50-Mile Thru-Hikes: Foothills Trail, SC

Im planning on mid april...

My 2 friends and I (from GA, SC and NC) thru-hiked the entire Foothills Trail in March of 2010 and it was fabulous! We had the entire trail to ourselves until day 3 when we ran into 1 solo hiker. It was rather nice to exchange trail conditions and distance, but we quickly retreated back into the wilderness! It truly is a beautiful stretch of trail with ample opportunities for wildlife viewing, waterfalls, mountaintops (check Sassafrass off your list) and riverside hiking. We used a shuttle service and hiked it from Oconee to Table Rock.

Jim, just got off the trail - had great weather for three days (around 70 degrees and sunny) but had steady steady showers on the 4th day and temperatures in mid to high 50's - think the showers and 50's temps are a little more common for this time of year with avg. highs usually in the low 60's and march being the wettest month of the year. The trail was beautiful though - in great shape, plenty of water, great views since the trees still have no leaves. Highly recommend. Hope that helps.

has anyone hiked this at the end of march? i'm taking some kids that are not ready for cold? wet? snowy? weather. don't want to give them a negative experience when i am trying to hook them on backpacking

We're also considering hiking the whole trail the week of 11/21 but we're not from the area. Is the area passable or will we need serious now gear? I know maps are available through the website but is there a ranger station or something at Table Rock where we can purchase them? Any helpful advise would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

We're also considering hiking the whole trail the week of 11/21 but we're not from the area. Is the area passable or will we need serious now gear? I know maps are available through the website but is there a ranger station or something at Table Rock where we can purchase them? Any helpful advise would be greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Just finished my thru-hike 2 weeks ago. Had a great hike! I started in Table Rock and finished up at Oconee. I did it in 4 days and 3 hours. This is an excellent hike with lots of opportunities to section hike or weekend trips. Would do it again in a heartbeat.

I took Troop 77 on the foothills trail from Sassafras Mountain to Burrells Ford in July 2007. We came back in Dec. 07 and did the 16 miles to Oconee state park on weekend trip. The July trip was the hardest trip I ever did. Amazing scenery and stair till you will not want to ever see another stair.
We have done three more 50 milers in the next three years on the AT and Benton McKayee and although tough they were much easier.

David,
I would be interested in doing it in November starting the week before Thanksgiving 2010 12-Nov thru 20-Nov, but starting out from the Caesar's Head, in lieu of Table Rock starting point, and allowing at least a 7 day hike.
I live above Cleveland, SC at the foot of Caesar Head off of Hwy 11.
An alternate date would be the week prior to Christmas 10-Dec thru 19-Dec.
Joe

Did an overnight starting at Table Rock State Park last week. This area is amazing, had no idea what South Carolina had to offer. Looking forward to thru hiking the trail next Spring.

when are you planning on going? some strenuous hiking in the foothills.

Want this trail to be my first long backpack. Anyone in the area want a partner to take on the foothills.