This fall (most likely early november) I'm going to plan on thru-hiking the foothills trail However, I want to arrange the trip around the peak of the fall colors. Does anyone know when that would be or when i would be able to predict it more accurately? Also, do I need any permits before I go? Since i'm most likely going to be doing this trip alone does anyone know how frequented the trail is (I have some concerns for if I have an emergency)?

It's potluck this early in the year, but the leaves should be peaking 3rd or 4th week of October. This is affected by temps & moisture, so plan on being flexible.

The fall color peak could be as early as the week before Halloween or as late as the week before Thanksgiving. Early Nov. sounds like a good window of oppurtunity.
Go to the Foothills Trail Conferrence website (sorry.. no link) . They have an updated trail guide to help with your logistics.

Here's the link for the Foothills Trail Conference http://www.foothillstrail.org/

The eastern and western ends of the trail are more heavily frequented than the middle section, which has no road access for miles. The FTC has a map and a guide book for the trail. Camping is limited/not allowed along some sections of the trail, so its important to plan for where you intend to camp vs. just hiking until you are tired.

The Foothills trail is beautiful.

Mercy

Thanks everyone!! I've already been to the website, but thanks for the link. I have my trail map and I got the data/guidebook (not sure which it is but it's the small yellow one with tons of maps and great bits of info). I'm so excited to do it and can't wait. Luckily I"m in school full time so I don't have to worry about asking for days off of work and I can just skip random days of class (I get about 6-9 absences per class and i'm saving them for this trip and a couple others i'm taking this fall) so I can change the dates to accommodate the peak colors (another reason I'm doing it this year is because It's my last year in law school so it's probably the last time I"ll have such a flexible schedule).

Anyways, I do have a couple other q's if you have any info that would be great. What is the best way to get to/from my car and where is the best place to leave it. I was debating leaving it at the end of the trail and try to arrange for someone to pick me up and take me to the start or leaving it in the beginning and arranging transportation at the end. Also, Do I need to get any permits or make any reservations before I go? THanks again for the advice!!

There is a list of shuttle drivers on the website. Either of the state parks on the end are good places to leave a vehicle.

I'd personally always rather hike towards my vehicle, given the option, and know its there when I reach my destination. You may want to leave a food drop half way through.

The other option is to leave your vehicle at Bad Creek Access (a great place to leave a vehicle) to split the hike up.

Though the state parks take reservations, you can go directly to the park for camping on the night you are there.. no guarantees, however.

I'd guess on the last week of October for leaves. It is possible that you'll miss the "peak" but there will be enough color and the woods will be pretty to the point you won't care.

The trail is pretty well used but there can be long stretches without seeing anyone..

I like to park at Oconee. SP. This is a pretty safe trailhead and finishing the hike here allows for a nice hot shower at one of the shower houses when you finish. A parking permit is required for the day you plan to be in the park and I think it was $3.00...small price to pay.

~ Great Trail.

Anyways, I do have a couple other q's if you have any info that would be great. What is the best way to get to/from my car and where is the best place to leave it. I was debating leaving it at the end of the trail and try to arrange for someone to pick me up and take me to the start or leaving it in the beginning and arranging transportation at the end. Also, Do I need to get any permits or make any reservations before I go? THanks again for the advice!!

Leave you car in either Oconee State Park or Tablerock State Park, and have someone shuttle you to the other terminus. Walk back to your car. The Foothills Trail Conference has members that offer shuttles. Another option would be to have someone hike with you, and set up a shuttle between yourselves.

No permits are necessary to hike the trail. A parking fee will apply. Enjoy!

Anyways, I do have a couple other q's if you have any info that would be great. What is the best way to get to/from my car and where is the best place to leave it. I was debating leaving it at the end of the trail and try to arrange for someone to pick me up and take me to the start or leaving it in the beginning and arranging transportation at the end.I've always preferred to leave my vehcle at the end. When I'm walking the last few miles, I've already mentally changed gears and am thinking ice-cold soda, shower, food. Having to hitch back to my car isn't something I want to do at that time.

If you are using a shuttler, of course, it is much easier to meet them at the beginning of the hike because you are in contol of when you arrive. It's tougher predicting when you will get "out" and be ready for a ride back to your vehicle.

Have a great hike!

Wow, thanks again. Looks like i'm going to go with the majority and park my car at the end. I was thinking that was a better idea but wasn't sure and it's probably a lot more convenient to hitch a ride in the beg. then waiting for someone after the hike. It also sounds like i'll be switching my trip to late october, but I'm guessing these dates will change as it actually gets closer to fall. Oh, and great idea about the food drop!!

I've seen the leaves change from the 2nd week in October to 2nd week in November.
Went october a year ago and it was so hot we swam in the river.
If the drought continues they may not turn at all, just brown up and fall off.

The spring and fall are the "busy" times for that trail, especially the river section. Summer is too hot, buggy, muggy, snakey......for multi-day hikes.
Try to schedule during the week for more solitude.

FYI for everyone planning to hike the FT over the next week or so, there is a 300 A fire burning just south of the FT. It is being watched by the local authorities and a fire break has been plowed. The smoke was pretty heavy on Lake Jocassie yesterday.

That whole area has been needing a controlled burn for a while.
I guess they waited too long.
I hope it doesn't turn into a wildfire.