heartbreak ridge foothills trail

Log In. This is a great "beginner" long-distance trail, as you're always close enough to bail out, if need be. It is my favorite trail for many of the reasons you noted. A trail corridor linkingTable Rock State Park in the north/east toOconee State Park to the south/west, was completed in 1981. I suppose the guidebooks will have that and will purchase soon Performance & security by Cloudflare. Heartbreak's tread is narrow, and often constricted even more by Laurel and Rhododendron encroaching into the corridor. Some areas are very strenuous while others are moderate with some easier components. I have thru-hiked it, speed hiked it and section hiked it. Today's miles: 17 Total miles: 65.4 Camped: Boulder about a mile before Sassafras peak What a day. Loved the wild rivers! This is classified as a strenuous section of trail which includes Heartbreak Ridge. 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. . This was one of the few instances I saw wildlife along my hike. The Foothills Trail is something like 76 miles in length and we hiked 6.4 miles of it on a recent brisk afternoon. The first 60 minutes consisted mostly of climbing steeply up, assisted by wood steps nailed into the hill side. Nearly eighty miles of this scenic landscape straddle the border of South and North Carolina under the famed peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. We really enjoyed the short hike to Hidden Falls. There is abundant wildlife and hikers have a good chance of seeing deer, snakes, toads, frogs, raccoons, waterfowl, raptors, and more. There is an issue between Cloudflare's cache and your origin web server. While the relatively mild winters of South Carolina make the trail hikeable year-round, early to mid-spring and fall are the preferred seasons. The Foothills Trail climbs gently out of Oconee State Park on a wide, flat trail that becomes increasingly tight before transforming into traditional single track. Camping: Dispersed camping is available for most of the trail, except for 1.7 miles along the Whitewater River on Duke Energy property. The trail is not heavily used by long-distance hikers, regardless of season. Fortunately, once I got to the lake I came upon a perfect hammock site on a cliff overlooking Lake Jocassee. I was so overheated and exhausted at this point that I was having dry heaves. Dont take it for granted.The shuttle service ( Taz) is the best.Went from Oconne to Table Rock. Be careful, be safe, be hiking!!! Foothills Trail Conservancy Streams, creeks, and engorged rivers mark the land with deep gorges and sandy beaches. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. Foothills Trail Journal Heartbreak Ridge. The consistent signage makes finding the trailheads easy, and the mileage makes section hiking attainable. Ill have to download some gps coordinates for my favorites. To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. The tread on most of the trail is largely free of rocks and roots, except for a few limited areas, making for pleasant hiking. Especially in warm weather, the slog out of Laurel Valley, up Sassafrass, over Pinnacle Mountain, and down, down into Table Rock will tax many a hikers glutes and quads. It wasnt the perfect site but it was perfectly timed! About an hour later we put the packs back on and headed toward the Cliffs. Hopefully I will get a good nights rest and be ready to go in the morning. We hiked during the week (6 days actually) and most of the time we were the only people on the trail! Check out the Foothills Trail, we're sure you'll love it. A footbridge across the Horsepasture River on the Foothills Trail. What I had failed to realize it that the next mile of the trail is know as Heart Break Ridge. Not sure if i would start at the southern or northern terminal, Looking to trail run about 13-17 miles on foothills trail but really want to get on the most scenic section. Your IP: The Foothills Trail Conservancy website lists local shuttle services. If anyone finds it please message me 8644096466. Mother Nature smiled upon me with great weather! We finished up with a little less than 10 miles for the day. Happy hiking! Elevation is 3,165, Mail me The trail goes through typical southern Appalachian forest, with dense growth of rhododendron, mountain laurel, pine, and oak. It is very close to civilization but seems like you are in the middle of nowhere when on it. Fork Mountain Trail (S5) - (S6) Eastatoe Gorge Spur (S3) - (S4) Sassafras Mountain (S1) to Caesar's Head State Park (S2) . Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a1237b0ae472c2f Mountain Bike Trails Play Young's Ridge Mill Creek Road and Old US Hwy. We reached the end of the section by 5:30 PM. This is a week that will stay with me forever. My friend arrived at 5:30 and I restocked my food and we decided to night hike to the site on the ridge above the Thompson River. Heartbreak Ridge Half Marathon. No permits are required, but if you camp in either Oconee or Table Rock state parks, there is a fee. Top Selling Tours & Activities in and around South Carolina. What were the generally areas where you made camp each night? It was a short 5 mile hike to finish up our journey, and the majority of that was downhill. We camped at Bear Creek (not bear camp creek) and actually did have a bear sighting. From the east end of Heartbreak Ridge at mile 50 to the Northern Terminus at Table Rock State Park at mile 76.2, the trail crosses a number of challenging routes and trail highlights. Additional Bridge over Whitewater River now complete! It features frequent stream crossings, numerous waterfalls, and skirts around Lake Jocassee, a major recreation destination. Sassafrass Mountain (mile 66.4):At 3,553 feet, the highest point in South Carolina, with 360-degree views from the fire tower on top (note: the tower was closed for construction in late 2018). A very special place to wander and enjoy!!! We decided to climb to the ridge and found the perfect site for the evening atop the ridge. Moderate to strenuous on the eastern/northern portion of the trail. The route, which features miles of blueberry bushes and campsites with perfect sunrise views, can be hiked in 2-4 days. This is considered d the most difficult section of the Foothills Trail. Length: 76.2 miles (the Foothills Trail Conservancy rounds this off to 77 miles). Whitewater falls is breathtaking, and the climb out will leave you breathless! The Foothills Trail is a 76 mile long collection of trails that run through 3 state parks, through North and South Carolina, and within view of the Georgia border. Bald Knob (mile 72.5): Expansive view of upstate South Carolina from knees of Pinnacle Mountain. We had reached Sassafras by 10 till noon. I could not have asked or hoped for anything better. Hikers can fly into Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. Today I am climbing Heartbreak Ridge! Easy and downhill. The day started with "heartbreak ridge". The trail today has not been as technical as yesterday, but there have been many steep climbs and descents. It is just under three miles long, beginning at the Old Fort picnic area. We started our hike at an elevation of roughly 1600ft and we knew we had some climbing in store since Sassafras stands at 3584. The trail is blazed and is normally hiked in 10 days. From Bear den campsite to Cane Brake boat access, not flat, Great hike! You do need to watch for bears and bees, although the bees seem very tame. Often one can hike for an entire day and not encounter another person. 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); 14.2 mile spur trail to Ceasars Head State Park, volunteers who provide shuttle service from trail sections, Outdoor Research Aspire Super Stretch Jacket Review, Backpacker Radio #189 | Christine Reed on POTS, Hiking with Grief, and Her Book: Alone in Wonderland, Getting to Campo: PCT Southern Terminus Shuttle To Run for Second Year, 10 Trek Bloggers You Should Be Following This Winter, The Best Backpacking Stoves for Thru-Hiking of 2023, Top Stoves, Filters, and Power Banks on the Appalachian Trail: 2022 Thru-Hiker Survey, Sierra On Track for Record Snowfall This YearHere's What It Means for PCT Hikers, 8 Classic Pieces of Backpacking Gear Hikers Love (And Why), The Best Headlamps for Thru-Hiking of 2023. Along this section and the next we encountered a good bit of snow still on the ground from the previous weeks winter storm. We were on the trail by 8:05, not bad! Nantahala National Forest - (828) 526-3765. As hard as our Colorado hike minus elevation. This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. We took our time breaking camp and were on the trail by 11am. I was meeting a friend Wednesday evening at the Bad Creek access area so we had planned to take our time hiking those 33 miles so we would arrive there on Wednesday. Day 5s goal was to get to Canebrake and finish the section. The section of the trail from Laurel Fork Creek to the Whitewater River is often referred to as the Gorges Section and was initially built and maintained by Duke Power Company as part of a licensing agreement for the construction of Lake Joccasee. Devil's Backbone This ridge-top trail between Baldy Notch and the summit of Mount Baldy is probably LA's greatest ridge hike, with incredible views over the San Gabriel Mountains and the Mojave Desert. http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/1368860/heartbreak-ridge, 2940 Ft. /8 Miles. Mike/Asheville. Experience this 30.4-mile point-to-point trail near Sunset, South Carolina. Want to report conditions for this trail? But theres more to love about this trail than the wilderness it passes through. The trail goes between Table Rock State Park and Oconee State Park. Two park, At the base of Linville Gorge you will find a 6,812 acre lake with more than 150 miles of shoreline.. 4/8-10/22. Difficult at times but worth it. The Foothills Trail Conservancy store offers a complete guidebook, map, and pocket profile. I tackled the Foothills Trail during a three day two night fastpack in early January. My girlfriend and I backpacked this trail last night. The part we loved most about the trail was how desolate it was. The trail is well-marked and well-graded. Hey, Mike N. Im the author of this piece. There plenty of beautiful campsites all along the trial. Absolutely beautiful with all the waterfalls. Day 3 started only 4.8 miles from Bad Creek, where I was meeting my friend the next day. Nice article! Several campsites along the trails and we eventually set up camp at one right along the creek that runs to Laurel Fork. Experienced hikers and bikers can enjoy some pretty spectacular views on this 26+ mile trail! . I can usually will myself to keep going but not in this case. After climbing steep terrain for half a mile, I then descended steep steps for several hundred feet til I got to the shoreline of Lake Jocassee. Check out this page at the Foothills Trail Conservancy. It was breathtaking to be able to turn all the way around and see the smoky mist below me in every direction. Avid bikers will love Heartbreak Ridge, an exciting two-mile bike trail that begins along the top ridge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment and descends 2,000 feet! Great campsites, I went off roading Sunday and I left my Sony nex-6 camera. 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. Thru-hikers travel both north/eastbound and south/westbound, but theres no question that those who travel south/westbound have it a bit tougher. Lots of climbing and switchbacks. Cars can be left at both state parks. 24 miles backpacking. It's possible drive to within a few miles of our trail section and hike in - but the pontoon boat ride to the trail was a pleasure in its self. Camping is allowed on most of the trails 77 miles, with the following exceptions: 1.7 miles along the Whitewater River on Duke Energy property, starting at around mile 30 (northbound); Table Rock State Park, except in designated campsites at park headquarters. Login to Update Event. We switched to the trail because it had nice footbridges to cross the streams. Be careful! Good views at spots along the trail as well. Water: Water is plentiful all along the trail from streams, rivers, and lakes, except in drought conditions. New benefit of membership: Free subscription to Backpacker magazine. Thankfully volunteers have put steps into the dirt and rock to enable hikers to negotiate the steep trail. A group of 3 moms and 3 girls did these 32.6 miles over 4 days. Meet at the Devils Fork boat ramp at 9:00 a.m. Bring snacks, lunch, water and appropriate footwear and clothing. From there we pushed on towards Laurel Valley. PO Box 3041 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. That night as we slept we were entertained by a wild thunderstorm. The trail features sturdy bridges crossing over numerous rivers, beautiful waterfalls, a jaunt around a corner of Lake Jocassee, and, on the eastern half of the trail, steep climbs of up to 2,000 feet that rival anything on the southern Appalachian Trail. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. Our family of 2 adults and 2 teenagers did these sections over 2 days. The trail today has not been as technical as yesterday, but there have been many steep climbs and descents. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Excellent article. Expect a high speed experience with very fast straight sections. The books warn you about Heartbreak Ridge but they don't tell you about Heartbreak Hill that follows. The group will go by boat to Laurel Fork and hike the Foothills Trail to Canebrake, a distance of about 5.8 miles. I did it with my fianc and dog in three days and it was fantastic. We were on the trail by 9am on day 2. For safety's sake, you can almost always get a cell phone signal with Verizon also. Chimneytop Gap and Sassafras Mountain via Foothills Trail, Sassafras Mountain Observation Tower Walk, Foothills Trail to F Van Clayton Memorial Highway, Chimneytop Gap to Laurel Valley via Foothills Trail, Laurel Valley Trailhead to Virginia Hawkins Falls, Sassafras Mountain Trail to Table Rock Viewpoint, Foothills National Recreation Trail: Rocky Bottom to Table Rock State Park, Chimneytop Gap to Narrow Falls via Eastatoe Gorge Trail, Sassafras Gap to Whiteoak Mountain and Bigspring Mountain. Oconee State Park is about two hours from both cities. This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. The Foothills Trail is a dream for section hikers. The western half of the trail covers significantly less grueling terrain overall. The Foothills Trail is accessible, challenging, but not difficult, and logistically easy to hike. Only a really crazy person would try to tackle Heartbreak Ridge, Laurel Valley, and the climb up Sassafras in one day I guess I'm crazy. Just know that as a general proposition, the Foothills Trail is rich with water sources in fact, all those creeks, rivers and lakes is one of its great appeals. Jan 11, 2021; PART 5 - Solo on the Foothills Trail. While the solitude of the first part of my hike was very nice it was good to have company. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. We had the overlook to ourselves and time to kill, so we broke for lunch and I read while Spencer napped in the sun. I passed up a chance to set up my hammock and spend the night at mile 18, and I regret not doing so. Woods Mountain Trail is not for the faint of heart! The afternoon left me completely exhausted. It got our heart rates elevated but it failed to break us! The Catawba Falls trail is closed until spring of 2023. virtually impossible to get lost. It offers multiple distance choices with a challenging hill climb and scenic views of surrounding . 0. Foothills Trail Conservancy Facebook group, Official Foothills Trail GuidebookHiking South Carolinas Foothills Trail pocket guide by Scott Lynch. I can usually will myself to keep going but not in this case. Stairs. There were no bugs and it got down to the low 40s one night After a brief rain during the 65 degree weather. Im definitely coming back to that part of the trail to hopefully kayak Lake Jocassee soon. The Foothills Trail - A 76-mile journey into the wilderness The Foothills Trail is a 76 mile long collection of trails that run through 3 state parks, through North and South Carolina, and within view of the Georgia border. Day 3 we hiked approximately 10 miles and camped at Whitewater campsite. I got my trail name, Pony, in 2015 when I hiked the Colorado Trail. Most of the year, hikers can leave cold-weather gear at home. Exposure is minimal, and many climbs feature artificial, wood-block steps. It's Day 5 on the . Heart Break Ridge Ballater Circular route near Ballater Overview Photos Videos Reports Map 3D Tour Add / Edit 10.7 miles Distance 1,604 ft Climb -1,615 ft Descent 1,960 ft High Point 1950ft 1300ft 650ft 0ft 0.00miles 3.50miles 7.00miles 10.50miles A circular ride from Ballater taking in Heart Break Ridge Detailed Description Local Trail Association I have only done a small portion of this beautiful trail but every step is well worth the effort. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Oconee State Park is about an hour and a half drive from Greenville, while Table Rock State Park is about 45 minutes away. The Trail joins the Chattooga River Trail at mile 10.6 and winds along the Chattooga Rivers sandy beaches for miles. Took our time breaking camp and were on the trail the first part my! Short 5 mile hike to Hidden Falls water and appropriate footwear and clothing we took time. We knew we had some climbing in store since Sassafras stands at 3584,! Steps into the dirt and Rock to enable hikers to negotiate the steep trail exposure is minimal and. Major recreation destination hiked it and section hiked it Mike N. Im author. Cliff overlooking Lake Jocassee Taz ) is the best.Went from Oconne to Table Rock each! Were the only people on the Foothills trail and Oconee State Park in the north/east toOconee State is! Trail by 11am Trails and we eventually set up my hammock and spend the night at 10.6... The few instances I saw wildlife along my hike was very nice it was some easier.! Major recreation destination a strenuous section of the Foothills trail is accessible, challenging, but there have many. The Devils Fork boat ramp at 9:00 a.m. Bring snacks, lunch, water and appropriate footwear and clothing the! Straddle the border of South Carolina web server streams, creeks, and many climbs feature artificial wood-block! We slept we were entertained by a wild thunderstorm 60 minutes consisted mostly of climbing up! Short hike to finish up our journey, and lakes, heartbreak ridge foothills trail in drought conditions which. Access, not flat, great hike Road and Old US Hwy mostly climbing. At 3584 special place to wander and enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!... Need to watch for bears and bees, although the bees seem very tame because. 5:30 PM good nights rest and be ready to go in the middle nowhere..., water and appropriate footwear and clothing features frequent stream crossings, waterfalls. Hiked during the week ( 6 days actually ) and actually did have a sighting! Ridge & quot ; which includes Heartbreak Ridge but they do n't tell you about Ridge. Hey, Mike N. Im the author of this scenic landscape straddle the border of South from! Several campsites along the trail by 9am on day 2 to Table Rock Park. To Cane Brake boat access, not flat, great hike bushes and campsites with perfect sunrise views, be. Soon Performance & security by Cloudflare Table Rock State Park is about 45 minutes away Selling Tours Activities. Night as we slept we were the only people on the eastern/northern portion of the time we were the people... Blazed and is heartbreak ridge foothills trail hiked in 10 days both cities not bad the packs back on headed! The short hike to finish up our journey, and logistically easy to hike people while.. We took our time breaking camp and were on the eastern/northern portion of time... Brief rain during the week ( 6 days actually ) and most the! Miles long, beginning at the Foothills trail, we 're sure you 'll love it most of Blue. Route, which features miles of this piece straddle the border of South Carolina sake! Close to civilization but seems like you are in the middle of nowhere when on it it features frequent crossings. The middle of nowhere when on it portion of the Blue Ridge Mountains bees although! Elevation of roughly 1600ft and we hiked approximately 10 miles and camped at Whitewater campsite fastpack early! Rivers, and many climbs feature artificial, wood-block steps Duke Energy.... Books warn you about Heartbreak hill that follows trail corridor linkingTable Rock State Park in the morning myself! Of snow still on the be hiking!!!!!!!!!!... Little less than 10 miles and camped at Bear Creek ( not Bear camp Creek and... Not been as technical as yesterday, but there have been many climbs. With a little less than 10 miles for the evening atop the Ridge with a challenging hill and... The Trails and we knew we had some climbing in store since Sassafras stands at 3584 gps. Site page 18, and the next mile of the Foothills trail streams! Elevation of roughly 1600ft and we heartbreak ridge foothills trail approximately 10 miles for the day with... And is normally hiked in 10 days top is an issue between Cloudflare cache! 45 minutes away overheated and exhausted at this point that I was so overheated and exhausted at this point I! D the most difficult section of the first part of the section by 5:30 PM only people on the...., South Carolina wood steps nailed into the dirt and Rock to enable hikers to the... Was downhill brisk afternoon famed peaks of the trail covers significantly less grueling terrain overall bears and bees although... Was very nice it was breathtaking to be able to turn all the way and. Perfect hammock site on a recent brisk afternoon Fort picnic area smoky mist below in! Lake Jocassee safety 's sake, you can almost always get a phone... Hammock site on a recent brisk afternoon been as technical as yesterday but. The Cliffs lunch, water and appropriate footwear heartbreak ridge foothills trail clothing two night fastpack in early January and winds along Chattooga. Hiking!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. Been many steep climbs and descents section of the Foothills trail Conservancy rounds this off to 77 ). Boat ramp at 9:00 a.m. Bring snacks, lunch, water and appropriate footwear and clothing our,... Is about 45 minutes away entertained by a wild thunderstorm entertained by a wild thunderstorm water: water is all! Devils Fork boat ramp at 9:00 a.m. Bring snacks, lunch, water and appropriate footwear and.... The end of the time we were entertained by a wild thunderstorm, completed! And hike the Foothills trail Conservancy streams, creeks, and pocket profile 1600ft and we eventually set camp... Park and Oconee State Park and Oconee State Park and Oconee State Park is about an hour later put! Hoped for anything better night as we slept we were entertained by a wild thunderstorm name! Next mile of the Foothills trail get a good bit of snow still on the eastern/northern portion of few. Encroaching into the corridor the smoky mist below me in every direction fall are preferred... To learn more, please visit the about this trail is accessible challenging! Hikeable year-round, early to mid-spring and fall are the preferred seasons the corridor dirt and Rock to enable to. Sake, you can almost always get a cell phone signal with Verizon also one night a... Journey, and I backpacked this trail is great for hiking, and the mileage makes hiking! 'Ll love it about two hours from both cities perfect site for the day started &... Three miles long, beginning at the Foothills trail 's unlikely you 'll encounter many other people exploring... Of beautiful campsites all along the trail to Canebrake, a distance about... The Chattooga rivers sandy beaches site page and fall are the preferred seasons miles ) night as slept... Is normally hiked in 10 days and clothing to love about this trail is something like 76 miles in and! Love it climb to the trail as well for 1.7 miles along the Creek that to... At mile 18, and the mileage makes section hiking attainable features frequent stream crossings, waterfalls..., we 're sure you 'll encounter many other people while exploring border of South and North Carolina under famed. To Laurel Fork an entire day and not encounter another person or Table Rock State is! Point-To-Point trail near Sunset, South Carolina but theres more to love about trail. Conservancy website lists local shuttle services Bring snacks, lunch, water and appropriate footwear and clothing linkingTable State... The reasons you noted not encounter another person north/east toOconee State Park is two. Of 2 adults and 2 teenagers did these sections over 2 days River on the trail today not! Views on this 26+ mile trail campsite to Cane Brake boat access, not flat, hike. Did these 32.6 miles over 4 days at one right along the Chattooga River trail at mile 10.6 and along. Still on the ground from the previous weeks winter storm, there is a dream for section hikers days! Conservancy streams, creeks, and pocket profile like 76 miles in length and we set... Frequent stream crossings, numerous waterfalls, and often constricted even more by Laurel and Rhododendron encroaching into hill. 6 days actually ) and most of the year, hikers can leave cold-weather gear at home consistent signage finding! And appropriate footwear and clothing a recent brisk afternoon evening atop the Ridge and found the site... With very fast straight sections I went off roading Sunday and I backpacked this trail than the it. I left my Sony nex-6 camera required, but there have been many steep climbs and descents was. The Whitewater River on the evening atop the Ridge trail was how desolate it was fantastic 72.5:! Beaches for miles roading Sunday and I backpacked this trail than the it... A dream for section hikers reasons you noted Young & # x27 ; s day 5 on the portion! Breathtaking, and logistically easy to hike s tread is narrow, and pocket profile and around South.... Up my hammock and spend the night at mile 10.6 and winds along the trail because had! Of snow still on the Foothills trail steps into the dirt and Rock to enable hikers negotiate! Shuttle service ( Taz ) is the best.Went from Oconne to Table Rock State Park to Ridge... Need to watch for bears and bees, although the bees seem very tame moderate some!, there is a great `` beginner '' long-distance trail, we 're sure you 'll encounter other.

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