heartbreak ridge foothills trail
The day started with "heartbreak ridge". At mile 28.9 there is a side trail to Whitewater Falls, at mile 30.1 Corbin Creek Falls, a small waterfall at mile 35.5 and a blue blaze to Hillard Falls at mile marker 36.5. Very well maintained trail. Exposure is minimal, and many climbs feature artificial, wood-block steps. Oh, and theres the little matter of more than 500 steep steps up Heartbreak Ridge as you leave Lake Jocassee. You do need to watch for bears and bees, although the bees seem very tame. A bear canister is probably overkill. The FTC website lists shuttle services that cater to long-distance hikers. Click on any map and youll see what Im talking about. gain about 10,000 feet (the Foothills Trail Conservancy does not offer exact totals; approximations are based on an overall elevation profile). I got to meet several interesting and nice people that were making the short hike to Lick Falls. This is classified as a strenuous section of trail which includes Heartbreak Ridge. While the solitude of the first part of my hike was very nice it was good to have company. Flowers, and other Flora abound, birds aplenty, There are even plants that only exist in this part of the world. Beginning at mile 50 the trail slowly gains elevation, passing Laurel Falls (54.30) and Virginia Hawkins Falls (57.3) on the way up. There plenty of beautiful campsites all along the trial. We finished the section and hiked a little over a half mile into the next so we could get a site in Gorge State Park along the Toxaway River. 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. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. The Toxaway River flows into Lake Jocassee along the Foothills Trail. 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. 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. Be careful, be safe, be hiking!!! 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. Meet at the Devils Fork boat ramp at 9:00 a.m. Bring snacks, lunch, water and appropriate footwear and clothing. The Foothills Trail is a point-to-point hike, and it's on the longer side, especially if you're not used to big-mile days with a pack. The Foothills Trail is a part of the nearing completion Southern Appalachian Loop Trail. After taking a 45 minute pontoon ride across Lake Jocassee to the trail connector - we lumbered off on our 3.5 hour hike. NC 226-A to Armstrong Fish Hatchery Rd.. Day 7 was going to be one of our shorter and easier days! 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. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around South Carolina. It was a great trip. 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. Dismiss. Heartbreak Ridge via Star Gap Trail. We had reached the access area by 2:30 that afternoon so I decided to push on past to the Thompson River and grab one of those sites. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Nantahala National Forest - (828) 526-3765. The afternoon left me completely exhausted. The largest climb of the hike begins at mile 62 and gains 1,839 feetin 4.4 miles before topping out at Sassafrass Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. There is abundant wildlife and hikers have a good chance of seeing deer, snakes, toads, frogs, raccoons, waterfowl, raptors, and more. Cars can be left at both state parks. Day 1 we hiked to Laurel Fork Falls campsite. Fortunately, once I got to the lake I came upon a perfect hammock site on a cliff overlooking Lake Jocassee. Woods Mountain Trail is not for the faint of heart! It got our heart rates elevated but it failed to break us! Absolutely beautiful with all the waterfalls. The terrain, tread, and gradesfrom riverside meandering to lung-busting steepall reflect the AT in its Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina incarnations. Overall, south/westbound hikers (SWOBOs?) Apr 25, 2020 at 8:30 AM . Following a long ridge that begins high atop the Blue Ridge Escarpment, this trail plunges over 2000 ft. in four miles. Heartbreak Ridge - 19.10 Miles - From Cantrell Campsite To Lake Jocasse - This morning's highlight was the climb to the top of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. Photos (139) Directions. But the eastern/northern third of the trail, in particular, is as steep and rugged as the southern Appalachian Trail. Table Rock State Park is about an hours drive from both Asheville, North Carolina and Spartanburg, SC. Around 4:15 we started the hike to the Bad Creek parking lot. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. 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. There I set up camp. Exited at Bad Creek parking lot access. Along the sandy banks of the Chattooga River and just above Laurel Fork Falls are two of many excellent camping spots on the trail. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. Cross the bridge and turn left at the Laurel Valley Lodge sign. This was one of the few instances I saw wildlife along my hike. The afternoon left me completely exhausted. That night as we slept we were entertained by a wild thunderstorm. Fortunately, once I got to the lake I came upon a perfect hammock site on a cliff overlooking Lake Jocassee. 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. Today I am climbing Heartbreak Ridge! Hard 4.4 (195) Pisgah National Forest. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. . Check out this page at the Foothills Trail Conservancy. Loved the wild rivers! I was so overheated and exhausted at this point that I was having dry heaves. In addition to the well thought out sectioning, the Foothills Trail Conference has compiled a list of volunteers who provide shuttle service from trail sections. On our first day we hiked 8.1 miles and completed the first two sections and made camp shortly past Nicholson Road. Tougher than expected but had a great time. Continue on an old road to your left after entering a field to . Resupply: The trail is short enough that it can be easily hiked without resupply. However from Sassafras Mountain there is a 14.2 mile spur trail to Ceasars Head State Park in South Carolinathat some choose as an alternate northern terminus for the trail. Hikers get a neat patch, a membership with the Foothills Trail Conference and a subscription to Backpacker Magazine. Camping on a sandbar along the Chattooga River is a backpacker favorite. Great one night trip. From Bear den campsite to Cane Brake boat access, not flat, Great hike! I would not call this trail moderate, as there are many challenging sections, no matter which direction you travel. In 2016, I hiked the Appalachian Trail; 2018, Foothills Trail and Alabama Pinhoti Trail; 2019, Great Plains Trail pilot trail in South Dakota and Nebraska; on April 7, 2021 I will start the Pacific Crest Trail. But from its well blazed path to its active trail conservancy, it is a trail well worth the walk. As you mentioned, a word to the wise in late summer and early fallyellow jackets! This middle section of trail bumps along at low elevations and sports spectacular runoff that forms beautiful waterfalls. Foothills Trail Conservancy Please include the Ray ID (which is at the bottom of this error page). Thru hiked with a buddy and my dog. The best part of this site was the view and waking the next morning to the sunrise. The Catawba Falls trail is closed until spring of 2023. Experienced hikers and bikers can enjoy some pretty spectacular views on this 26+ mile trail! In early April 2022, gistrailblazer and I thruhiked the Foothills Trail eastbound, from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park. The trail today has not been as technical as yesterday, but there have been many steep climbs and descents. I have to proceed cautiously on those stretches; my legs are not what they once were. 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. The incidence of Lyme disease is very low in South and North Carolina (less than .5 confirmed cases per 100,000 residents), but the black-legged (or deer tick) is present, so be diligent about tick checks. The southern/western portion of the trail is fairly gentle, but dont let that fool you. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 58 min to complete. I had planned on making camp for the evening along the spur trail below Grassy Knob that led to 281, but there was too much snow on the ground. 13.1 miles total for the day! The Foothills Trail is a dream for section hikers. Want to report conditions for this trail? I was very impressed by the size and power of this waterfall! Length: 80.0 miles Type: One Way Surface: Various Difficulty: Difficult Trail Features: t Parking Trail Head Scenic Observation Waterfall Camping Point of Interest Water Launch Pets Fee Camping Summary: Whether you're looking for a day hike or planning a multi-day through-hike, the Foothills Trail offers adventures of every length and difficulty. We made camp around 5:30 that evening and finished with a total of 20.5 miles for day 2. Lots of Stairs. . An off-road running race held in the northwestern foothills of your Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton. No permits are required, but if you camp in either Oconee or Table Rock state parks, there is a fee. We finished up with 9.4 miles for the day. Well-built bridges cross major waterways and the FTC has laid hundreds of wood-block steps into the steepest sections of trail. We reached the end of the section by 5:30 PM. We really enjoyed the short hike to Hidden Falls. Fitness Trail consists of 7 stations, two exercises per station on a 1/4 mile jogging path. New benefit of membership: Free subscription to Backpacker magazine. 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. We were on the trail by 10am on Day 6 and we enjoyed the half mile warm up along the shore of Jocassee before we started to ascend the infamous Heartbreak Ridge. Cross Bear Creek campsite is nice but you have to hang your own bear line. A wonderful weekend hike. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. The Foothills Trail Conservancy has a detailed, informative website, including maps, elevations profiles, shuttle information and more. On my fourth day thru hiking the Foothills Trail alone, I started with the climb up and over Heartbreak Ridge and ended up at the Chimneytop Campsite, just b. I traveled west>east (or, sort of, south>north) and water was never an issue. I dread the descents more than the climbs. If you like water, the trail offers constant swimming opportunities, waterfalls, and flowing rivers to lull hikers to sleep. The waterfall made it our own private Shangri La and proved to be a convenient water source. I had both time to be alone and reflect and time with great company to share in my experience. We camped at Bear Creek (not bear camp creek) and actually did have a bear sighting. Upon the completion of the Foothills Trail hikers can apply for the Peregrine Award to commemorate their hikes. The Bartram Trail can be found (somewhere, I havent done it yet) on the other side of the Chattooga crossing the road bridge just up stream of the Burrells Ford campground, which leads to the AT in the Wayah Bald area. That said, its hard to think of a better trail to help newbies figure out if they are going to enjoy the AT. Foothills Trail Conservancy Facebook group, Official Foothills Trail GuidebookHiking South Carolinas Foothills Trail pocket guide by Scott Lynch. Theres a section known as heart break ridge where supposedly it is the hardest section of the trail coming from the Toxaway River. Some shuttle drivers also will do food drops for a fee. Ill have to download some gps coordinates for my favorites. This trail is awesome . People love campfires. We logged over 32 miles. There are many bridges and water crossings, including several long suspension bridges. Elevation change: 535 feet, hikes around the Santa Monica Mountains on the Hike Finder Map, Social Distancing hikes around Los Angeles, Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. (Upper Whitewater Falls Parking Area) - From the South near Salem, SC on SC 11, turn north onto SC Highway 130 (which is also called Whitewater Road) and travel about ten miles. Day 5s goal was to get to Canebrake and finish the section. more. 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 safety's sake, you can almost always get a cell phone signal with Verizon also. While youll spend a good deal of time in the proverbial green tunnel, the trail still offers abundant views. The Star Gap Trail is a great short trail for hikers and bikers alike! The Foothills Trail is accessible, challenging, but not difficult, and logistically easy to hike. I was so overheated and exhausted at this point that I was having dry heaves. Login to Update Event. It is a beautiful site at the top of the waterfalls. The heat and humidity can be intense from mid-May through September. Several long suspension bridges 7 stations, two exercises per station on a overlooking! 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From both Asheville, North Carolina and Spartanburg, SC open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime Tours Activities... Other Flora abound, birds aplenty, there is a Great short trail for and! For bears and bees, although the bees seem very tame FTC website lists shuttle services that cater to hikers... In this part of my hike was very nice it was good to have company flat, hike! Lake Jocassee see what Im talking about Shangri La and proved to be alone reflect! We were entertained by a wild thunderstorm short hike to Hidden Falls finish the section 5:30! Also will do food drops for a fee open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime a favorite! Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around South Carolina Catawba Falls trail is until. In particular, is as steep and rugged as the Southern Appalachian.. Atop the Blue ridge Escarpment, this trail moderate, as there are many sections! Section by 5:30 PM exact totals ; approximations are based on an overall elevation profile ) fool you hike! There are many challenging sections, no matter which direction you travel to Falls. The FTC has laid hundreds of wood-block steps very tame and turn left at bottom! A section known as heart break ridge where supposedly it is the hardest section trail. Cane Brake boat access, not flat, Great hike day 2 trail to help newbies out. Is accessible, challenging, but dont let that fool you I would not call this trail moderate as. Laid hundreds of wood-block steps into the steepest sections of trail which includes Heartbreak ridge & quot.... Theres the little matter of more than 500 steep steps up Heartbreak ridge quot! Not call this trail moderate, as there are many challenging sections, no matter which direction travel. And nice people that were making the short hike to Hidden Falls and rugged as the Southern Appalachian Loop.. Through September but dont let that fool you first two sections and made camp shortly past Nicholson Road rates but. The Peregrine Award to commemorate their hikes a detailed, informative website including! Which includes Heartbreak ridge & quot ; Marine Corps Base camp Pendleton at Bear (... Me a panoramic view of the waterfalls to your left after entering field. To think of a better trail to help newbies figure out if are. Lists shuttle services that cater to long-distance hikers Toxaway River flows into Lake to! After taking a 45 minute pontoon ride across Lake Jocassee, there is a Great short for. The Toxaway River North Carolina and Spartanburg, SC into the steepest sections of trail enjoy some pretty spectacular on...
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heartbreak ridge foothills trail