Foothills Trail
In weekend warrior style ... we completed the Foothills Trail in three sections. I don't recommend doing this trail in the summer ... it's hot, humid, and the yellow jackets can be vicious when disturbed! I've also seen a copperhead along the trail as well. I'd recommend doing it in late fall so you can enjoy the ridgeline views without being destroyed by mosquitos!
If you live close enough - this trail also makes some some great weekend in/out trips especially with the campsites by Lake Toxaway and Laurel Falls. There's also a nice camping spot by Thompson River.
The trail is dog friendly.
If you need a shuttle, I highly recommend Taz (1.864.431.0447) or Nate (Traveling Lite - 1.817.239.4266)
Day 1
Enjoyed spending 2 nights - 3 days backpacking along the Foothills Trail from Table Rock to Frozen Creek. Day 1 entailed getting a shuttle (from Nate with Traveling Lite Shuttle & Resupply) from Frozen Creek Access to Table Rock State Park. Then we put on our packs and hit the trail! Climbing up to Bald Knob and by Drawbar Cliffs ... these are the scenes along that first day. We stopped short of our initial planned campsite due to tiredness but it was a great camp spot.
Day 2
Enjoyed spending 2 nights - 3 days backpacking along the Foothills Trail from Table Rock to Frozen Creek. Day 2 involved LOTS of stairs!! But also involved an early morning to make it to see the sunrise from Sassafras, beautiful forest walking, flowing mountain streams, a waterfall, and did I mention stairs!
Day 3
Enjoyed spending 2 nights - 3 days backpacking along the Foothills Trail from Table Rock to Frozen Creek. Day 3 involved more night hiking, the infamous Heartbreak Ridge, beautiful lake scenery, and blue skies!
Table Rock to Frozen Creek
Frozen Creek to Bad Creek
Day 1
This 2 night/3 day adventure ... we started our final Foothills Trail section at Frozen Creek access and headed southbound on the Foothills Trail toward Bad Creek access. Along the way we crossed a few rivers, ascended and descended more stairs, and enjoyed the last of the fall colors. Sally got to experience hammock camping for the first time and I enjoyed sleeping under the night sky.
Day 2
...
Day 3
...
Bad Creek to Oconee State Park
Day 1
To start this 2 night/3 day adventure ... we started at Bad Creek access and headed southbound on the Foothills Trail toward Oconee State Park (the southern terminus of the Foothills Trail). Along the way we encountered beautiful waterfalls, mountain vistas, gorgeous fall colors, and so much more. We got to both experience setting up camp in the dark for the first time as well. The trail was in great shape with no memorable trail blockages. We enjoyed our campsite by the river on the second night. And the whole weekend was full of absolutely perfect weather (well it could've been warmer but then there's caveats with that) but we definitely enjoyed all of the sunny weather!
Day 2
...
Day 3
...
Foothills Extension
Day 1
Returning to the Foothills Trail to camp at Cantrell for the night was fantastic. It's a great campsite (that even has bear cables!) ... and benches and several fire rings too. I did have a weird mishap with my stove ... and while I was unable to resolve it. My husband was able to get it fixed when I returned home! While the sunset at Sassafras wasn't spectacular ... we enjoyed a nice evening by the fire.
Day 2
Our second day we hiked back from Cantrell to the start of the Foothills Extension trail (after we dumped dead weight and grabbed some fresh grapes for snacking!). The clouds moved in and remained for the rest of the day. I was playing with the option to take the easy way out and having my husband come pick us up at 276 ... but due to Toni's encouragement ... decided to tough it out! We enjoyed seeing the view from Dolves Mountain ... and grateful that the rain held off long enough for us to enjoy a campfire at the end of this tiring day.
Day 3
Our final day we hiked back to Sassafras. We were enshrouded in fog and clouds all day. After loosing the trail a couple of times, having no view at Dolves Mountain, and almost falling a few times due to the wet leaves ... we made it back to our cars! If you do this trail ... I highly recommend getting the FarOut guide for this section. I also recommend checking your map pretty regularly to make sure you're still on the trail.
To see the section of the Foothills Extension from Hwy 276 to Matthews Creek ... see the video below (Gum Gap / Dismal Loop).
Day 1
Sally & I made a loop via Raven Cliff, Natureland Trust, and Dismal trails. We scoped out some potential future campsites, enjoyed winter views, and plenty of sun! This loop is difficult no matter which way you go ... please be sure to carry plenty of water and snacks!