The Foothills Trail stretches 77 miles through Southern Appalachian beauty, linking Oconee and Table Rock State Parks. Hikers tackle nearly 14,000 feet of elevation gain across terrain featuring Upper Whitewater Falls and Sassafras Mountain. Similar to the AT, black bears roam here. The trail demands preparation as campsites are frequent but sparse, water needs filtering, and cell service is spotty for many providers. Yeah, it's challenging. But those stunning vistas from Bald Knob? Worth every grueling step. The full adventure awaits below.
Trail Overview: Discovering 77 Miles of Southern Appalachia
Stretching 77 miles across the rugged Appalachian foothills, the Foothills Trail delivers a punch of Southern wilderness few expect.
This National Recreation Trail connects Oconee and Table Rock State Parks, with a brief North Carolina excursion thrown in for good measure.
Most thru-hikers need 5-10 days to complete it. Not bad for a "little" trail.
For a trail calling itself "Foothills," spending a week being absolutely humbled is a distinct reminder wilderness doesn't need big names to test your mettle.
Featuring stunning waterfalls, diverse ecosystems, and terrain that can make even the strongest knees cry for time off. Hikers will be able to enjoy exceptional views from Sassafras Mountains' observation tower showing off its panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.
With nearly 14,000 feet of elevation gain, it's no walk in the park. This includes the Blue Ridge Escarpment and Jocassee Gorges, taxing you non-stop.
The trail has been recognized by Backpacker magazine as one of the best long trails over fifty miles in the country.
Planning Your Adventure: Section Hikes vs. Thru-Hiking Options
When it comes to conquering the Foothills Trail, hikers face a fundamental decision: bite off manageable chunks or swallow the entire 77-mile beast.
Section hikers enjoy flexibility with six major trailheads scattered along the route. Perfect for testing gear or avoiding lengthy commitments. Popular shorter routes include Upper Whitewater Falls and Sassafras Mountain—South Carolina's highest point.
Through-hikers tackle the full 77 miles in 5 days on average if physically prepared, this isn't for the faint-hearted. The trail boasts abusive elevation gain, with most preferring south-to-north for a gentler start. The total elevation gain is from people with watches can vary as some list closer to 10-11,000 feet depending on which direction you hike.
For those who choose north-to-south embrace the punishment of early, frequent, steep climbs. Your choice, your pain. Many hikers utilize the convenient shuttle services like Taz, who are listed by the Foothills Trail Conservancy to simplify logistics at either end of their journey.
Trail Highlights: Waterfalls, Summits, and Natural Wonders
The Foothills Trail doesn't just offer a path through wilderness—it delivers a highlight reel of Appalachian splendor that'll make your Instagram followers seethe with jealousy.
Upper Whitewater Falls towers 411 feet, claiming the title of highest waterfall east of the Mississippi. Not impressed? Try scaling Sassafras Mountain, South Carolina's highest peak at 3,553 feet.
The trail hugs the wild Chattooga River (yes, that federally designated Wild and Scenic one) and skirts Lake Jocassee's pristine shores. The challenging 9.4-mile Y-shaped hike to Lower Whitewater Falls offers dramatic views of the waterfall's steep drop into Lake Jocassee.
Black bears roam freely. Rare Oconee bellflowers bloom alongside mountain laurels.
Views from Bald Knob? Absolutely killer in fall foliage.
Essential Preparation: Logistics and Safety Tips for the Foothill Experience
Before setting foot on the legendary Foothills Trail, smart hikers arm themselves with knowledge and proper gear—or risk becoming another rescue statistic.
The 77-mile journey demands respect. Five to seven days of trekking. Elevation gain over 10,000 feet. Not a walk in the park.
Campsite planning is non-negotiable—they're scattered far apart. That lightweight tent won't pack itself.
Water's plentiful but always remember to filter it or enjoy the consequences.
Bears are real, people. Hang your food.
Weather changes faster than hikers' moods. Cell service? Laughable in some sections. Know your exit points.
The trail rewards the prepared. Crushes the clueless.
