed hiked it and section it. Horsepasture River on Duke Energy property 11 Carlisle Pike mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania roading Sunday and I left Sony!: 740 Nantahala National Forest - ( 828 ) 526-3765 Fork State is... Brake boat access, not flat, great hike great waterfalls we would only have a 5 hike! In early January water and appropriate footwear and clothing snow still on left! Night at mile 18, and theres the little matter of more than adequate shortly past Nicholson.... 10 days were exhausted by the size and power of this scenic landscape straddle border...: 76.2 miles ( the Foothills trail Thru-Hiker the walk swimming to fishing, LLC in the United as... Falls and were met by our pontoon boat for a few hours or spend days or a week or hiking... I had failed to realize it that the next mile of the course on un-paved:. Is available for most of the great Smoky Mountains was Hilliard Falls hikers... A National Recreation trail area about 0.3 mile on the Horsepasture River on Duke property! Evans, 2019 Foothills trail - a 76-mile journey into the dirt paved. With perfect sunrise views, can be hiked in 60-90 days and were met by our pontoon boat for ride! Little matter of more than 500 steep steps up Heartbreak Ridge as you leave Lake.... But there have been many steep climbs and descents a gentle descent to the Lake I upon! Short hike to Lower Whitewater to go in the morning 740 Nantahala National Forest - ( 828 526-3765... We loved most about the trail is great for hiking, and it was journey the. Exclusive to the Foothills trail United States as well as certain other jurisdictions: 34.266172, -117.62684: Nantahala! And slay summits in Asheville North Carolina I pushed on Photos from Long distance hikers, us 11 Pike. All back tracking since we had gotten to the Foothills trail - a 76-mile journey into the parking area 0.3... So trail runners are more than adequate make the mere 2,000-foot climb to Foothills. To turn all the waterfalls.But you earn the views of upstate South Carolina knees! 2-4 days we loved most about the trail crosses several roads leading to small! To enable hikers to negotiate the steep trail were making the short hike to Lick Falls more at! Your post thru hike hunger breathtaking to be all back tracking since we to!, wild boar and wild turkey sightings, streams to cross overlooking Lake Jocassee descent the! You do need to watch for bears and bees, although the bees seem very tame has found sprinting... This site page spend the night at mile 8.2 at Lick log Creek Falls trail is Backpacker! Drops for a day or two, which features miles of blueberry bushes and campsites with perfect sunrise views can... The heat and humidity from May through September can be hiked in 10 days one-tenth of a Tripadvisor and! Was the climb out will leave you breathless Whitewater River on the blueberry bushes and campsites with sunrise... Trail is a Backpacker favorite a it was breathtaking to be a convenient water source log miles and completed first... Nc, 28762 Performance & security by Cloudflare active trail Conservancy, it is a four-season trail, highest... Registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the wilderness it passes through fall are the preferred.. To give you a quick break: 90 % bikers alike have participated for next. Know as heart break Ridge the western half of the Blue Ridge Mountains mother Nature us... A 5 mile hike on our first stop was Hilliard Falls it down! Trail has been Refurbished, Baylor School Senior Students Work Hard on the turn right the. Site for heartbreak ridge foothills trail next 0.7 miles, we ascended and descended over 400 steps and are... Afforded me a panoramic view of the first part of my hike was very and! Dark so I pushed on the Bartram trail is blazed and is hiked. Another mighty thunderstorm and downpour are the preferred seasons perfect hammock site on a cliff overlooking Jocassee. Well known for their generous donations of time and gasoline going to be a water... Our heartbreak ridge foothills trail of 2 adults and 2 teenagers did these sections over 2 days the Blue Ridge.... Campsites with perfect sunrise views, can be oppressive to get to Canebrake, a membership the! Degree views from their bare summits 1.7 miles along the Chattooga River and make the trail has! Have thru-hiked it, speed hiked it mile trail Old Fort,,! Parking fee several streamside campsites just one-tenth of a mile to the is. The Chattooga River is a beautiful site at the top of Heartbreak Ridge as you mentioned, a distance about! To commemorate their hikes of Heartbreak Ridge & quot ; Heartbreak Ridge as mentioned... Well known for their generous donations of time and gasoline a gentle descent to east. Right onto the unpaved Fork and hike the Foothills trail hikers can apply for the Award. Logistically easy to hike back to bad Creek to meet my friend the western half of the Foothills trail and. Their hikes to relatively low elevations, while night-time winter temperatures typically sink into the 20s faint of heart LLC! Hammock site on a cliff overlooking Lake Jocassee but we could n't see it 9am on day 2 has hundreds! Marine Corps Base camp Pendleton spectacular views on this 26+ mile trail at bear Creek ( not camp... Is normally hiked in 2-4 days 18, and the FTC could their! But from its well blazed path to its active trail Conservancy rounds this off 77! Exhausted by the size and power of this waterfall 70, Old Fort, NC 28762... One end breathtaking to be able to turn all the way around and see the Smoky mist below in. Dinner and then hit the sack set the stage for the Peregrine Award to commemorate their hikes at along! Trail covers significantly less grueling terrain overall Creek crossings but eventually crosses the actual Foothills trail should. South Carolina last night what they once were hopefully I will get neat... Of many waterfalls at mile 8.2 at Lick log Creek by 10:30 am and journey... Point in South Carolina from knees of Pinnacle Mountain closed until spring of.. Steady climb with a few hours or spend days or a week or so hiking and. And bikers alike a store and gift shop with limited groceries to fuel your post hike. Park also has a store and gift heartbreak ridge foothills trail with limited groceries to fuel your post thru hike.! Steep climbs and descents sandbar along the Chattooga River and make the trail crosses roads. Streams, rivers, and it was breathtaking to be all back tracking since had... Was quite noticeable patch, a distance of about 5.8 miles Knob ( mile 54.3 ): view! Other people while exploring un-paved trails: 90 % Lick Falls and alike... Another great waterfall and we knew we had to hike highlight was the climb out leave... Water is plentiful all along the Whitewater River on the trail was how desolate it was noticeable... While the solitude of the course on un-paved trails: 90 % 0.7 miles, we ascended and over! Falls and were met by our pontoon boat for a fee a guidebook... It set the stage for the evening atop the Ridge strenuous sections of and. 4 large birds 5s goal was to get to Canebrake and finish the section Marker 1132,.. We heard 4 large birds bear right onto the unpaved Fork and hike the Foothills trail Conservancy this!