View Full Version : Anyone ever use Foothills Trail Shuttle?
g8trh8tr
09-20-2006, 06:32
I will be hiking the Foothills Trail from Table Rock SP to Oconee SP starting on 16 October. I will end up at Oconee SP and will need a shuttle back to Table Rock SP where my vehicle will be waiting(hopefully). They have several shuttle services listed on the foothills trail website and I would just like any input/recommendations from folks who may have used any of these shuttles in the past. Here is the link to the list of shuttles and thanks in advance.
http://www.foothillstrail.org/permanent/shuttledrivers.htm
Try Gail Johnson aka Gutsy, she thru-hiked the AT in '96 and just finished section hiking the PCT this year.
Heyward is a good friend of mine and the former President of the trail club.
PS: I have hiked the trail, although in the other direction. You're going to enjoy this hike! I guarantee it!
C-Stepper
09-20-2006, 08:16
You've picked a great trail; the watefalls are gorgeous!
I've used two of the listed shuttle drivers for my two hikes of the FHT, and both were great.
FYI, it is best to get the shuttle first, and hike back to your car.
Just Jeff
09-20-2006, 09:33
I called Gail but her husband Dan showed up instead b/c Gail was out hiking. Very nice guy and I had no problems.
g8trh8tr
09-20-2006, 10:22
Thanks for all the great input. This will be the 1st time I have used a shuttle so I want to make sure I pay them a fair rate. Does $40 sound fair for a shuttle for 2 from Oconee to Table Rock or vice versa? If not let me know what the going rate is so I don't feel like I am taking advantage of someone for providing such a needed service.
I just got in a few minutes ago from hiking the Foothills Trail from Oconee to Table Rock and it was a great trip. The trail is in good condition and no crowds. I passed a total of 3 people on the entire trail. Plenty of solitude and quiet time. I talked to a couple that just received a shuttle from someone within the FT org and they had a great experience with it.
I think $40 is fair for a shuttle from one end to the other.
Enjoy your hike!
Just Jeff
09-20-2006, 16:26
Were the leaves changing yet?
Were the leaves changing yet?
Only a few of 'em. I'd guess it'll be beautiful hiking this trail in another 3-4 weeks. I'll probably head back up in late October and get some fall foliage photos. I'll find any excuse to get back up and hike it again.
I couldn't ask for better weather for this hike. The average high was 73 and the average low was 62 with clear skies and breezy. It did storm for about 2 hours the other night but it was a very mild thunderstorm.
Is $40 fair?
Well that dpends on how many miles it is. Generally speaking, shuttlers get anywhere from $1-$1.50 per mile.
I'd ask 1st and if it seems too high, try another.
I will end up at Oconee SP and will need a shuttle back to Table Rock SP where my vehicle will be waiting(hopefully). Table Rock State Park is a very popular and well patrolled area. I believe they lock all access gates every night at 9pm(might be 6pm if not summer hours) and open them at 6am. Talk to a ranger about your concerns and I'm sure they will keep an eye on it. It's probably one of the safer trailheads you can park at. Have a great time!:)
Talk to a ranger about your concerns and I'm sure they will keep an eye on it. It's probably one of the safer trailheads you can park at. Have a great time!:)
Just let the ranger know you are leaving your car to hike the trail, they mark your parking pass accordingly and will keep a closer eye on your car while you are hiking. I felt very safe with my car being there for 5 days.
g8trh8tr
09-20-2006, 22:59
All. Thanks for the update on the trail conditions and the shuttle fare. I can't wait to get out and enjoy the solitude and beauty of the trail...I will definitely have camera close at hand and expect to get some great fall foliage pics. Phreak just out of curiosity is there a reason you went from Oconee to Table Rock instead of the other way around?
C-Stepper
09-21-2006, 08:24
Phreak just out of curiosity is there a reason you went from Oconee to Table Rock instead of the other way around?
Not Phreak, but...
You can ease into your hike by hiking Oconee to TR, and you "finish" on the summit of the highest peak in SC. It's nice to finish at the top. The start in TR is quite difficult, as the elevation gain begins immediately (you summit near the beginning of your hike, tougher!)
Earl Grey
09-27-2006, 01:05
Sometime in the winter I may park at Table Rock and get a shuttle to Oconee than take about a week to hike back. Whats the weather like during December around this trail? Phreak you up for it? heh
Sometime in the winter I may park at Table Rock and get a shuttle to Oconee than take about a week to hike back. Whats the weather like during December around this trail? Phreak you up for it? heh
I'm definitely up for it. Just let me know your dates. I can get us shuttled from Table Rock to Oconee.
I'm definitely up for it. Just let me know your dates. I can get us shuttled from Table Rock to Oconee.
You both have 139 posts. must be a sign! :D
C-Stepper
09-27-2006, 08:45
Sometime in the winter I may park at Table Rock and get a shuttle to Oconee than take about a week to hike back. Whats the weather like during December around this trail? Phreak you up for it? heh
I hiked Christmas week my first time on the FHT. It was beautiful, great solitude, and the views were fantastic. The temps were in the 20's at night, heavy frost twice that I remember. I had a couple of days that were probably in the 50's (I zipped off my pants legs), but mostly it was 30's to 40's during the day. FHT is low elevation, so I wouldn't worry too much about heavy snow.
Remember you're hiking in the gorge all day, so you don't get much sunshine. This makes it seem cooler than it is. I had a difficult time stopping to eat because I couldn't find a sunny spot, but, I'm a wuss! :D
white rabbit
09-27-2006, 12:49
I'm definitely up for it. Just let me know your dates. I can get us shuttled from Table Rock to Oconee.
Do you have contact information for a shuttle carrier you have used before? I will be hiking the FHT in November. Also, what would be a fair price for three people?
Do you have contact information for a shuttle carrier you have used before? I will be hiking the FHT in November. Also, what would be a fair price for three people?
My wife and a close friend are the ones who always shuttle me on my trips. I have never used a volunteer shuttle service before. I haven't had the need as of yet.
C-Stepper
09-28-2006, 08:13
Do you have contact information for a shuttle carrier you have used before? I will be hiking the FHT in November. Also, what would be a fair price for three people?
Shuttle info here http://www.foothillstrail.org/permanent/shuttledrivers.htm I've used both Nancy and Mike, and both were great. Neither shuttler asked for a specific price, but I know folks that quote prices will quote $1-$2 per mile. Multiple people on the shuttle probably won't matter in this case, but mention the number to the shuttler.
Just Jeff
09-28-2006, 11:24
Multiple people on the shuttle probably won't matter in this case, but mention the number to the shuttler.
It might make a difference on which car they bring, even if the price doesn't change. It would suck to fit three hikers into a two-seater.
white rabbit
09-28-2006, 13:10
Thanks for the info.