Questions about Foothills trail in SC

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

"I've never met a waterfall I didn't like"
Then you need to hike the Foothills Trail in SC. More waterfalls per mile than just about any other trail.He-dino loves waterfalls so this would be an excellent trail for us to hike in the winter (when the rainfall is significant and falls are at their best). Could someone tell me about this trail in SC - the footing, terrain, camping opportunities, resupply points, safe places to leave vehicles, bail-out opportunities if the she-dino leg gives out.

[Phreak]

This trail is VERY well maintained. The footing is good for most of the trail with only a few technical areas. There are several hard climbs on this trail, so please be prepared for them.

Camping opportunites are endless, so that will never be an issue. Water sources are good on this trail. There are basically no resupply points on this trail. The only one I know of is at Upper Whitewater Falls. You can hitch roughly 8 miles down the road to a BP with limited resupply. It can be a tough hitch tho, so I’d recommend carrying enough food for the whole trail. Safe places to park cars are Oconee State Park, Table Rock State Park and Upper Whitewater Falls. There are other options for your car but these areas are secure and patrolled.

Hope you enjoy your hike!

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

Thanks Phreak. It sounds like the trail goes thru enough state parks with parking to make hopscotching possible. (Hopscotching is doing a series of slackpack days using two vehicles and camping in the state parks or near a road in the woods). If we don't do that, we might drop a cache or two along the trail near roads to keep from having to carry all the food. I hike extremely slow and I can only carry about 18 lbs - maybe less if serious climbs are involved. I don't want to use my beloved he-dino as a pack animal so I will do everything possible to lighten the load.

[Phreak]

Hey FD,
When are you planning on hiking the FHT?

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

The plan is to do it this late fall or early winter - so likely between Nov and Feb depending on what the weather does. I can't do serious ice with my bad leg at all (due to balance issues) and I'm very, very slow in snow, but I can do it.

[Phreak]

Keep me posted on your dates, I'd be happy to come up and resupply you if needed.

[Nightwalker]

This trail is VERY well maintained. The footing is good for most of the trail with only a few technical areas. There are several hard climbs on this trail, so please be prepared for them.

Camping opportunites are endless, so that will never be an issue. Water sources are good on this trail. There are basically no resupply points on this trail. The only one I know of is at Upper Whitewater Falls. You can hitch roughly 8 miles down the road to a BP with limited resupply. It can be a tough hitch tho, so I’d recommend carrying enough food for the whole trail. Safe places to park cars are Oconee State Park, Table Rock State Park and Upper Whitewater Falls. There are other options for your car but these areas are secure and patrolled.

Hope you enjoy your hike!

One mistake. Upper Whitewater falls is not secure at all. Park at Bad Creek. It's owned by Duke Energy, behind a fence, and you'll be in a parking lot that's meant specifically for hikers there.

It's much better to leave caches on that trail than to re-supply. I can tell you a couple of places when you get ready.

[orangebug]

I'm all ears for this idea of resupply caches. Won't bears or other critters be a problem?

I am currently looking at this trail for a post Thanksgiving hike this year. Close to home, but not too close. My alternate would be the AT/BMT/Duncan Ridge loop.

[Tennessee Viking]

The Cherokee Foothills Trail passes through what is called the Mountain Bridge Wilderness. A line of state parks in the NW section of South Carolina. Its a combination of footpaths and forest roads from Saluda SC, just outside Greenville to NC (if I read correctly), on the Saluda range of the Blue Ridge. After that is the Piedmont. So views are great.
It starts at Jones Gap State Park to Oconee and goes into NC around Cashiers and the Highlands.

Only problem is that camping is restricted in a couple of the parks. But there are couple old log cabins and picnic pavilions that are used for camping on the Foothills trial. You can reach it from Cashiers & Brevard. using SC11 from Greenville, you can drive what is called the Cherokee Foothills Parkway.

I been on the Caesar Head section. You can drive there straight from Brevard, NC.
http://www.southcarolinaparks.com/park-finder/state-park/1648.aspx

Its pretty nice. I am not sure of the exact route through Caesars. But there a lot of fun loops here. The Matthews Creek & Raven Cliff Falls section is probably one of the most adventureous. Raven Cliff Falls is a over 400 foot water fall. After crossing the Matthews Creek Bridge, it is a total climbing adventure using ladders, narrow ledges, and rocks scrambles. The drive up the mountain has a couple waterfalls and a huge rock cropping for scenic views, and the road is popular with bicyclists & bikers.

Jones Gap is nice and shaded in the woods. Lots of history here. Popular fishing area.

Table Rock is just west of Caesars, it has a sheer rock face, popular with climbers.

[Ramble~On]

He-dino loves waterfalls so this would be an excellent trail for us to hike in the winter (when the rainfall is significant and falls are at their best). Could someone tell me about this trail in SC - the footing, terrain, camping opportunities, resupply points, safe places to leave vehicles, bail-out opportunities if the she-dino leg gives out.

Excellent choice of trails if you're looking for waterfalls!
Probably the best maintained trail for it's size I know of.
Thousands of 4x4 posts cut and secured into the ground as steps on the hills, stairs with hand rails...bridges...man this trail has some bridges ! I remember one bridge that actually gains elevation up a hill as it crosses a stream..there are suspension bridges over rivers, streams and in one case I'm still puzzled about...there's a suspension bridge in the woods spanning a small gulley.
Terrain.....it's a roller coaster in places and reminded me of the "PUDS" but the hills here aren't huge and neither are the climbs..this trail was a LOT harder than I figured it'd be though. Camping...there are so many beautiful places to camp that it is sometimes difficult to pass up some sites and continue on as it's too early in the day to stop....Lake Jocassee is one place I wouldn't pass up...though you're talking about winter hiking so.......Do Dino's do the Polar Bear thing ?:D
Resupply ? I carried everything I needed.
Water...there was one place where I should have filled up but didn't and ended up hiking dry for a while...but that was my fault..there's plenty of water on the FHT.
I think the best water on this hike is the hot showers at Oconee!

[FatMan]

The Foothills Trail is magnificent! If you have not hiked it, you should.

If you are looking for a longer hike, when you hit the Chattooga you can follow the Chattooga River Trail to the Bartram Trail. All are very nice secluded trails for those who want to get away from the AT traffic. Well written trail guides are available for all three trails.

[Frolicking Dinosaurs]

Wow - the info from this group is amazing.

Spiritwind - Dinos shiver just thinking of what Polar Bears do :D

Oranebug, I've cached resupplies before without problems - I put the food in a trash bag and seal. Put that in a second trash bag and sea. Then put that in a stuff sack and hang it bear bag style - no bug or critter problems ever using this method.

Phreak, I may take you up on the offer to help with a resupply. Not sure when exactly we will be able to do this. My mother is having some major health issues again that will affect the timing.

[orangebug]

Thanks for the pointers on caching food along this trail. If I try hammocking in November, I'll want to cache food to reduce weight and bulk in my pack.

[Nightwalker]

Thanks for the pointers on caching food along this trail. If I try hammocking in November, I'll want to cache food to reduce weight and bulk in my pack.

Sorry about just getting back to you. I put it in a ziploc, then an ammo box, then bury it. Burrell's Ford, Sloan Bridge, Whitewater Falls, Laurel Valley, or Bad Creek are all good places, and your pick should depend on the speed you'll go and the days you want to carry.

If you're going 15 mile days, you'll only do 1 cache. 10 milers, probably 2.

[joelrash]

Got some time off between Dec. 13 and Christmas and itching to walk some new ground. What kind of weather will the Foothills Trail area have around then?

[Tennessee Viking]

He-dino loves waterfalls so this would be an excellent trail for us to hike in the winter (when the rainfall is significant and falls are at their best). Could someone tell me about this trail in SC - the footing, terrain, camping opportunities, resupply points, safe places to leave vehicles, bail-out opportunities if the she-dino leg gives out.
Here is the maintaing club for the Foothills
http://www.foothillstrail.org/

The Foothills Trail officially starts at Table Rock, but I would highly suggest stopping by Caesars Head Park before your trek. Raven Cliff Falls and Caesar Head Rock are great photo opportunities. I did a day loop from the visitor center to Mattews Creek at the top of the falls to the bottom and back. It was on of the most interesting rock scramble and climbs I ever done.

[Dakota Dan]

The FHT is located partly in the "Mountain Bridge Wilderness" area of Upstate SC, and a small portion of NC. A good handbook is available. There are also GPS track logs and waypoints on the WWW, I just can't remember where.

I hiked the trail back in 95 its a great shakedown trail with not too many bad spots. Has a lot of nice features and falls. Follows the Chattooga River for a ways. Also, traverses around Lake Jocassee and by the Whitewater Falls in NC. The trail crosses a neat suspension bridge over the Toxaway River too.

You can begin the trail at either Table Rock SP, US Hwy 11 in Greenville County SC (has a steep incline out though) or at Oconee SP on SC Hwy 107 North of Walhalla, SC. in Oconee County. I would not recommend taking the Blue Blazed trail from Jones Gap SP, SC. I day hiked this Blue Blazed section from Caesars Head SP to Sassafras Mtn back in 96 and it was grown up and not well marked. Just stick to the White Blazes of the FHT. Parking at either end of the trail was no problem, as long as you talk to the SP Rangers to make arrangements.

A close by site:
The Horse Pasture River in NC dumps into Lake Jocassee and has some beautiful Falls, but not sure about the access to them. http://walras.econ.duke.edu/Gorges/horsepasture/

The hike to see these series of falls use to be short and sweet. But, I'm not sure about the access to them now, better check the above link for more info.

[The Solemates]

the foothills is a great little trail. we've done it many times now. it is nothing to be taken lightly, however. its difficulty is usually deceptive to most hikers.

[MOWGLI]

Great trail to carry a fishing pole on. Make sure to have a SC license with you. The Foothills Trail Conference runs shuttles. Check their website for more info. The former President of the trail club cached food for Youngblood & I when we hiked it in 2004. I worried about the food not being there when we arrived, but my fears were unfounded.

[Rentman]

Used the shuttle service earlier this year, can't remember the guys name, but he was great, and very affordable. Love the FHT, can't wait to do it again.............

[Dakota Dan]

Great trail to carry a fishing pole on. Make sure to have a SC license with you... .

Jimmy Orr (former Baltimore Colt and a great college/pro football player) and owner of Hoyett's Groc at Devils Fork warned us that NC/SC do not have a shared agreement on fishing along Lake Jocassee, if you look at the map a good portion of the lake in NC especially at Horse Pasture River, Toxaway River/Cane Brake area and Thompson River. He says, and this was back ten years ago, that each of the states wardens were pretty much on a mission to catch violators. Things may be better, may be worse. Info, licenses and trail shuttles can be gotten(or at least use to be) at Hoyetts Groc and Tackle on Lake Jocassee next to Devils Fork SP (SC) (864) 944-9016. Tell em Dakota Dan sent ya.

[Dakota Dan]

I failed to mention for those not in the know, the FHT crosses the rivers I mentioned in NC. The trout fishing at Toxaway, when water levels are good, is fantastic.

Mogli probably was talking about fishing the Chattooga River, which is in SC, but better check with tackle shops in Oconee County,SC about the License and rules. I believe you can also fish in Oconee SP as well as Table Rock SP, both in SC. But the best Trout fishing is on the NC side at Toxaway River/Cane Brake area where the FHT crosses. Be Warned: Better check to see what the water levels are around there first. I would call the NC Wildlife people in Highlands/Cashiers NC area for info.

[MOWGLI]

I failed to mention for those not in the know, the FHT crosses the rivers I mentioned in NC. The trout fishing at Toxaway, when water levels are good, is fantastic.

Mogli probably was talking about fishing the Chattooga River, which is in SC, but better check with tackle shops in Oconee County,SC about the License and rules. I believe you can also fish in Oconee SP as well as Table Rock SP, both in SC. But the best Trout fishing is on the NC side at Toxaway River/Cane Brake area where the FHT crosses. Be Warned: Better check to see what the water levels are around there first. I would call the NC Wildlife people in Highlands/Cashiers NC area for info.

The Whitewater River is not too shabby either. I'm not sure if the Thompson or Horsepasture Rivers hold trout, but they both looked very fishy. Especially the Thompson.

[Dakota Dan]

All this talk about Trout has started to make me want to hike some of the FHT with JR, sorta as a shakedown type hike, I'm calling Hoyetts tomorrow and check out the situation on the water levels, I wouldn't mind hiking from Rocky Bottom to Bad Creek and take a day or two off for fishing. I'll report back on the wate levels.

[Webs]

I'm so glad others have been turned onto the Foothills Trail! I did it a couple of springs ago, and it was wonderful training for the AT hike the following summer. Water was very plentiful and we carried everything we needed with us without any weight issues. May I just mention: there are a lot of stairs! It was pretty surprising in a couple places especially, where the stairs went straight up and later descended sharply. But hey, if you can't handle PUDS, what are you doing hiking anyway? :p

[Nightwalker]

He-dino loves waterfalls so this would be an excellent trail for us to hike in the winter (when the rainfall is significant and falls are at their best). Could someone tell me about this trail in SC - the footing, terrain, camping opportunities, resupply points, safe places to leave vehicles, bail-out opportunities if the she-dino leg gives out.
They lower the water level a significant amount in Lake Jocassee in the Winter. The rivers and creeks, however, are reliable year-round--even during times of drought. The most difficult area is between TRSP and Laurel Valley at Rocky Bottom.

I would not recommend taking the Blue Blazed trail from Jones Gap SP, SC. I day hiked this Blue Blazed section from Caesars Head SP to Sassafras Mtn back in 96 and it was grown up and not well marked. Just stick to the White Blazes of the FHT. Parking at either end of the trail was no problem, as long as you talk to the SP Rangers to make arrangements.
That isn't the case any more. The section is well marked and well cared for.

All this talk about Trout has started to make me want to hike some of the FHT with JR, sorta as a shakedown type hike, I'm calling Hoyetts tomorrow and check out the situation on the water levels, I wouldn't mind hiking from Rocky Bottom to Bad Creek and take a day or two off for fishing. I'll report back on the water levels.
Water is great right now. All the rivers and creeks are running good, as are most of the streams. Basically, if it shows on a topo map, it's running.

Some of the smaller streams are nearly dry, but there isn't a real problem anywhere. As of last week, the longest that I went with no water was from Burrell's Ford to Sloan Bridge, a distance of 7.2 miles. However, this is not drought-related. That area is always dry, as there are just no streams there.

If someone wants to do a nice loop hike, park at Burrell's Ford and hike the Fork Mountain loop trail. 7.2 miles to Sloan Bridge, 7.5 miles to the Chatooga, and 3.3 miles back to Burrell's Ford.

You can also do a shorter loop there by walking 3.9 miles to Fish Hatchery Rd., ~1.5 miles to the hatchery, the 2.5 mile East Fork trail, and then 1.5 miles back to Burrell's Ford.

Both Burrell's Ford and Sloan Bridge have good camping, with nice outhouses and picnic tables in both areas.

Georgia Hikes (http://www.georgiahikes.com) has excellent maps of the entire trail, including vertical profiles.

I'd be glad to answer any questions that anyone has about the FHT, as well as help with caching food or directions to any of the trail heads. I'm also available as a hiking companion just about any time.

Last year, Sly, Little Bear and I went hiking there in December, and the weather was beautiful. I unfortunately ruined it for them by having a migraine headache on the second day and having to stay in the tent half the day. That really sucked all around, but I'm not having many headaches right now. Contrary to my name, I even like to get up and hike at first light!

[Nightwalker]

I'm so glad others have been turned onto the Foothills Trail! I did it a couple of springs ago, and it was wonderful training for the AT hike the following summer. Water was very plentiful and we carried everything we needed with us without any weight issues. May I just mention: there are a lot of stairs! It was pretty surprising in a couple places especially, where the stairs went straight up and later descended sharply. But hey, if you can't handle PUDS, what are you doing hiking anyway? :p

From Rock Creek to Toxaway Creek, there are over 300 steps up, then the same number right back down. At Horse Pasture River, there are almost 250 steps going down and right back up. It's wild and crazy, but this is the best ~75 mile trail that I can imagine finding in the Southeast. :)

[Dakota Dan]

Glad to hear the Blue Blazed trail to Sassafras Mtn (and the intersection with the FHT) from Caesars Head is cleared, was in bad shape the last time I went thru. When was the last time you went thru there?

You didn't mention the water levels at Caine Break(Toxaway River) on Lake Jocassee. I was planning on calling Hoyetts Groc/Tackle tomorrow to see if they know. May do a hike from Rocky Bottom to Bad Creek, but I would like to do a little Trout Fishing if the levels are good.

Chattooga water levels can be gotten off the WWW, I just remembered.

[Dakota Dan]

I'm so glad others have been turned onto the Foothills Trail! :p


I've hiked and camped a lot(in years past) in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness area. Not only the FHT but the many other trails linking Jones Gap and Caesars Head, I especially liked the "Rim of the Gap" trail, kinda like a rock maze. Also, good hiking in Pisgah NF just up the road in Brevard area, especially liked camping on Pilot Mtn on the smallest patch of turf I've ever pitched a tent. Was able to see the sunrise and sunset from this spot. Beautiful hiking everywhere up there. Oh yea, Cold Mtn hike out of Daniel Boone Scout Camp is pretty neat too.

[SteveJ]

Glad to hear the Blue Blazed trail to Sassafras Mtn (and the intersection with the FHT) from Caesars Head is cleared, was in bad shape the last time I went thru. When was the last time you went thru there?

You didn't mention the water levels at Caine Break(Toxaway River) on Lake Jocassee. I was planning on calling Hoyetts Groc/Tackle tomorrow to see if they know. May do a hike from Rocky Bottom to Bad Creek, but I would like to do a little Trout Fishing if the levels are good.

Chattooga water levels can be gotten off the WWW, I just remembered.

Hey, Dan - looks like we've hiked a lot of the same trails... As of 2 weekends ago, the Chattooga was very low - lowest I've ever seen it...didn't get to hwy 76, so didn't see the official level...this pic is 2 or 3 miles south of Burrell's Ford.

[Nightwalker]

Glad to hear the Blue Blazed trail to Sassafras Mtn (and the intersection with the FHT) from Caesars Head is cleared, was in bad shape the last time I went thru. When was the last time you went thru there?

You didn't mention the water levels at Caine Break(Toxaway River) on Lake Jocassee. I was planning on calling Hoyetts Groc/Tackle tomorrow to see if they know. May do a hike from Rocky Bottom to Bad Creek, but I would like to do a little Trout Fishing if the levels are good.

Chattooga water levels can be gotten off the WWW, I just remembered.

I went the blue-blazed trail during the Summer. It was in great shape. Last week, Jocassee was low, but nothing like Winter time. I, unfortunately, passed through Canebreak at night.

Last Winter, the water was so low that it didn't even look like a lake up through there. It was like a small river with a very large sand bank.

For some reason, Jocassee has not suffered as much from the drought as Hartwell has. I have no idea why. Maybe the large number of feeder rivers? Possibly also the fact that one is run by the C.O.E and one is privately operated.

And yes, the Chattooga is extremely low. Lower than I've ever seen it.

[ed bell]

My wife is at Canebrake/Toxaway River campsite tonight in the middle of her solo Bad Creek > Sassafrass Mt. section hike. She reports great weather and water. I'm very jealous.:)

[Dakota Dan]

My wife is at Canebrake/Toxaway River campsite tonight in the middle of her solo Bad Creek > Sassafrass Mt. section hike. She reports great weather and water. I'm very jealous.:)

I think bear hunting season is in October. Good thing she's coming thru now. The area between Rocky Bottom and CaneBrake is very busy and crowded with hunting dogs and hunters during that time of year. I know, I made the mistake of being in that area in Oct one year, I thought the carnival had moved in with big top and all.

[Nearly Normal]

I just spent a week camped between Burrell's Ford and Ellicotts Rock (NC,GA,SC tri corner) on a fishing trip. The river is very low but we had good luck. Part of the year a section is catch and release only.
If you plan to fish get the SC rules and regs online.
Every time I think of backpacking the Foothills Trail comes to mind.
The only secure place to park is Bad Creek and Oconee State park. I have parked at Burrell's Ford a few times with no problems.
The trail is usually in great shape.
There is a very good guide and map. You can order from FTC or buy one at Oconee State Park. Also HalfMoon Outfitters carry them.
Shuttles are easy through the FTC.
Water is everywhere but there are sections where camping is not allowed.
The river section of this trail is as scenic a hike as you will find in the Southeast. When the water is up it is very exciting.
With 2 cars there are a few very good day hikes based out of Oconee State Park.
You will not be disapointed with this trail.

[Nearly Normal]

P.S.
Your cell phone won't get service for much of this trail.

Nearly Normal

[Earl Grey]

I did some of this trail last year. Here is my write up about it.

http://www.mooncube.org/2006/10/13/foothills-trail-experience/