Foothills
Foothills Trail Update
Through the hard work of hundreds of volunteers, we are happy to announce that the 33 miles from Oconee SP to Bad Creek access is clear and considered OPEN The remainder of the Trail from the Bad Creek spur junction to Table Rock SP is CLOSED and will be for several months. For more information please visit foothillstrail.org. Approximately 56 miles of 76.2 miles have been cleared. Duke Energy contractors began work this week to get the trail reopened.
The following sections are 100% cleared:
A2-A3: Sassafras to Chimney Rock
A3-A4 Chimneytop to Laurel Valley: 100% clear but a large set of steps is smashed. Barriers with trail closed sign is in place on both ends.
A7-A14: Bad Creek Access to Oconee State Park
The following sections are being cleared:
A1-A2 TR to Sassafras: 80% clear. 3 miles are clear enough to hike from Sassafras towards TR. 3.0 miles of the Pinnacle trail has been cleared. A volunteer reported a HUGE blowdown section area near Long Ridge. Barriers with trail closed sign is in place at Sassafras where the trail meets the road. Duke contractors are clearing the access roads along this section. A portion of the Palmetto Trail was heavily hit in this area and the contractors cleared the part that traverses the access road.
A4-A5 Laurel Valley to Laurel Fork Falls Boat Access: 55% clear The spur has been somewhat cleared by inspectors. Many large blowdowns blocked any real progress. Barriers with trail closed sign is in place at Laurel Valley access and where the trail crosses Cane Brake Road. FTC volunteers cleared about 2 miles from Laurel Valley towards Cane Brake Road. UGATA has cleared from Cane Brake rd. almost to Virginia Hawkins Falls.
A5-A6 Laurel Fork Falls Boat Access to Canebrake Boat Access: 15% cleared. We have cleared from Canebrake access to the top of Heartbreak Ridge. Please watch this video concerning the Rock Creek Campsite. Rock Creek Campsite
A6-A7 Canebrake Boat Access to Bad Creek Access: 45% cleared. The Duke contractors will be clearing this section. Barriers with trail closed sign is in place at the Bad Creek spur junction and the Lower WW falls junction. FTC volunteers cleared from Whitewater to the roadbed across the Thompson River (3 miles of the 16) and investigated to Hilliard Falls many blowdowns from Linerock Gap to Hilliard Falls spur. Gorges SP crews have cleared their section from the powerlines to Canebrake access (4.5 miles of the 16). Bearcamp Creek campsite is in good shape, the bear cable needs repair.
Gorges SP has cleared the Auger Hole trail, and the Canebrake trail, and the road from Turkey Pen Gap to the FT.
Spur Trails Status:
Gorges SP has cleared the Auger Hole trail, and the Canebrake trail, and the road from Turkey Pen Gap to the FT.
Big Bend Spur 100% clear
Round Mountain Spur 100% clear
Back Creek Access Spur 100% clear
East Fork Spur has been cleared of branches but a root ball hole remains but is passable with care.
Spoonauger Falls Spur is 100% clear. Note: the Connector Trail in between the FT and the Chattooga Trail has been hand cleared but a few blowdowns remain and a root ball hole needs work but is passable with care.
King Creek Falls is 90% clear (note: the last I heard, there were two small blowdowns near the falls that should be removed but it's passable)
All other spur trails are 0% clear.
Trail Activities: t
- Hike
Length:
Type:
Surface:
Difficulty: Difficult
Trail Features: t
- Scenic Observation
- Waterfall
- Trail Head
- Parking
- Water Launch
- Camping
- Pets
- Fee
- Camping
Summary:
Whether you’re looking for a day hike or planning a multi-day through-hike, the Foothills Trail offers adventures of every length and difficulty.
Foothills Trail Conference | P.O. Box 3041, Greenville, SC 29602 | (864) 467-9537 | Email
Oconee State Park | 624 State Park Road, Mountain Rest, SC 29664 | (864) 638-5353 | Email
Download | Coordinates | |
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Trail Segments (Paths) Trail Features (Points of Interest) |
Lat: 35.03098200000005 Long: -82.99204999999995 |
I've only done sections, but want to thru-hike it soon (work keeps getting in the way). I love this trail and the volunteers do a great job of keeping it maintained. I hope to join them when I retire.