The Foothills Trail winds for 77 miles along the border of North and South Carolina. Hikers can enjoy the stunning scenery along the Blue Ridge Escarpment as they walk through deep valleys, quiet forest land, and scramble over rocky outcrops. The escarpment is the natural transition between the Carolina Mountains and the Piedmont. Fall is one of the best times to hike the trail, as the temperatures cool off and the trees are ablaze with autumn color.
The trail runs primarily through the Upland of South Carolina, with short sections in western North Carolina. The Foothills Trail connects Table Rock State Park, north of Pickens, South Carolina, to Oconee State Park near Walhalla, South Carolina. Elevations range from 1,120 feet at Table Rock State Park to 3,560 feet at Sassafras Mountain, South Carolina's highest peak. Sections of the trail vary in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Backpackers may travel the entire length of the trail, but there are numerous trailheads with parking available for those who want to take a shorter day hike.
One of the highlights along the Foothills Trail is the Chattooga River, a designated Wild and Scenic River. Hikers may access this section of trail using two trailheads off Highway 107, at Burrell's Ford and Nicholson Ford Roads. The trail goes through the heart of the scenic Jocassee Gorges region, north of Lake Jocassee. Hikers will see several spectacular waterfalls in this area including the Upper and Lower Whitewater Falls, Hilliard Falls, and Laurel Fork Falls. Anglers may enjoy fishing trout streams such as Toxaway, Whitewater, Eastatoe, and Horsepasture Creeks. A popular day hike is the nine mile stretch of trail along the ridge top from Sassafras Mountain to Table Rock. The massive granite dome at Table Rock, measuring 3,266 feet, is South Carolina's most widely photographed natural feature. A variety of wildlife may be seen throughout this region including eagles, wild turkeys, deer, and the occasional bobcat and black bear.
The Foothills Trail is maintained by the Foothills Trail Conference, a volunteer organization that sponsors hikes along the trail. They sell trail guides and maps of the area, which are an invaluable resource for hikers. The organization can also help hikers arrange for shuttle service.
This remote area of western North Carolina and northwestern South Carolina is one of the Southeast's most scenic mountain regions. Hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views and truly spectacular scenery. The Foothills Trail allows gateway access and recreational opportunities to these wild areas.
The trail runs primarily through the Upland of South Carolina, with short sections in western North Carolina. The Foothills Trail connects Table Rock State Park, north of Pickens, South Carolina, to Oconee State Park near Walhalla, South Carolina. Elevations range from 1,120 feet at Table Rock State Park to 3,560 feet at Sassafras Mountain, South Carolina's highest peak. Sections of the trail vary in difficulty from easy to strenuous. Backpackers may travel the entire length of the trail, but there are numerous trailheads with parking available for those who want to take a shorter day hike.
One of the highlights along the Foothills Trail is the Chattooga River, a designated Wild and Scenic River. Hikers may access this section of trail using two trailheads off Highway 107, at Burrell's Ford and Nicholson Ford Roads. The trail goes through the heart of the scenic Jocassee Gorges region, north of Lake Jocassee. Hikers will see several spectacular waterfalls in this area including the Upper and Lower Whitewater Falls, Hilliard Falls, and Laurel Fork Falls. Anglers may enjoy fishing trout streams such as Toxaway, Whitewater, Eastatoe, and Horsepasture Creeks. A popular day hike is the nine mile stretch of trail along the ridge top from Sassafras Mountain to Table Rock. The massive granite dome at Table Rock, measuring 3,266 feet, is South Carolina's most widely photographed natural feature. A variety of wildlife may be seen throughout this region including eagles, wild turkeys, deer, and the occasional bobcat and black bear.
The Foothills Trail is maintained by the Foothills Trail Conference, a volunteer organization that sponsors hikes along the trail. They sell trail guides and maps of the area, which are an invaluable resource for hikers. The organization can also help hikers arrange for shuttle service.
This remote area of western North Carolina and northwestern South Carolina is one of the Southeast's most scenic mountain regions. Hikers are rewarded with breathtaking views and truly spectacular scenery. The Foothills Trail allows gateway access and recreational opportunities to these wild areas.
SHARE
