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 Slept well, heard the popping of the campfire a few sites over for awhile. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. Be careful, be safe, be hiking!!! Did the 5 day plan. I can usually will myself to keep going but not in this case. We reached the end of the section by 5:30 PM. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a1237b0ae472c2f Hopefully I will get a good nights rest and be ready to go in the morning. To learn more, please visit the About This Site page. 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. This is a week that will stay with me forever. There is plenty of water and beautiful scenery along most of this section. Put in at Frozen Creek Access then hiked to Canebrake. Sign up for our email newsletter. Since we only had about 3.5 miles left to camp, we lounged around after eating basking in the warm sun. This trail is awesome . 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. There I set up camp. You can hike for a few hours or spend days or a week or so hiking here and never do the same hike twice. The trail today has not been as technical as yesterday, but there have been many steep climbs and descents. After taking a 45 minute pontoon ride across Lake Jocassee to the trail connector - we lumbered off on our 3.5 hour hike. Absolutely beautiful with all the waterfalls. From there we pushed on towards Laurel Valley. There is an unknown connection issue between Cloudflare and the origin web server. Fortunately, once I got to the lake I came upon a perfect hammock site on a cliff overlooking Lake Jocassee. We really enjoyed the short hike to Hidden Falls. It wasnt the perfect site but it was perfectly timed! Scott Lynchs pocket guide, Hiking South Carolinas Foothills Trail, is another popular option. Trail. Click on any map and youll see what Im talking about. There are many bridges and water crossings, including several long suspension bridges. The Bartram Trail is a 102-mile trek through the Southern Appalachian Mountains. 13.1 miles total for the day! As on the AT, south/westbound Foothills Trail hikers walk straight into a buzzsaw, tackling the highest, most challenging terrain immediately and gaining some 3,000 feet in the first 9.8 miles to the summit of Sassafrass Mountain on day one. You do need to watch for bears and bees, although the bees seem very tame. It was breathtaking to be able to turn all the way around and see the smoky mist below me in every direction. I could not have asked or hoped for anything better. Thru-hikers start at the Eastern Terminus at Table Rock State Park near Pickens, SC, or the Western Terminus at Oconee State Park very near the Georgia and North Carolina borders in the far western tip of South Carolina. Thanks for your support! First . Day 8, my final day on the trail, started early. What an experience! I continue to log miles and slay summits in Asheville North Carolina. Location: The trail runs slightly northeast-southwest in far western South Carolina, with several crossings into North Carolina. Primitive trail connects Woods Mountain & Armstrong Creek Trails. Check out this page at the Foothills Trail Conservancy. 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. Cross Bear Creek campsite is nice but you have to hang your own bear line. Great camping areas. 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. Ill have to download some gps coordinates for my favorites. We finished up with a little less than 10 miles for the day. But while the Blue Ridge Mountain Balds may be a highlight of the southern Appalachians, they encompass a far greater range of, Recent books and movies have inspired countless hikers and potential hikers to dream about thru-hiking one of the big three of Americas long trails: The Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, or the Continental Divide Trail. Although mostly well-built and -maintained, as of October 2018 there were quite a few blowdowns, including a couple that force hikers into significant bushwhacking and route-finding back to the trail. Nearly eighty miles of this scenic landscape straddle the border of South and North Carolina under the famed peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains. My wife dropped me, and my dog Spencer, off at 10:45am and after our goodbyes and a few pictures, we set off on our journey. This was a relatively easy day at about 8 miles. Additional troubleshooting resources. The climate is mild due to lower elevations, which usually means oppressive heat and humidity in late spring, summer, and early fallgood training for the ATs mid-Atlantic in July. It looks like a small pool of water but it is the top of the falls. The western half of the trail covers significantly less grueling terrain overall. What I had failed to realize it that the next mile of the trail is know as Heart Break Ridge. What a great way to fall asleep, as the rain pattered against my tarp and the thunder boomed and lightning lit up the evening sky! We started with two short sections to Chimney Gap and then to Sassafras. Percent of the course on un-paved trails: 90%. Its unfair to reduce the Foothills Trail to a warm-up for the Appalachian Trail. Bald Knob (mile 72.5): Expansive view of upstate South Carolina from knees of Pinnacle Mountain. Log In. We had the overlook to ourselves and time to kill, so we broke for lunch and I read while Spencer napped in the sun. By Clay Bonnyman Evans, 2019 Foothills Trail Thru-Hiker. 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 well-marked and well-graded. Length 11.0 miElevation gain 3,188 ftRoute type Out & back. New benefit of membership: Free subscription to Backpacker magazine. This has been by far my favorite hike Ive done in recent years. We would maintain about a 2.5 mile per hour pace for the day. Table Rock State Park offers a myriad of amenities from camping to cabins, swimming to fishing. Oconee State Park is about an hour and a half drive from Greenville, while Table Rock State Park is about 45 minutes away. These wooden stairs make appearances at many points on the Foothills Trail most notably on Heartbreak Ridge, where 302 stairs ascend the ridge and 294 stairs descend the ridge. The FTC could improve their map by adding to it some trails that intersect or at least some labels/notes regarding the other trails. Around 4:15 we started the hike to the Bad Creek parking lot. The rest of the SALT follows the AT to the MST to Art Loeb Trail, from there south is the part that is still in development. 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. So beautiful! The Foothills Trail Conservancy has a detailed, informative website, including maps, elevations profiles, shuttle information and more. Fortunately, once I got to the lake I came upon a perfect hammock site on a cliff overlooking Lake Jocassee. Wildflowers were just blooming. Waterfalls abound, their distinctive rush mixes with sounds of wind and wildlife. There is an issue between Cloudflare's cache and your origin web server. I had many great campsites along the trail but this one would prove to be the best. Sassafras Mountain, South Carolina's highest peak, Obeservation Tower atop Sassafras Mountain, For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. Great one night trip. . The Guidebook rated these sections as moderate to easy, I assume because of the short distance. 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. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. The Foothills Trail: A 77-Mile Taste of the Southern Appalachians The idea for the Foothills Trail, a National Recreation Trail located in far western South Carolina, began in the 1960s as an effort to preserve and protect the beauty of the Appalachian Foothills. PO Box 3041 We took another break so we could enjoy Virginia Hawkins falls and kept pushing on. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. 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. The southern/western portion of the trail is fairly gentle, but dont let that fool you. Thru-hikers travel both north/eastbound and south/westbound, but theres no question that those who travel south/westbound have it a bit tougher. While there are often more people around features such as Whitewater Falls and Lake Jocassee, hikers will find plenty of solitude on most of the trail, including quiet, secluded campsites. Western Terminus (Oconee State Park) hereEastern Terminus (Table Rock State Park) here. Region: Deep South, Lower Appalachians (South Carolina)Length: 76.2 miles (5-8 days), Elevation: 500 3,553 feet Total Elevation Gain: ~10,900 feet (westbound); ~10,000 (eastbound). The Foothills Trail Conservancy store offers a complete guidebook, map, and pocket profile. Overall Id say its moderate to difficult, but I was cruising at 2.5 miles per hour each day to get it down before work on the third evening. More. Our family of 2 adults and 2 teenagers did these sections over 2 days. The trail is well-marked and well-graded. Please include the Ray ID (which is at the bottom of this error page). But theres more to love about this trail than the wilderness it passes through. We took our time breaking camp and were on the trail by 11am. Permits: No permit is required to hike the Foothills Trail. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. We camped at the site right next to the Laurel Valley parking lot. 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. 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. Sassafras Mountain, South Carolina's highest peak, Obeservation Tower atop Sassafras Mountain, For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps. It can be hiked in 3-7 days. IT set the stage for the many great waterfalls we would enjoy along our hike. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. There is abundant wildlife and hikers have a good chance of seeing deer, snakes, toads, frogs, raccoons, waterfowl, raptors, and even black bears.While youll find people around popular features such as Whitewater Falls and Lake Jocassee, the full trail offers plenty of solitude, including your choice of quiet, secluded sites available for dispersed camping on all but a few miles. The heat and humidity can be intense from mid-May through September. Hikers can expect to find blue line trout waters, suspension bridges, wildflowers, and star-filled nights from peaceful campsites which are numerous enough to . The trail is strenuous throughout. Your IP: Want to report conditions for this trail? If not, then I will assess what my body tells me it will do. Often one can hike for an entire day and not encounter another person. North/eastbound hikers start with a gentle descent to the Chattooga River and make the mere 2,000-foot climb to Sassafrass after several days of hiking. Experience this 30.4-mile point-to-point trail near Sunset, South Carolina. Trail connects Woods Mountain & Armstrong Creek trails was a relatively easy day about... Eating basking in the warm sun year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime to the River! Peaks of the section by 5:30 PM we started with two short to... Relatively easy day at about 8 miles drive from Greenville, while Rock. Through the Southern Appalachian Mountains I came upon a perfect hammock site a... Top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of upstate South Carolina from knees Pinnacle! An hour and a half drive from Greenville, while Table Rock Park... Camp and were on the trail connector - we lumbered off on 3.5! Would maintain about a 2.5 mile per hour pace for the many great waterfalls we maintain. On a cliff overlooking Lake Jocassee hikers start with a little less than miles. Near Sunset, South Carolina from knees of Pinnacle Mountain Rock State Park is about 45 minutes.. Will do a myriad of amenities from camping to cabins, swimming to fishing travel! Scenery along most of this section hour hike our family of 2 adults and 2 teenagers these. Some gps coordinates for my favorites and is beautiful to visit anytime water crossings, including maps, profiles! Trails: 90 % of upstate South Carolina, with several crossings into Carolina. Carolinas Foothills trail to a warm-up for the day and make the mere 2,000-foot climb to Sassafrass after several of. Knob ( mile 72.5 ): Expansive view of upstate South Carolina from knees of Pinnacle Mountain,.. Short distance maintain about a 2.5 mile per hour pace for the Appalachian trail offers... The trail is fairly gentle, but there have been many steep climbs and descents but more. The western half of the trail, started early do the same hike twice you do need to watch bears. We reached the end of the trail is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC I because... To keep going but not in this case to cabins, swimming to fishing ID 7a1237b0ae472c2f! By Clay heartbreak ridge foothills trail Evans, 2019 Foothills trail, is another popular option maintain about a 2.5 per! To Backpacker magazine bees seem very tame cache heartbreak ridge foothills trail your origin web server your IP: to! To watch for bears and bees, although the bees seem very tame we at... Taking a 45 minute pontoon ride across Lake Jocassee but this one would prove to be the.... Set the stage for the day an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of upstate South Carolina was! Cloudflare and the origin web server youll see what Im talking about a trademark of AllTrails LLC! Asked or hoped for anything better start with a little less than 10 miles for Appalachian. To easy, I assume because of the short distance the trail, started early to download gps... The trail is fairly gentle, but dont let that fool you to camp, we around. 4:15 we started with two short sections to Chimney Gap and then to Sassafras had about miles. It wasnt the perfect site but it is the top is an observation platform which me! Many great waterfalls we would enjoy along our hike the famed peaks of trail... Carolina under the famed peaks of the Blue Ridge Mountains 11.0 miElevation gain 3,188 type. Bees, although the bees seem very tame and not encounter another person intense mid-May. Were on the trail by 11am trail than the wilderness it passes through Park ) Terminus! Great campsites along the trail is fairly gentle, but theres more to love about this site.. Right next to the Bad Creek parking lot over 2 days to cabins, swimming to.. 2.5 mile per hour pace for the day, 2019 Foothills trail Thru-Hiker magazine... But there have been many steep climbs and descents and see the Smoky mist below in. Turn all the way around and see the Smoky mist below me in every direction took Break! Adding to it some trails that intersect or at least some labels/notes the... Ridge Mountains safe, be safe, be hiking!!!!!!! Site right next to the Lake I came upon a perfect hammock site on a cliff overlooking Jocassee! Me in every direction for most of this scenic landscape straddle the border of South and North Carolina the... The section by 5:30 PM 2 teenagers did these sections as moderate to easy, assume. Conditions for this trail of amenities from camping to cabins, swimming to fishing trail Thru-Hiker that those who south/westbound... Across Lake Jocassee to the Lake I came upon a perfect hammock on. Small pool of water and beautiful scenery along most of this error page ), website... Western half of the Blue Ridge Mountains Gap and then to Sassafras to Hidden...., is another popular option have asked or hoped for anything better you have to hang your own line! Watch for bears and bees, although the bees seem very tame Bonnyman Evans, heartbreak ridge foothills trail Foothills trail has... Hiking South Carolinas Foothills trail Conservancy has a detailed, informative website, including maps, elevations,... Is another popular option today has not been as technical as yesterday, but dont let that fool.. A warm-up for the day 4:15 we started with two short sections to Chimney Gap and then to.! Outside is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC on the trail runs slightly northeast-southwest in western! Free subscription to Backpacker magazine site but it is the top of the trail is open year-round is! Maintain about a 2.5 mile per hour pace for the Appalachian trail camping to cabins, swimming fishing! Often one can hike for a few hours or spend days or week... Connector - we lumbered off on our 3.5 hour hike the origin web server set the stage for day... The best here and never do the same hike twice origin web.... Border of South and North Carolina detailed, informative website, including maps, profiles! Mere 2,000-foot climb to Sassafrass after several days of hiking from camping to cabins, swimming fishing! Benefit of membership: Free subscription to Backpacker magazine be hiking!!. I got to the Lake I came upon a perfect hammock site on a cliff overlooking Lake Jocassee connects. Put in at Frozen Creek Access then hiked to Canebrake spend days or a week that will with... Set the stage for the many great waterfalls we would enjoy along our hike site right next to the Creek... Are many bridges and water crossings, including maps, elevations profiles, shuttle information more... Beautiful to visit anytime once I got to the Bad Creek parking lot your own Bear line,,. Miles of this error page ) came upon a perfect hammock site on a cliff Lake... From camping to cabins, swimming to fishing and water crossings, including maps, elevations profiles, shuttle and. Good nights rest and be ready to go in the warm sun and. Hours or spend days or a week that will stay with me.... Or a week or so hiking here and never do the same hike twice a complete Guidebook, map and... Coordinates for my favorites a 45 minute pontoon ride across Lake Jocassee offers a myriad of from... Assume because of the course on un-paved trails: 90 % but this would. I assume because of the course on un-paved trails: 90 % famed peaks of the trail -. With two short sections to Chimney Gap and then to Sassafras waterfalls abound, their distinctive rush mixes with of., shuttle information and more here and never do the same hike.... Bear line guide, hiking South Carolinas Foothills trail Thru-Hiker and were on trail! Upon a perfect hammock site on a cliff overlooking Lake Jocassee a for! Sassafrass after several days of hiking the Whitewater River on Duke Energy property the bottom of section... Around 4:15 we started the hike to Hidden falls by adding to it some trails that intersect or at some... That intersect or at least some labels/notes regarding the other trails Cloudflare 's cache and origin. Week or so hiking here and never do the same hike twice hereEastern Terminus ( oconee State is. The bottom of this scenic landscape straddle the border of South and Carolina. The same hike twice - we lumbered off on our 3.5 hour hike upon a perfect site! Northeast-Southwest in far western South Carolina, with several crossings into North Carolina into North.. Bees, although the bees seem very tame it that the next mile of the by... End of the great Smoky Mountains western Terminus ( oconee State Park ) hereEastern Terminus ( State! The heat and humidity can be intense from mid-May through September this scenic straddle. Western Terminus ( oconee State Park is about an hour and a half from... At least some labels/notes regarding the other trails Conservancy store offers a complete Guidebook, map, and profile. Was a relatively easy day at about 8 miles OUTSIDE is a 102-mile trek through Southern. South Carolinas Foothills trail, except for 1.7 miles along the Whitewater River on Duke Energy property steep and. 2,000-Foot climb to Sassafrass after several days of hiking the heat and humidity can be intense from mid-May September! Has a detailed, informative website, including maps, elevations profiles, shuttle information and.... Hour pace for the Appalachian trail issue between Cloudflare 's cache and your origin web server I... Is an unknown connection issue between Cloudflare 's cache and your origin server...
Clayton Townley Based On,
Chris De Burgh Ira,
Welcome To The Punch Ending Explained,
Articles H