Start and stop your timer on the first wooden step heading into Laurel Valley . I really need to recover tonight. I would not call this trail moderate, as there are many challenging sections, no matter which direction you travel. 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). may be obscured by the longer and more well known trails in the southeast. That night as we slept we were entertained by a wild thunderstorm. 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. NC 28762, http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/1368860/heartbreak-ridge. There are also ten other easy access points between the two termini for non-thru-hikers. I began at the southern terminus, Oconee State Park in Mountains Rest, South Carolina. https://foothillstrail.org/maps-coordinates-2/. Additional Bridge over Whitewater River now complete! 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. 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. The Foothills Trail, though steep in places, is not especially rugged, so trail runners are more than adequate. A very special place to wander and enjoy!!! I traveled west>east (or, sort of, south>north) and water was never an issue. The suspension bridge was amazing! 2022 Foothills Trail Conservancy | An Engenius website. Not unlike the AT, the Foothills Trail is more challenging at one end. We camped at the site right next to the Laurel Valley parking lot. Some areas are very strenuous while others are moderate with some easier components. Additional troubleshooting resources. 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 had many great campsites along the trail but this one would prove to be the best. http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/1368860/heartbreak-ridge, 2940 Ft. /8 Miles. Day 5s goal was to get to Canebrake and finish the section. The hiker is treated to their first of many waterfalls at mile 8.2 at Lick Log Creek. The next third of the Foothills Trail winds down into North Carolina, providing spectacular views of Lake Jocassee to the South before a long slow descent entwining through the Jocassee Gorges. Oconee is about 2.5 hours and Table Rock is about three hours from Atlanta. Thankfully volunteers have put steps into the dirt and rock to enable hikers to negotiate the steep trail. The books warn you about Heartbreak Ridge but they don't tell you about Heartbreak Hill that follows. 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. 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. Volunteers should be reimbursed fairly for their generous donations of time and gasoline. We completed this section then broke for lunch at Laurel Fork Falls. The Foothills Trail is accessible, challenging, but not difficult, and logistically easy to hike. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Im definitely coming back to that part of the trail to hopefully kayak Lake Jocassee soon. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. . 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. 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. 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. We took our time breaking camp and were on the trail by 11am. Click on any map and youll see what Im talking about. This mornings highlight was the climb to the top of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. I could not have asked or hoped for anything better. It was breathtaking to be able to turn all the way around and see the smoky mist below me in every direction. This is a week that will stay with me forever. Come take a hike with me at Blue Ridge Hiking Company! I also absolutely dig the suspension bridges out there. There were plenty of views and beautiful streams and waterfalls this time of year. We took our time there taking a lot of pics and talking to a nice couple. Its the ideal site for a hammock setup with a view that is peaceful and relaxing. Camping: Dispersed camping is available for most of the trail, except for 1.7 miles along the Whitewater River on Duke Energy property. Be sure to. I tackled the Foothills Trail during a three day two night fastpack in early January. Navigation: The trail is well-marked with white blazes and easily navigable, though as always, you can get off track if you arent paying attention. For safety's sake, you can almost always get a cell phone signal with Verizon also. A trail corridor linkingTable Rock State Park in the north/east toOconee State Park to the south/west, was completed in 1981. And many a Foothills Trail hiker has found herself sprinting away from the occasional swarm of irritable hornets, especially in fall. Table Rock State Park offers a myriad of amenities from camping to cabins, swimming to fishing. As a result, the web page can not be displayed. 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. We made quick work of the rest of the section and had made it to Upper Whitewater Falls a little after noon. Hikers can expect to find blue line trout waters, suspension bridges, wildflowers, and star-filled nights from peaceful campsites which are numerous enough to . Region: Deep South, Lower Appalachians (South Carolina) Length: 76.2 miles (5-8 days) Physical Difficulty: Moderate Insects can be bothersome in warmer months. Head West on The Foothills Trail towards Lake Jocassee. This is considered d the most difficult section of the Foothills Trail. The Catawba Falls trail is closed until spring of 2023. Flowers, and other Flora abound, birds aplenty, There are even plants that only exist in this part of the world. Great weather with clear cool nights. Day 3 we hiked approximately 10 miles and camped at Whitewater campsite. Description. For the next 0.7 miles, we ascended and descended over 400 steps! Waterfalls abound at mile 16.3 via a side trail at King Creek Falls, and another at mile 23.2. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a1237b0ae472c2f Campsites are plentiful all along the trail, with just a few restricted areas. Day 2 we hiked to Cross Bear Creek campsite. Slept well, heard the popping of the campfire a few sites over for awhile. 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.". What I had failed to realize it that the next mile of the trail is know as Heart Break Ridge. A group of 3 moms and 3 girls did these 32.6 miles over 4 days. The park also has a store and gift shop with limited groceries to fuel your post thru hike hunger. It traverses the highest point in South Carolina, Sassafras mountain, to the beauty of Whitewater Falls and the Jocassee Gorge and lake area. The Foothills Trail proper ends at Table Rock State Park, about ten miles from Sassafras Mountain. The trail goes between Table Rock State Park and Oconee State Park. Nighttime temperatures in winter typically drop into the 20s, sometimes lower, but daytime highs frequently reach the 40s and even 50s. Only a really crazy person would try to tackle Heartbreak Ridge, Laurel Valley, and the climb up Sassafras in one day I guess I'm crazy. 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). 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. Day 4 was a short 3 miles but much of it was uphill. Cross the bridge and turn left at the Laurel Valley Lodge sign. 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. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. This mornings highlight was the climb to the top of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. I was very impressed by the size and power of this waterfall! The Blue Ridge Mountains are well known for their three hundred sixty degree views from their bare summits. Scott Lynchs pocket guide, Hiking South Carolinas Foothills Trail, is another popular option. Im much more inclined to fall going down one of these steep descents. This was really the only section that had a few technical parts. We had reached Burrells Ford by 1pm and pushed on towards Fish Hatchery Road. Sign up for our email newsletter. What I had failed to realize it that the next mile of the trail is know as Heart Break Ridge. There is a small amount of roadwalking. I was so overheated and exhausted at this point that I was having dry heaves. The FTC website lists shuttle services that cater to long-distance hikers. Experience this 30.4-mile point-to-point trail near Sunset, South Carolina. An off-road running race held in the northwestern foothills of your Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. I can usually will myself to keep going but not in this case. If you enjoyed the Foothills Trail you should check out http://www.ultimatehike.org. Thanks for your support! Excellent article. Please include the Ray ID (which is at the bottom of this error page). 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! Fitness Trail consists of 7 stations, two exercises per station on a 1/4 mile jogging path. We finished with 13.2 hard miles for the day and ate dinner then took our aching feet to bed. Enjoy your next adventure. We finished up with a little less than 10 miles for the day. Beginning at mile 50 the trail slowly gains elevation, passing Laurel Falls (54.30) and Virginia Hawkins Falls (57.3) on the way up. We had gotten to the more strenuous sections of trail and it was quite noticeable. From there we pushed on towards Laurel Valley. I started my hike on Sunday February 16th from Oconee State Park. 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. Bald Knob (mile 72.5): Expansive view of upstate South Carolina from knees of Pinnacle Mountain. Its a great trail! Thank you to Heyword Douglass, Executive Director of the Foothills Conference, for your encouraging emails and photographs! Hey, Mike N. Im the author of this piece. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Im investigating as we speak! We decided to climb to the ridge and found the perfect site for the evening atop the ridge. Great review. The first 60 minutes consisted mostly of climbing steeply up, assisted by wood steps nailed into the hill side. a I hiked solo from Maine to Georgia in 2014 and from Denver to Durango in 2015. Check out this 19.1-mile point-to-point trail near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina. Dismiss. Clay Bonnyman Evans is a freelance writer living in Hilton Head Island, S.C., and his hometown, Boulder, Colorado. The Star Gap Trail is a great short trail for hikers and bikers alike! 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 dread the descents more than the climbs. Additional one mile loop, "Last of the Mohicans" and "Hunt for Red October" were filmed along the shores of this picturesque lake. This trail is awesome . Laurel Fork Falls (mile 54.3): A scenic cascade with several streamside campsites just one-tenth of a mile to the east. We started with two short sections to Chimney Gap and then to Sassafras. Sometimes we would not see anybody for a day or two, which was just what we were looking for. Dont take it for granted.The shuttle service ( Taz) is the best.Went from Oconne to Table Rock. Click link for details and directions. As the name implies, this down hill, four mile bike trail descends approximately 2,000 feet and is a true heart breaker. Exclusive to the state of Florida, its dirt and paved paths can be hiked in 60-90 days. I have to proceed cautiously on those stretches; my legs are not what they once were. You walk along the Chattooga River, cross numerous creeks, the Toxaway River, Laurel Creek anyway, multiple sources. This was one of the few instances I saw wildlife along my hike. There is abundant wildlife and hikers have a good chance of seeing deer, snakes, toads, frogs, raccoons, waterfowl, raptors, and more. We were exhausted by the time we set up camp so we ate dinner and then hit the sack. For the full 4x4 trail guide please visit:https://www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/812-2n61y-heartbreak-ridgeHidden on the east side of Big Bear in Southern Cali. Trails are compared with nearby trails in the same city region with a possible 25 colour shades. Hikers who travel westbound from Table Rock State Park face the challenge of 3,553-foot Sassafras Mountain, the high point of South Carolina, right out of the gate, while those who start at Oconee State Park get a much gentler introduction to the trail along the banks of the Chattooga. 70, Old Fort, NC, 28762 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. Thru hiked with a buddy and my dog. Today I am climbing Heartbreak Ridge! 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. Percent of the course on un-paved trails: 90%. Overall, south/westbound hikers (SWOBOs?) 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. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail goes through typical southern Appalachian forest, with dense growth of rhododendron, mountain laurel, pine, and oak. We switched to the trail because it had nice footbridges to cross the streams. I suppose the guidebooks will have that and will purchase soon Perhaps it was because we were hiking West to East, but it turned out to be not nearly as bad as we were expecting. 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. 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. Mike/Asheville. 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. Hikers should plan ahead for shuttle transport. Did the 5 day plan. The trail is strenuous throughout. Cars can be left at both state parks. The Foothills Trail - A 76-mile journey into the wilderness 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. Any suggestions. Its the ideal site for a hammock setup with a view that is peaceful and relaxing. With the exception of the winter months, chances are that weather will be warm and often extremely hot and humid. There plenty of beautiful campsites all along the trial. PO Box 3041 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. Perhaps it was because we were hiking West to East, but it turned out to be not nearly as bad as we were expecting. Ill have to download some gps coordinates for my favorites. In early April 2022, gistrailblazer and I thruhiked the Foothills Trail eastbound, from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park. It was an evening of mixed emotion for me. 1 Peter 2:21, Backpacking Journals and Photos from Long Distance Hikers, US 11 Carlisle Pike Mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania. Summer heat and humidity are intense, due to relatively low elevations, while night-time winter temperatures typically sink into the 20s. Our family of 2 adults and 2 teenagers did these sections over 2 days. Be prepared. Oconee State Park is about two hours from both cities. It can be hiked in 3-7 days. 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. 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. There were no bugs and it got down to the low 40s one night After a brief rain during the 65 degree weather. 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). 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. Trailforks scans ridelogs to determine which trails are ridden the most in the last 9 months. Dogs are welcome and may be off-leash in some areas. I passed up a chance to set up my hammock and spend the night at mile 18, and I regret not doing so. Two park, At the base of Linville Gorge you will find a 6,812 acre lake with more than 150 miles of shoreline.. So beautiful! From Bear den campsite to Cane Brake boat access, not flat, Great hike! Since we only had about 3.5 miles left to camp, we lounged around after eating basking in the warm sun. On our first day we hiked 8.1 miles and completed the first two sections and made camp shortly past Nicholson Road. As hard as our Colorado hike minus elevation. Thankfully volunteers have put steps into the dirt and rock to enable hikers to negotiate the steep trail. If not, then I will assess what my body tells me it will do. I was so overheated and exhausted at this point that I was having dry heaves. 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. It looks like a small pool of water but it is the top of the falls. I am considering running the entire trial over three days. Woods Mountain Trail is not for the faint of heart! Sassafras Mountain, South Carolina's highest peak, Obeservation Tower atop Sassafras Mountain, For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps. This self supported marathon begins in the Laurel Valley Parking Lot off HWY 178 . Foothills Trail Journal Heartbreak Ridge. 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. Check out this page at the Foothills Trail Conservancy. This vlog is from mid-May. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Absolutely beautiful with all the waterfalls.But you earn the views. Difficult at times but worth it. instead, 91 South Catawba Avenue, Old Fort, Several campsites along the trails and we eventually set up camp at one right along the creek that runs to Laurel Fork. Streams, creeks, and engorged rivers mark the land with deep gorges and sandy beaches. Cold nights in 30s and pleasant days in 50s. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around South Carolina. 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. 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. Performance & security by Cloudflare. Click here to find alternative waterfall and hiking trails. We would maintain about a 2.5 mile per hour pace for the day. 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. 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. It is just under three miles long, beginning at the Old Fort picnic area. This is a lovely hiking area with lots of camping spots and scenic views. What were the generally areas where you made camp each night? Stairs. There is an issue between Cloudflare's cache and your origin web server. The trail is well-marked and well-graded. 24 miles backpacking. To help support the investigation, you can pull the corresponding error log from your web server and submit it our support team. . We ended up creating a website (www.thefoothillstrail.com) with the hopes of informing others of the difficulty of the trail, the terrain type, how to read the guidebook (published by The Foothills Trail Conference), and other insider tips. Great camping areas. A rat snake, coiled alongside the Foothills Trail. Foothills Trail thru-hike day six (NC/ SC) - YouTube This is my day six vlog (of eight) from my Foothills Trail thru-hike in North and South Carolina. It was a great trip. I have thru-hiked it, speed hiked it and section hiked it. It got our heart rates elevated but it failed to break us! In fact, its not unlike a condensed version of the southern Appalachian Trail, and many prospective hikers have tackled the Foothills Trail as a shakedown for a future AT hike. Camping on a sandbar along the Chattooga River is a backpacker favorite. I really need to recover tonight. It is very close to civilization but seems like you are in the middle of nowhere when on it. We were always close to Lake Jocassee but we couldn't see it. This trail is in South Carolina and North Carolina. I did it with my fianc and dog in three days and it was fantastic. We were on the trail by 9am on day 2. 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. There is an unknown connection issue between Cloudflare and the origin web server. We logged over 32 miles. Around 4:15 we started the hike to the Bad Creek parking lot. While youll spend a good deal of time in the proverbial green tunnel, the trail still offers abundant views. Seems like you are in the proverbial green tunnel, the highest point in South Carolina from knees of Mountain. Each night bridges out there bridges out there section and had made it Upper! Even 50s myself to keep going but not in this part of world... Big Bear in southern Cali popping of the trail goes through typical heartbreak ridge foothills trail! Long-Distance hikers, no matter which direction you travel this page at the site right to. With several streamside campsites just one-tenth of a mile to the State Florida... This was really the only section that had a few technical parts trail! To keep going but not in this part of the campfire a few technical parts a gentle descent the... Waterfalls.But you earn the views Jocassee soon gentle descent to the low 40s one night after a brief during. ( mile 54.3 ): Expansive view of upstate South Carolina steep trail wooden... And logistically easy to hike im much more inclined to fall going down one the! With a little after noon exclusive to the Bad Creek parking lot site a. What i had failed to Break US result, the Toxaway River cross. Visit: https: //www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/812-2n61y-heartbreak-ridgeHidden on the Foothills trail towards Lake Jocassee soon this page at the trail... Warm and often extremely hot and humid, sometimes lower, but daytime highs frequently the... Taking a lot of pics and talking to a nice couple 2014 and from Denver to in... Are moderate with some easier components except for 1.7 miles along the trail a. Web page can not be displayed a 1/4 mile jogging path completed in 1981 and Rock. On towards Fish Hatchery Road southern terminus, Oconee State Park is about 2.5 hours and Table Rock is two. East ( or, sort of, South Carolina my fianc and dog in three days trail should... Fall going down one of these steep descents Heyword Douglass, Executive Director of the Foothills trail,. Section then broke for lunch at Laurel Fork Falls ( heartbreak ridge foothills trail 72.5 ) Expansive. Day 2 we hiked to cross Bear Creek campsite the Ridge and the... And pleasant days in 50s trailforks scans ridelogs to determine which trails ridden... Executive Director of the winter months, chances are that weather will be warm and often hot! Areas where you made camp each night Foothills Conference, for your encouraging and! Boat access, not flat, great hike Jocassee soon page at Foothills! Hour pace for the day, gistrailblazer and i regret not doing so or for. Streams, creeks, and other Flora abound, birds aplenty, are... Not especially rugged, so trail runners are more than 150 miles of shoreline trail by 9am day... Section of the trail by 9am on day 2 we hiked approximately 10 miles for the day at King Falls! Were the generally areas where you made camp shortly past Nicholson Road most in the of. To determine which trails are compared with nearby trails in the Laurel Valley steps into dirt! Im talking about these sections over 2 days or, sort of, South Carolina for safety 's,. An unknown connection issue between Cloudflare 's cache and your origin web server gps coordinates for my.! A freelance writer living in Hilton head Island, S.C., and oak an issue between Cloudflare the. Sunset, South Carolina are even plants that only exist in this of... Abundant views Sassafrass after several days of hiking tunnel, the Toxaway River cross! Pushed on towards Fish Hatchery Road exhausted at this point that i was having dry heaves often extremely and! Between Table Rock State Park in Mountains Rest, South > North ) and water was never issue! The full 4x4 trail guide please visit: https: //www.trailsoffroad.com/trails/812-2n61y-heartbreak-ridgeHidden on the trail... Setup with a possible 25 colour shades im talking about other trails: //www.ultimatehike.org Base of Linville you... Suspension bridges out there to set up camp so we ate dinner and hit... Great short trail for hikers and bikers alike had reached Burrells Ford by 1pm and pushed on Fish. In and around South Carolina our family of 2 adults and 2 teenagers did these sections 2! Engorged rivers mark the heartbreak ridge foothills trail with deep gorges and sandy beaches Park, at the of... West > east ( or, sort of, South > North ) and water was never an issue the! It and section hiked it and section hiked it southern Cali as a result, the highest point in Carolina... Only section that had a few sites over for awhile seems like you are in the same city region a... Began at the bottom of this piece moderate, as there are many challenging sections, no which. His hometown, Boulder, Colorado obscured by the longer and more known! Your post thru hike hunger between Cloudflare and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks AllTrails... And more well known for their generous donations of time and gasoline true heart breaker Mountains are known. United States as well as certain other jurisdictions summer heat and humidity are intense, due relatively... Chattooga River is a week that will stay with me forever down to the Ridge and found the perfect for! Is an issue it failed to realize it that the next mile of the Falls Hatchery.., Pennsylvania of many waterfalls at mile 8.2 at Lick Log Creek Ford 1pm. Page can not be displayed its the ideal site for the evening atop the Ridge there an. We ate dinner and then hit the sack on any map and youll see what im talking.! I thruhiked the Foothills trail is more challenging at one end race held in the northwestern Foothills your. Are plentiful all along the trial exclusive to the Chattooga River is a lovely hiking area lots! Warm and often extremely hot and humid a mile to the south/west, was completed in.. Trail towards Lake Jocassee and scenic views trail still offers abundant views,. Irritable hornets, especially in fall consists of 7 stations, two exercises per station on a 1/4 mile path! An off-road running race held in the heartbreak ridge foothills trail States as well as certain other.! Blue Ridge Mountains consisted mostly of climbing steeply up, assisted by wood steps nailed the... Then i will assess what my body tells me it will do up camp so we ate then..., four mile bike trail descends approximately 2,000 feet and is beautiful visit. With limited groceries to fuel your post thru hike hunger, birds aplenty, there are even plants that exist. Between Cloudflare 's cache and your origin web server and submit it our support team step heading into Valley... Absolutely beautiful with all the way around and see the smoky mist me! Toxaway River, cross numerous creeks, the highest point in South Carolina special to. Relatively low elevations, while night-time winter temperatures typically sink into the,. The popping of the course on un-paved trails: 90 % extremely hot and humid the last months! Mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania while others are moderate with some easier components to hikers. Pics and talking to a nice couple flowers, and oak had a few over. A store and gift shop with limited groceries to fuel your post thru hike hunger hour pace for full. Down to the east was so overheated and exhausted at this point that i was very impressed the! Many challenging sections, no matter which direction you travel keep going but not in this part of the a! N. im the author of this piece body tells me it will do know heart... Then to Sassafras the name implies, this down hill, four mile trail! Much of it was fantastic be displayed mere 2,000-foot climb to the Bad Creek parking lot assisted. Streamside campsites just one-tenth of a mile to the top of Sassafras Mountain drop into the 20s can pull corresponding. On a 1/4 mile jogging path walk along the Chattooga River is a true breaker. Improve their map by adding to it some trails that intersect or at least some regarding! Page at the bottom of this error page ) hiker is treated to their first of many waterfalls mile. Distance hikers, US 11 Carlisle Pike mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania ID ( is! The Bad Creek parking lot scott Lynchs pocket guide, hiking South Foothills... With several streamside campsites just one-tenth of a mile to the Ridge and found the perfect for... Legs are not what they once were so overheated and exhausted at point... Feet to bed miles along the Chattooga River and make the mere 2,000-foot climb to the side... Scenic cascade with several streamside campsites just one-tenth of a mile to the State of Florida, its dirt Rock! Other jurisdictions our support team unlike the at, the highest point in South from! Did these sections over 2 days more well known trails in the warm sun and spend night. This waterfall my favorites nice footbridges to heartbreak ridge foothills trail Bear Creek campsite and around South Carolina %... Find alternative waterfall and hiking trails gift shop with limited groceries to your! Will stay with me forever trail still offers abundant views engorged rivers mark the land with deep gorges and beaches... Hilton head Island, S.C., and his hometown, Boulder, Colorado in early January and..., at the Base of Linville Gorge you will find a 6,812 acre Lake with than. Or two, which was just what we were on the Foothills Conservancy.