View Full Version : Foothills Trail - What time of year is best?
See my thoughts/questons in post # 37 here:
http://www.whiteblaze.net/forum/showthread.php?p=562406#post562406
Suggestions greatly appreciated. ;)
Mountain Maiden
03-10-2008, 23:06
I absolutely love FHT in the late Fall and early winter. Or, anytime in the Spring.
Summer isn't bad if you like copperheads....
But----- don't even think about Laurel Fork portion in the heat of summer. It is suffocating. Somehow, the heat and humidity settle in to make the otherwise cool rhododendron tunnel quite miserable--even dangerous. The only good part is you might find a trickle creek to cool off in...then again--maybe not if it is a dry year--nothing til you reach the falls.
I esp like Oct-Nov when you can still smell the wonderful fragrance of muscadines where the bears have trampled them (or maybe they were making wine!) The leaf show is amazing and magical.
In the winter--the views are breathtaking! You can really see the lay of the land and snow is an added bonus!
Spring brings forth the 'sarvis,' the wild dogwoods and the Redbuds. What a treat!!
On the FHT waterfalls are many, the views are wonderful, the terrain challenging, the local history is mind-boggling, the access is easy--what more could one ask?!
As others mentioned in your previous thread----don't miss the spur trails! They hold some of the best views and 'secret spots' for overnights!
ENJOY!!
S :sun
Personally I like the Foothills trail in the Fall, cooler temps and the leaves are always excellent. I have hiked it in the Winter also, December and January, it can get really cold down by the lake. Just a fun trail to hike.:)
Ramble~On
03-12-2008, 02:28
I did it in March last year and am doing it again last week of March this year. Not crowded, not hot...spring rains make the waterfalls pretty and bathing fun:eek:. I like wildflowers and the last week of March is ripe on the FHT! Best time? not sure but to me it's a "good time" :D
Nightwalker
03-12-2008, 06:33
The only really difficult time for me on the FHT is July and August. During those times, I usually sleep all day and hike all night.
Hammocks rock for sleeping in the heat!
The Solemates
03-12-2008, 10:01
the old saying is true for the foothills...april showers bring may flowers. hike the trail in may for optimal waterfall beauty.
a fall hike usually doesnt have as high of volume water in the falls because of the common drought-like conditions so often surfacing in the summer months.
I enjoy it most during March and October but have hiked it during the heat of summer and the cold of winter. Never had a bad trip so far.
I'm starting to be more and more convinced to do the FHT in April and do the 70-mile AT section in October. I appreciate all your comments and suggestions.
Couple of questions about this trail... I picked up the guidebook and map.
How well is the trail blazed?
Are there any shuttlers that serve this area?
Thanks!
The Solemates
03-14-2008, 10:40
the trail is very well blazed.
http://www.foothillstrail.org/permanent/shuttledrivers.htm
Couple of questions about this trail... I picked up the guidebook and map.
How well is the trail blazed?
Are there any shuttlers that serve this area?
Thanks!I've heard the 40 miles closest to Table Rock SP is very well maintained, with the Western section less so, but with maps there should be no problem. I do not believe there are any shelters. The other thread on the FHT has a link to some very good maps which I've looked over pretty thoroughly and there is no mention of shelters.
Should be fun! I'm doing the entire trail the week of April 18th.
I've heard the 40 miles closest to Table Rock SP is very well maintained, with the Western section less so, but with maps there should be no problem. I do not believe there are any shelters. The other thread on the FHT has a link to some very good maps which I've looked over pretty thoroughly and there is no mention of shelters.
Should be fun! I'm doing the entire trail the week of April 18th.
Sounds like fun. I'll be on the AT between Damascus and Erwin that week but would appreciate a trip report when you get back if you don't mind.
I'd also be interested in how much traffic is on the trail (compared with the AT). As the AT gets crowded with thru hikers I'm more and more interested in trails that have potentially less traffic - like this, Uwharrie, etc.
How are you going to handle transportation? There's a list of shuttlers on the FTC website but that list is pretty old. I did get an email back from one of the people on the list..... He said that either terminus was ok to park at to hike the entire trail but that Table Rock was probably the safer of the two.
I'd also be interested in how much traffic is on the trail (compared with the AT). As the AT gets crowded with thru hikers I'm more and more interested in trails that have potentially less traffic - like this, Uwharrie, etc.
That's exactly why I decided to flip flop the two hikes I've planned this year. I was going to do Sam's Gap to 19E the last week in April and thought, man I'll be slap in the midst of the thru hiker wave - a great thing (maybe) if you're one of them, but not something to seek out if you're not doing a thru and like solo hiking and solitude. Now I'll do the above AT hike in October.
How are you going to handle transportation? There's a list of shuttlers on the FTC website but that list is pretty old. I did get an email back from one of the people on the list..... He said that either terminus was ok to park at to hike the entire trail but that Table Rock was probably the safer of the two.
Yes, I've left a message with one of the shuttlers on the FTC list. I plan to pay for a shuttle, leaving my car at Table Rock right by the Ranger station, and starting at Oconee SP. I also just ordered the Guide Book today from FTC.org. I will definitely post a trip report upon my return, and some pics too! ;)
Scheduled my shuttle with Heyward Douglas this morning. Sounds like, as a past Chairman of the Conference he knows the trail very well. Said he would fill me in on his secrets and best campsites during our two hour drive from Table Rock to Oconee SP. Can't wait! :)
Nearly Normal
03-16-2008, 15:36
Was on the River section last weekend scouting a fishing camp. It was great.
girlnextdoor
03-16-2008, 15:54
Redwood, Easy, Goldbond and myself did about 50 miles of the Foothills Trail over New Years 06 and RW and I finished the last 20 miles in August.
In the winter the views are great, not too cold and NO BUGS!
In Aug. the river was wonderful for swimming and plenty of water along the way.
Have Fun!
The Solemates
03-16-2008, 21:56
during our two hour drive from Table Rock to Oconee SP. Can't wait! :)
it takes 30-45 minutes to make this drive. this guy will be driving 30 mph if he is doing it in 2 hrs.
There are no AT-style shelters, but there are ample pre-hardened campsites. Most are listed in the guidebook. You can also camp elsewhere if you want.
If you go during May-October, and you hit a hot spell (not uncommon), the beauty is somewhat overshadowed by the oppressive heat and humidity.
The FHT is very well-blazed.
Not true on "You can Camp wherever you want", I believe it is the Sumter National Forest you can't camp, their aren't any campsites in this section any how. I couldn't find where it says that in the book, it must be on the map...............:-?
Nearly Normal
03-17-2008, 02:30
Read the section from Bad Reek to Sloan Bridge or The Fork Mountain Spur.
There is a place in that area you are not suppose to camp.
Thanks for all the tips/info. Yes, I was aware about the limitations on camping in Sumter NF. I'll know more when my guide book arrives, but I believe I read the rule there is "camping in designated campsites only," of which there are few. Anyway, I'll plan accordingly from one night to the next, in that area particularly.
I don't think I'll have to worry about heat in April.
Hey Solemate, not to argue about the driving time, but if it's 76 miles of trail, and roads in between trail heads are always further in distance, if you can do more than 76 miles of mountainous roads in 30 minutes, I think I'll pass on riding with you! :p :D
The only no camping rule on the Foothills Trail that I know of is along the Whitewater River. That is from Bad Creek to just below Whitewater Falls. I'll try to look it up to verify. Also, inside Table Rock State Park along the trail camping is not allowed. I'm not sure about Oconee State Park.
Not true on "You can Camp wherever you want", I believe it is the Sumter National Forest you can't camp, their aren't any campsites in this section any how. I couldn't find where it says that in the book, it must be on the map...............:-?
Ooooops! Hopefully there is a statute of limitations on that one! :o
Hey Solemate, not to argue about the driving time, but if it's 76 miles of trail, and roads in between trail heads are always further in distance, if you can do more than 76 miles of mountainous roads in 30 minutes, I think I'll pass on riding with you! :p :D ??? I don't understand?
vaporjourney
03-17-2008, 17:24
Is the guidebook and/or map really necessary for a thru-hike? I'm a fan of maps as much as the next guy, but if the trail is well blazed, I'd rather just take the chance. No need for a lecture on the necessity for taking a map for safety, but I'd just like to know if the map is really essential for navigation on a thru-hike. It would be really nice to have the guidebook for general info on the trail and where it is going, but I can't really afford to spend the money for a hike that will be over in 3.5 days. Any help would be greatness.
Is the guidebook and/or map really necessary for a thru-hike? I'm a fan of maps as much as the next guy, but if the trail is well blazed, I'd rather just take the chance. No need for a lecture on the necessity for taking a map for safety, but I'd just like to know if the map is really essential for navigation on a thru-hike. It would be really nice to have the guidebook for general info on the trail and where it is going, but I can't really afford to spend the money for a hike that will be over in 3.5 days. Any help would be greatness.
A map is not necessary for the this trail.
not to argue about the driving time, but if it's 76 miles of trail, and roads in between trail heads are always further in distanceAfter checking further I am wrong! In this rare case, the roads between the two state parks is nearly a straight shot, and the trail winds all over the place - 76 miles of trail and only about 40 miles of road. Usually when doing an AT section, the driving miles is about double the trail miles. Oh well, I guess I'll have to pick Heyward's brain fast on the trail secrets! :D
After checking further I am wrong! In this rare case, the roads between the two state parks is nearly a straight shot, and the trail winds all over the place - 76 miles of trail and only about 40 miles of road. Usually when doing an AT section, the driving miles is about double the trail miles. Oh well, I guess I'll have to pick Heyward's brain fast on the trail secrets! :DI'd bet on about an hour for this drive. Highway 11 is the quick part, but the last 15 or so miles is much slower driving.
ONe hour is what google maps assigned it as well!
Johnny Swank
03-18-2008, 13:58
I ran a shuttle for a groups waaaay back, and remember it taking about 1 hr or so.
Beautiful trail BTW - I'd love to do it in the early fall when you could still go swimming.
I just finished the FHT 3/11-3/17 and was pleased with this time of year. I don't tolerate heat or swarming bugs very well, so this seemed a good time for it. With no leaves, there were more opportunities for views as well. Though the rain/thunderstorms were pretty severe on 3/14-15, but that was a fluke.
In reference to earlier posts, the only sites posted against camping are Oconee and Table Rock State parks and the Whitewater gorge area. There are no shelters, but plenty of established sites. IN many parts, the established sites would be the only viable option for camping unless you are solo or hammocking. We has a small group of 4 people in 3 tents, so we stayed in established sites the whole trip.
Water is not a problem. The longest stretches we found without water were around Rt107/Fish Hatchery (about a 4-5 mile stretch with no water) and between Hwy 178 and Table Rock where the trail stays higher longer and away from streams. there really isn't any water in that stretch except for the first/last few miles at the Table Rock end as you first ascend/descend Table Rock (depending on you direction of travel).
The trail is well marked, but the trail map was helpful for planning our days and knowing where upcoming water, spur trails and sites of interest were. I did buy the trail guide and read it a few times, but we did not take it with us.
We hiked from Oconee to Table Rock (it's about an hours drive as noted above) with the thought that the hike up and over Table Rock, Sassafras and Pinnacle would be better saved for later in the trip when we had our trail legs back. Not sure if that worked in our favor or not, since as noted, the trail is very difficult/technical. The stretch along the Chatooga, had lots of blow-downs, exposed roots, and false-trails making for a lot of backtracking and slow going. However, the last few miles coming down from Table Rock were also very difficult. Parts of that trail had to have been designed by a sadist at best or at worst, someone in league with the angry trail gods.
All in all a fantastic trip. We actually went almost four days without seeing another person on the trail. A real hidden gem.
vaporjourney
03-22-2008, 00:08
Thank you very much Khanti for the detailed post-trip report. This is making me look forward to my hike toward the end of April even more. I'm going to look into getting the map now just to figure out water sources. But then again, it may not be an issue if there is water every 2 miles except in the areas that you talked about. Congrats on finishing the hike!
Ramble~On
04-05-2008, 14:16
I just finished up another hike of the FHT March 27-April 1.
I went Table Rock to Oconee. This was my second late March hike of the FHT and this time of year works well for me. The leaves aren't fully out and the views aren't blocked. Last year I hurried through and this year I did a more relaxed hike. Last year I got baked by the sun and the temps were warm. This year I went 3-4 days without seeing the sun, got hailed on and had plenty of cooler weather- perfect for hiking in though. Last year I had the trail to myself. This year I ran into total of 10 people..not including Whitewater Falls which is almost always crowded.
I did a small cache this year and next time I hike the FHT I think I'm going to do a couple more rather than carrying stuff I don't have to.
There were several big blowdowns and signs of recent trail work. There's a brand new bridge in the Sloan Bridge area. I'd imagine that most of the remaining blowdowns will be removed quicky and may even be gone by now.
The FHT is very, very well maintained and easy to follow. I don't carry the map but do carry a striped down guidebook. I ripped out all of the pages except for the detailed trail descriptions and fold out maps....I rarely look at the maps but it is nice to have the trail descriptions.
drivebyjustin
04-07-2008, 11:32
I'm hoping to do the FHT in early may and I've got a couple questions that one of you may be able to answer.
1. Howe are the bugs in may?
2. Where is the best place for a food cache if you only plan on doing one. Further to that, having never cached food before, what are the guidelines to keep your food where you put it?
Thanks...looking forward to getting on the trail soon!
Thanks SpiritWind for your feedback. My Oconee to Table Rock hike starts in less than two weeks now. Can't wait! :)
The Solemates
04-08-2008, 09:32
I'm hoping to do the FHT in early may and I've got a couple questions that one of you may be able to answer.
1. Howe are the bugs in may?
2. Where is the best place for a food cache if you only plan on doing one. Further to that, having never cached food before, what are the guidelines to keep your food where you put it?
Thanks...looking forward to getting on the trail soon!
Bugs are not bad in May in upstate SC.
No need for a food cache. But, if you really want one Whitewater falls parking lot would be the best place due to ease of access and its somewhere close to halfway. Put the food in critter proof container (like an ammo box or similar) and stash it in a spot where no one else would possibly look. Always LNT.
How's the cell phone coverage along the trail (ridges of course)?
Packed my food today and am 60% packed for my Foothills Trail hike. Heading down Friday after work and starting Saturday morning. Can't wait! :)
Bugs are not bad in May in upstate SC.
<snip>Don't bet on that.
Ramble~On
04-13-2008, 04:42
Phew..okay here's a couple responses to the last couple posts.
Bugs...There are plenty of no-see-ums in March and there will be more in May. A lightweight headnet is the only thing I use for them. I keep it in a waterbottle pocket and wear it when the bugs get annoying..one piece of gear worth the weight-nice to have along. I don't carry bug spray/lotion on longer hikes.
Cell Phone Coverage...forget it. Table Rock area, Sassafras and the last few miles of ridge down into Oconee. There isn't service for most of the trail. Maybe other providers or phones have better luck. I'm with Verizon and carry a Motorola phone.
Cache.. I like to cache whenever possible and decided on this past hike to start doing even more of them. I use military surplus metal ammo cans..which are rodent proof, waterproof and work great. I put mine near Whitewater Falls. Next time I plan to have one at Laurel Valley, one at Whitewater and one at Sloan Bridge. A cache doesn't have to be a big deal..it might just be a clean, dry tshirt, socks, a coke or beer, food, fresh batteries etc.
I also like being able to use the cache box to leave things in that I don't need or want.
Nearly Normal
04-13-2008, 10:02
They may have installed a new tower in the area around Sloan Bridge.
It seems service is getting better at least on the Oconee end.
A friend called me a couple of days ago from the end of Big Bend Road and again yesterday from the park.
Not long ago that wasn't possible.
Just to many mountains in the way and bottoms to get service most places.
Good to know. I've prepped my wife not to worry or expect calls every day, but if I can get through, so much the better. I would carry my Windows Mobile phone anyway, because even without the phone feature, at 6.6 oz. it is a pretty decent 2-Mpx camera and e-book / Bible reader. I enjoy relaxing and reading in camp very much. I like to slide into the sleeping bag and read by just the screen's back light for about an hour . . . brings on the sleepies! :)
Ramble~On
04-14-2008, 04:34
They may have installed a new tower in the area around Sloan Bridge.
It seems service is getting better at least on the Oconee end.
A friend called me a couple of days ago from the end of Big Bend Road and again yesterday from the park.
Not long ago that wasn't possible.
Just to many mountains in the way and bottoms to get service most places.
The trail passes several towers before Oconee but I'm not sure if these are in use for cell service. I don't live too far down 107 on the NC side so it's nice to get service along this ridge if I get dropped off I can call for a ride home. I have only hiked the Foothills solo and there are some remote stretches..years ago no thought about making a phone call would have been given as they didn't exist... I'm not one to call momma if I got scared out in the woods at night but it would be nice to have the peace of mind that I could call for help if anything went wrong. I'm surprised that this being the high country of SC there are not more towers taking advantage of the elevation. Being that there isn't cell phone coverage for much of this trail adds to the adventure and feeling of "being out there" something that's getting harder to find.
In time I imagine we'll all be using satellites instead of towers and not having service will be a thing of the past-globally.
Nearly Normal
04-14-2008, 23:05
The trail passes several towers before Oconee but I'm not sure if these are in use for cell service. I don't live too far down 107 on the NC side so it's nice to get service along this ridge if I get dropped off I can call for a ride home. I have only hiked the Foothills solo and there are some remote stretches..years ago no thought about making a phone call would have been given as they didn't exist... I'm not one to call momma if I got scared out in the woods at night but it would be nice to have the peace of mind that I could call for help if anything went wrong. I'm surprised that this being the high country of SC there are not more towers taking advantage of the elevation. Being that there isn't cell phone coverage for much of this trail adds to the adventure and feeling of "being out there" something that's getting harder to find.
In time I imagine we'll all be using satellites instead of towers and not having service will be a thing of the past-globally.
The last thing I want while tied into a big trout on Chattooga is for a phone to ring.
I guess they are good for those that want one but I hope I never get strapped with one. I think it is dangerous and rude behavior to see people driving or walking around a public place with one.
The hands free models are even more obnoxious. People walking around the grocery store talking out loud to nobody. Huh? you talking to me?
Cell phones are like guns . . . they can be either good or bad things depending on how they are used. If cell phones are used with consideration and respect for others on the trail, they can benefit the user and not offend those who don't.
"Rude behavior . . . walking around a public place with one?" A little over the top aren't we? Practice tolerance to people who aren't "wired" exactly like yourself! ;)
Nearly Normal
04-16-2008, 09:16
I do practice tolerance.
Standing in line to buy something with everyone waiting like myself with the cashier ha ha ha(ing) about someones boyfriend or grandmas gall blader operation is poor phone behavior.
Information I don't care to hear, especially when it is causing poor service.
Having a conversation with some one that's interupted every 2 minutes by the frigging thing certainly seems rude.
I'm given no choice in the matter and am strapped to someones elses bleating I just as soon not hear.
Let's not forget all the times some jerk is trying to dial and drive.
Sitting in a movie, restaurant, sporting event, mass transportation etc......someones always heehawing on the durn thing like the rest of gives a crap what they talk about.
Where's the tolerance on their part.
I guess I could begin shouting loudly in their presence "hey grandma, you don't know me but good luck with that gall blader thing."
Sorry to go off topic.
So what should we do about this mess the world is in? I always thought the root of all sin and evil was pride . . . maybe it's cell phones! :eek: :D :p