Hike back out the same way the next day. I would think we are in good shape, so would it be too far/hard to go from Hwy 178 to the Bad Creek Access in three days or is about the same distance as Oconee State Park to the Bad Creek Access, if so, which one is better? Foothills Trail section centerlines that were gps'd and include information regarding surface type, maintenance responsibility, improvements, etc. Hit The Trail “Not only does the Foothills Trail offer a superior hiking experience (Backpacker magazine rated it as “one of the best long trails [fifty plus miles] in the country”), it also provides access to some spectacular waterfalls for sightseers and photographers….” The 2,190-mile Appalachian Trail, 2,650-mile Pacific Crest Trail, and 3,100-mile Continental Divide Trail are collectively known as the “Triple Crown,” America’s trio of epic long-distance trails. There are lots of wildflowers growing here. It makes up the eastern part of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, while Caesars Head makes up the western part. Our pace picks up and bit until we stumble across some ripe wild blackberries. Spirits high, we carried on. All in all, the Foothills Trail section 1 was an incredible hike but I don’t know that I would recommend it in the heat of a South Carolina summer. Sassafras Mountain Trail Access. Sloan Bridge Trail Access. We came out of the woods onto the parking lot, and climbed the paved path to the top. The 2.1-mile southern segment starts east of downtown and heads south toward Buckley on asphalt for 1.2 miles. This is the guide that we have used for all of our trips on the Foothills. Within minutes we had finished the hike and dropped our packs. After a short nap, we push our way back into the forest and through the weeds. We find some shade on the rock to cool off and take in the view. Lake Joccasee from the Foothills Trail. We’re treated to our first descent of the day and we couldn’t be happier. To pass the time we complained about the heat and humidity and how we would never do something like this again, which is almost certainly a lie. But maybe that’s because we picked the hottest day of the year to make the 3,500 foot trek to South Carolina’s highest point – 95 degrees with our packs on was no easy feat. We crested the final hill and below us was the road we were looking for and a beautiful river running along side it. Table Rock can be seen behind us and Paris Mountain can be seen off into the distance. Sep 13, 2018: A Day Well Spent on Lake Jocassee. Soon the vegetation starts to close in on us and it makes our way even harder as the trail hasn’t mellowed out at all. Connor goes off ahead to see if he can find it. The following is an affiliate link. We continued hiking until we reached a set of stairs, the likes of which I have never before seen in a forest. The ghostly skeletons of mighty hemlocks, denuded by the invasive hemlock wooly adelgid, pose a stark contrast to the vibrant fall display, strangely beautiful in their own way. We went last weekend as it was our fall break it was experience for me. According to our guide book we’re looking for a campsite after crossing 2 bridges. Early on Thursday, July 4, we drove separate cars up to the Laurel Valley access (A4 in Google Maps) where we left a car, and then to the Table Rock Visitor Center to apply for an overnight parking pass. Photo by Kevin Hanson . We slept almost 12 hours after the exhausting first day. to Hillard Falls. Hikers yield to horses. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-carolina/foothills-national-recreation-trail FOOTHILLS TRAIL Bicyclists yield to horses and hikers. Continuing down a steep staircase the trail levels out and follows a contour line around the mountain. Cane Brake Trail. Uploaded: 4/12/2012. The City of Fort Collins Natural Areas and Trails Rangers frequently patrol here. One heads north into farmland for 1.9 miles. Thanks for all the ideas, I really like Rain Man's idea but I don't want to double back if possible. It was my first foray into backpacking with all of my kids at once (and without my husband in tow for most of it! As the trail leveled out, we hiked through fern-filled valleys and white pine forests that had been planted in the ’70s after the forest was logged. Contacts. Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Unfortunately our clothes were still sweat-soaked from the day before. Length| 77 Miles 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) On such a hot day it would have been a welcomed sight, but here there was only a slow trickle. The 21-mile Foothills Trail was built on a former historic railroad bed and snakes through the Puyallup River valley southeast of Tacoma in Pierce County. Image via . Click anywhere on the photo for more information and a full photo gallery of each section. While sections of the trail can be quite popular, like at Table Rock State Park or Whitewater Falls (the tallest falls east of the Rockies), once you’re a mile or so past the nearest trailhead it feels like you have the forest to yourself. The Foothills Trail Conference was established on May 23, 1974 as a non-profit 501 (c) (3) organization to promote and support the development of the Foothills Trail. This 21-mile-long trail is a popular commuter route and recreational destination for bicyclists, while hikers enjoy shorter, more manageable segments of the trail. we respect your privacy and take protecting it seriously, Deception Pass State Park: an Unforgettable Hike in the Puget Sound, The Best Shorts I’ve Ever Worn: A Review of the Abit Gear Enduro MTB Short, Sleeping at the Foot of a Giant: Backpacking to Burnt Lake. As interest in the establishment of the Foothills Trail increased, a formal unifying entity was needed. These would be a series of fun, casual hikes with family that would allow us all to spend more time together before my departure in February of next year—Caesar’s Head aside. It features numerous waterfalls and stunning views on the eastern half. We kept a good pace for much of the morning and stopped for lunch early. When we got to the road it was quickly apparent that this was not the road we started on. But if y'all are feeling energetic, then take the side trail to Lower Whitewater Falls (about 3/4ths of a mile). Our water is running low but we’re lucky to find a stream flowing over a slick rock face. We finished eating and were in the tent before it was even dark. The Foothills Trail shares a trail with Table Rock Trail for a few hundred feet. It runs from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park, crossing the area north of 7,656-acre Lake Jocassee, in the northwest corner of the state. The cold water felt amazing and we rinsed off two days of dirt and sweat. There are many flat tent spots and new fire rings installed by Boy Scouts. Waterfalls abound here and there are a few little popular swimming holes. It’s exciting, but a little treacherous, when the trail has us climbing over and around them. See Pierce County’s newest section of the Foothills Trail from Buckley to South Prairie. If you want to give her more adjustment to backpacking there is also the option of hiking the trails in Jones Gap state Park. After acquiring burgers and fries and a banana pudding milkshake, we made it home to our cat Cooper who had been maintaining the household in our absence. Foothills Trail Map & Directions. Start at the Bad Creek Access and hike north (east?) This hike along the creek is a great day hike for families and there are many great spots to cool off in the water! I am wondering what section of the Foothills Trail would be the best to take my girlfriend on. It was short but a nice intro into the addiction known as backpacking. When we could hear car doors slamming from the parking lot, we knew we were close to the top. The maps were consulted and we determined that we had roughly 2 more miles to descend and the sections ahead of us were some of the steepest yet. Amy had one mission: find a swimming hole. Once at the trailhead, we filled out some more hiker information at the Nature Center just to be safe, and then we were on our way! This 72-miler has the trail’s highest point, its longest stretch above treeline, and a shag carpeting of wildflowers in late summer. The 5.7 mile stretch between Laurel Fork Falls and Cane Brake (The Toxaway River)follows the shoreline of Lake Jocassee. We keep trudging along and pass half a dozen bridges with no campsite in sight. With boots on dirt again we started heading down the other side of the mountain and, thankfully, back into the shade. We have done overnight trip in Paris Mountain State Park to the North Lake and camp on the lake. If you purchase the guide through the link, you won’t pay anything extra, but we’ll get a small commission. Section 2 starts at Laurel Valley Access (where we ended our In this video I take on the divisive subject of which end is best to start at. Foothills Trl Crossing Hwy 178. After what feels like hours we find the Cantrell Campsite (clearly marked), our home for the night! With carefully placed steps we descended and soon the trail began switching back on itself – we could hear the telltale sign of a road nearby. Chimneytop Gap Trail Access. No luck. The campsite is a large multi-party site. Over the years we have hiked and backpacked a few sections and have fallen in love with it’s beauty and remoteness. After leaving that strenuous climb behind you, the grade of trail … It’s a really neat landscape. The 76-mile Foothills Trail runs through Upstate South Carolina, climbs the state’s tallest peak, rambles through temperate rain forest, crosses the border into North Carolina, and passes countless waterfalls, including some along the Chattooga River. Bearcamp Creek Hilliard Falls. Eventually, we find ourselves hiking through rhododendron and pine forests. Camp there near Hillard Falls (or the site one mile past there). The first 30 miles starting at Oconee State Park would be pretty awesome. There are lots of rock outcrops and some cool overhangs that we walk under. Over the years we have hiked and backpacked a few sections and have fallen in love with it’s beauty and remoteness. The proceeds go back into the trail and help with maintenance and conservation. Lower Whitewater Falls . This trail is popular with cyclists, hikers, and horseback riders, and there are several trailheads depending on the stretch you would like to travel. One of my best friends hiked it with us, with her four children. The Foothills Trail is a 76-mile (122 km) National Recreation Trail in South and North Carolina, United States, for recreational hiking and backpacking.It extends from Table Rock State Park to Oconee State Park.It passes through the Andrew Pickens Ranger District of the Sumter National Forest, Ellicott Rock Wilderness, Whitewater Falls, and Lake Jocassee. Black-eyed Susan, foam flowers, and phlox line the trail. In the center of the site is a fire pit ringed with stone chairs. As we ate our sandwiches, storm clouds were forming over us so we didn’t rest for too long. Breakfast was instant oats as usual, but lately we’ve been supplementing it with mixed seeds and freeze-dried raspberries to make it extra tasty and filling. However, we have not yet used their guide for any of our trips. Nice! Connor had a new camp pillow he was trying out and fell asleep immediately. Whether you’re looking for a day hike or planning a multi-day through-hike, the Foothills Trail offers adventures of every length and difficulty. Fall or spring would surely be a great time backpack this section! The chairs even have arm rests! With pass in hand, we drove across the road to the park entrance and readied our packs. There are plans to connect this section of trail with the Enumclaw Trail which picks up on the opposite shore and heads into the town of Enumclaw. At this point there was another great campsite that had just been claimed – it had new fire rings and benches, nice flat tent spots and a view to die for. The pool is full of critters and Connor can’t help but try to catch a crayfish, without success. Now I am trying to find a good long weekend section of the Foothills Trails to take her on to show a multi-day trip, but I don't want to take her on something she can't handle. It is a popular 12-foot wide paved commuter route and recreational destination for hikers, bikers and in-line skaters. We were disappointed we never came across a swimming hole since we left the park. Best Trails & Photos. The Wilkeson section is awaiting connection to the rest of the Foothills Trail it was a beautiful hike, but cold at night(reaching the 30s both nights). We soon come across a natural cave and can’t help but take a peek. The same can be said of our overnight hike of the Foothills Trail section 1 – once we were out of Table Rock State Park where the trail starts, we didn’t see another person until the next day when we reached the crowds who drove to the top of Sassafras Mountain. Outsmarted by crustaceans, but full of turkey sandwiches, we carry on. At this point, we reach a part of the forest that burned in a wildfire in 2016. There's a highway crossing where you could get picked up (or dropped off) at around there too. 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.A trail corridor linking Table Rock State Park in the north/east to Oconee State Park to the south/west, was completed in 1981. For this reason it’s often called “The Crown Jewel”. The Foothills Trail sections 2 and 3 start in upstate South Carolina and contain some of the most beautiful and difficult parts of the trail. Matthew und Bob führten die Wanderung an. This National Recreation Trail is South Carolina’s longest trail. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-carolina/foothills-trail-a4-to-a8 Scroll over the images to see section titles. Get the app Foothills Trail ... A beautiful trail through the foothills in North and South Carolina. They were nearly vertical and dropped about 40 feet. Fatigue is setting in at this point. FOOTHILLS TRAIL MAP SOUTH CAROLINA 75 miles. It didn’t take us long to pack up camp after breakfast, but it did take us a while to get back into the groove of hiking after such a hard hike the day before. Spark and I wanted to tackle the Foothills Trail, a long trail that was a short drive from our home place of Asheville, North Carolina. Then the Foothills Trail veers off to the left and is a part of Pinnacle Mountain Trail. Posted on January 12, 2002 by Admin. After about 3 hours we find a nice little waterfall and pool with shade that we utilize for lunch and water filtration. This starts as a 0.2-mile paved trail and then becomes gravel and later a dirt track running between pasture fence lines. The grade steepens even more and there isn’t much shade – while the undergrowth is making a comeback, the trees have not. Start at 10,899-foot Molas Pass and climb east through Elk Creek drainage to the barely there trail. It’s a nice distraction as the trail pitches straight up towards Pinnacle Mountain. Eventually, with more funding, the trail will run the entire length, from Puyallup to Buckley. The Foothills Trail has lots of ups and downs, so 5 miles is harder than it sounds. Sign In To Add To Favorites Loading Trails Round Mountain Gap. Shortly after leaving the falls the trail begins the steepest ascent and descent on the Duke Power section of trail. The Trail. Just watch out for the Hatfield's and McCoy's! The day started with a 1-mile moderate climb to the top of Sassafras Mountain. That will be the end of the line until a bridge across the White River is added, a step not expected until perhaps 2023. Thanks for all for all the info. If we were to continue straight up the mountain we would be on the Ridge trail that takes you back to Table Rock. Spend some time at Hillard Falls. We have done overnight trip in Paris Mountain State Park to the North Lake and camp on the lake. this middle section of the Foothills Trail. Alternatively, the Foothills Trail Conservancy publishes a guide that you can find on their store page. The Best Section Hikes on the AT, CDT, and PCT. After tackling the 76 miles of the Foothills Trail’s main walkway in September my dad and I decided it would be fun to hike every spur trail it had to offer. Upper Whitewater Falls Trail Access. It also has a soft shoulder path for equestrians. There are great views of the foothills out to the south. Local Club: Foothills Trail Conservancy. After thoroughly refreshing ourselves we retrieved car #1 and drove back to Table Rock to pick up car #2. Laurel Valley & Eastatoe Gorge. We keep hiking but our pace is slowed. We were high on the ridge and had an incredible view of the forest below us. The 76-mile Foothills Trail runs through Upstate South Carolina, climbs the state’s tallest peak, rambles through temperate rain forest, crosses the border into North Carolina, and passes countless waterfalls, including some along the Chattooga River. Finally we see blue sky in front of us and reach a bald outcrop called Bald Rock – clever right? All Sections 13 Spur Trails 6. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-carolina/foothills-trail-a9-to-a11 Lake Jocassee shimmers in the distance, embraced by hills covered in a patchwork of autumn colors. Treffen Sie eine Wanderung mit The Local Hiker. That's 5 (or 5.7) miles, depending on how you read the map and guidebook, which are confusing at Bad Creek. About the Trail. We broke the 30.7 mile hike into a 2 night, 3 day trip. After dark, a light rain started and Fourth of July fireworks shows could be heard in the distance (according to Amy). This next section is full of huge boulders that fell from the mountain above.  We started at the the east fork trail and hike down the chattooga trail for around 7 miles and back finishing on the foothills trail. Where fall meets winter in GSMNP. Sep 3, 2019: Toxaway Bridge on Foothills Trail Has Been Refurbished. The trail mellows out in this section with mountain laurel tunnels and lots of shade – it’s very characteristic of the Foothills Trail and it’s a nice change of pace after the beating we’ve taken over the last 6 or so miles. We only had 7 miles to go today and we took our time in the morning. ), so I was a bit rusty after a long hiatus from backpacking to raise little kids! We top off our water and then hold onto the heavy-duty cable spanning the gap that’s been installed to help us over the slippery rock. Frozen Creek Access. Best Sections of the Appalachian Trail to Hike in the Fall. The terrain here is pretty rugged. Please read metadata for additional information. This section is highly trafficked due to it’s accessibility and beauty. Feel free to ask them about the trails and natural areas. We dropped our packs and set up our tent, collected water and made dinner. Even though he was exhausted from his last week as an instructor in wilderness therapy he still packed his bag and came with me. I am not new to hiking as I have done it with my parents since I was 9 years old, how ever, I am new to overnight backpacking. The foothills trail winds a path along the Puyallup river, from behind Kmart to the bridge on 5th St. N.E. Sliding down the river bank, clothes were off and we dove into the river. We snapped a few pictures but didn’t stay at the top for long. Some ominous clouds were forming in the distance and we could hear the storm getting closer. After a short pep talk (including discussions of burgers and fries), we carried on. It breaks the trail into 5 sections and we use those breaks when we write about the trail. Instead, Duke Power offered to build and maintain the central section of the Foothills Trail. Rangers 970-416-2147 For life-threatening emergencies call 911. It was short but a nice intro into the addiction known as backpacking. On-Trail Distance: 71 miles Foliage Time Frame: Mid-September – Early November Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous. View Full Version : Best section of the Foothills Trail to hike with my gf? Posted on January 17, 2019 January 28, 2019 by admin. They provide a cooling respite with shade and trickling water. It follows Carrick Creek and crosses over it a number of times. You can find my written blog posts about our hikes on the Foothills Trail and how we tackled it section by section right here. Off to our right is a small bald that looks north to North Carolina and the Blue Ridge mountains. The current Enumclaw section of the Foothills Trail ends at the historic Boise Creek Bridge. I spent a couple days solo backpacking and really enjoyed the hike, though I underestimated the strain on my body as this was not something I was doing regularly. Photo by:johndoreen Dowhill descent on the Wilkeson Foothills Trail. County close to opening new section of Foothills Trail to Boise Creek. Best of Puyallup; Contact Us; Downtown, Education, Puyallup Foothills Trail. The Foothills Parkway is a national parkway which traverses the foothills of the northern Great Smoky Mountains in East Tennessee, located in the southeastern United States.The 72.1-mile (114 km) parkway will connect U.S. Route 129 (U.S. 129) along the Little Tennessee River in the west with Interstate 40 (I-40) along the Pigeon River in the east. Following a short path behind the site leads to a wire and pulley system that makes hanging our bear bag a cinch. The trail continued losing elevation and off in the distance we could see the road where our hike finished. Best section of the Foothills Trail to hike with my gf. Burrell’s Ford Trail Access. Just last year the summit was clear-cut and a large viewing platform was built. Can you trailside camp on the anywhere Foothills or only at designated campsites, they don't really answer this question on the Foothills website. My first whack at it was about ten years ago covering sections 4, 5, 6 and 7 from the Laurel Fork to Upper Whitewater Falls. A spur trail connects it to Caesars Head State Park. Another path leads to a small creek and a cistern that collects water if the creek is dry. I am not new to hiking as I have done it with my parents since I was 9 years old, how ever, I am new to overnight backpacking. Small potatoes compared to some of the huge climbs in the Smokies. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-carolina/foothills-trail-through-hike Subscribe to our mailing list and get newsletters to your email inbox. Heres some pics. There were a lot of tourists on this holiday weekend. I have spent two seasons hiking sections of the foothills trail. Highest Point Coney Peak (13,334 feet) Best Week Molas Pass to Creede. Two more Foothills Trail sections start in Enumclaw, located in southern King County. 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