Foothills Trail

The Foothills Trail is an 80-mile (129 km) point-to-point backpacking trail in the Blue Ridge escarpment of Upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina, gaining roughly 9,000 m of cumulative elevation across 7–10 days. Rated moderate-to-strenuous, it is one of the Southeast's premier wilderness routes — a high-ridge traverse linking Table Rock State Park to Oconee State Park through ancient hardwood forest, dramatic gorges, and more than 20 major waterfalls.

About the Foothills Trail

The Foothills Trail stretches 80 miles (approximately 129 km) through the mountain counties of Oconee and Pickens in South Carolina, with a short dip into Transylvania County, North Carolina. Managed by the Foothills Trail Conservancy, the route was first completed in 1981 and is designated a National Recreation Trail by the U.S. Forest Service and South Carolina State Parks.

Running west to east, the trail begins at Oconee State Park near Walhalla and ends at Table Rock State Park near Pickens — or vice versa, depending on your direction of travel. Most thru-hikers walk eastbound (Oconee to Table Rock) to finish with the iconic Table Rock summit views. The trail passes through Sumter National Forest, Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, and Jocassee Gorges Wilderness, an 85,000-acre tract that the Nature Conservancy once called one of the most biodiverse temperate areas on Earth.

Elevation along the route swings between roughly 300 m at the Chattooga River crossings and 1,085 m at Sassafras Mountain — the highest point in South Carolina. That relief means big climbs and descents, but it also creates the conditions for the Foothills Trail's most famous features: waterfalls. Whitewater Falls (411 m drop, the tallest cascade east of the Rockies), Upper and Lower Bearwallow Falls, King Creek Falls, and dozens of unnamed drops line the route. Hikers who also enjoy trip planning tools for multi-day routes may want to explore the HikeLoad route planner to map their sections before departing.

Wildlife is abundant: black bear, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and the endangered hellbender salamander in the Chattooga River. Wildflower season in April–May rivals anything in the southern Appalachians, with trillium, bloodroot, fire pink, and mountain laurel in full bloom along the ridgeline sections.

Route Overview & Stages

The trail is typically divided into 13 named sections (A1–A14 in official Conservancy notation, with one segment unnumbered). The table below groups sections into manageable hiking days for a 7-day thru-hike and lists indicative distances and key terrain features. Exact elevation figures vary by GPS source; cumulative gain across the full route is approximately 9,000 m.

Total: approximately 109 km of trail mileage above; the full 129 km includes connector paths and approach routes within the state parks at either terminus.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Whitewater Falls (Upper) — At 411 m (1,350 ft), this is the highest waterfall east of the Rocky Mountains. The main overlook is accessible by a short spur trail; the full cascade view requires scrambling below the safety barrier.
• Sassafras Mountain (1,085 m) — The highest point in South Carolina. A 70-foot observation tower opened in 2019 delivers 360° views over Lake Jocassee, the Blue Ridge escarpment, and on clear days, into North Carolina.
• Chattooga Wild & Scenic River — The trail parallels this federally protected river for several miles near Burrell's Ford. Filming location of the movie Deliverance (1972), the Chattooga is renowned for Class IV–V whitewater and is one of the few undammed rivers in the region.
• King Creek Falls — An 18 m plunge waterfall near Burrell's Ford campground, one of the easiest major waterfalls on the route to reach and a popular overnight destination.
• Jocassee Gorges Wilderness — 85,000 acres of protected land straddling the SC–NC border, home to rare salamanders, old-growth hemlocks, and one of the highest concentrations of rare plant species in eastern North America.
• Table Rock — The iconic monadnock whose silhouette anchors South Carolina's mountain branding. The final approach climbs granite slabs with sweeping views over the Piedmont to the east.
• Pinnacle Mountain (954 m) — A bald-rock summit with unobstructed views toward Table Rock and the Piedmont lowlands; a natural photography vantage point at golden hour.
• Bearwallow Branch — A stream corridor in the Jocassee Gorges section rich in spring wildflowers (April–May): large trillium, bloodroot, wild ginger, and Jack-in-the-pulpit grow in dense mats along the banks.

Best Time to Hike the Foothills Trail

The Foothills Trail is a four-season trail, but conditions vary dramatically by month. As of 2026, the Conservancy recommends avoiding summer weekends on the most-trafficked sections due to increased visitor pressure.

Spring (April–May) — Peak wildflower season. Temperatures range from 8–22°C at ridge elevation. Water sources are reliable. The single best month for thru-hikers is late April: winter mud has firmed, stream crossings are passable, wildflowers are at peak, and biting insects haven't yet emerged at higher elevations. Expect afternoon thunderstorms from mid-May onward.

Summer (June–August) — Hot and humid in the valleys (30–35°C); more bearable on ridge sections (22–28°C). Ticks and chiggers are active from May through September. Water sources are consistent near the Chattooga, but some upland springs may diminish in drought years. Afternoon thunderstorms are daily occurrences — plan high-exposure sections for mornings.

Autumn (September–November) — The second prime window. Fall color typically peaks mid-October. Temperatures are comfortable (5–18°C) and insects decrease sharply after the first frosts. October is slightly drier than spring but water sources remain plentiful near the rivers. Hunting seasons begin in November — wear blaze orange on National Forest sections.

Winter (December–March) — Solitude is nearly guaranteed. Temperatures at ridge level drop to −5°C overnight and ice can form on exposed rock. The upside: views are open through bare canopy, no bugs, and the waterfalls take on a dramatic ice-rimmed character. Water crossings can be challenging after heavy rain. Suitable only for experienced cold-weather backpackers.

Practical Information

Accommodation

The Foothills Trail is a backcountry route — there are no huts or staffed shelters. Camping is the primary option, and the trail has a well-spaced network of designated backcountry campsites approximately every 10–16 km.

• Backcountry campsites — Designated sites with bear cables or hanging trees are spaced along the route. Most are first-come, first-served. No fee for dispersed camping in Sumter National Forest.
• Burrell's Ford Campground — A developed USFS car-camping area near the Chattooga River midpoint. Pit toilets and bear boxes available. Cost: approximately $20/night (USD), roughly €18 at mid-2026 rates.
• Table Rock State Park campground — At the eastern terminus; full hook-up and tent sites available for resupply nights. Cost: $25–$35/night USD (approx. €23–€32). Reservations essential in peak season via the South Carolina State Parks system.
• Oconee State Park campground — At the western terminus; similar pricing. Cabins are also available for pre/post-hike nights.

There are no resupply stores on trail. Hikers doing a 7–10 day thru-hike typically carry all food, or arrange a car-based resupply at one of the road crossings (Burrell's Ford Road or SC-130). Calorie planning matters on a route with this much cumulative elevation — see our guide on how many calories you need hiking a full day before building your food list.

Getting There & Back

The Foothills Trail has no public transit access — a car shuttle or paid shuttle service is essentially required for a thru-hike.

• Western terminus (Oconee State Park): Located near Walhalla, SC. The nearest major airport is Greenville-Spartanburg International (GSP), 90 km east — approximately 1 hour 10 minutes by car. The park entrance is on SC-107.
• Eastern terminus (Table Rock State Park): Located near Pickens, SC on SC-11 (Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway). Also approximately 75 km from GSP — 1 hour by car.
• Shuttle services: Several local outfitters offer point-to-point shuttle services between the two termini. Cost is typically $80–$150 USD per group. Book at least 2 weeks ahead for spring season.
• Nearest city: Greenville, SC (population 70,000) is the primary gateway city for supplies, gear rental, and pre-hike accommodation.

Permits & Fees

The Foothills Trail currently requires no permit for backcountry hiking or camping on National Forest lands, which cover the majority of the route. Sections within Table Rock State Park and Oconee State Park do charge a day-use entry fee:

• Table Rock State Park entry: $5 USD/adult, $3.25 USD/child (ages 6–15) — approximately €4.60/€3.00.
• Oconee State Park entry: Same fee structure as Table Rock.
• Camping fees: See Accommodation section above.
• Foothills Trail Conservancy membership — Not required but strongly encouraged. The Conservancy funds trail maintenance; annual individual membership costs $35 USD (~€32). See foothillstrail.org for details.

No fire permits are required, but campfires are prohibited in many backcountry zones along the route — carry a stove. Always check current fire restrictions with the Andrew Pickens Ranger District before departure.

Gear & Packing List

The Foothills Trail demands a capable but not extreme kit. The terrain is trail — no scrambling or technical climbing — but daily elevation changes of 600–950 m, creek crossings, and variable weather make lightweight-but-durable gear the right choice for a 7–10 day load.

Backpack (55–70 L for thru-hike): You'll carry 7–10 days of food plus camping gear. The Osprey Aether 65 is a proven choice for longer trips with heavy loads; for those chasing low weight, the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 50L delivers exceptional carry comfort at under 700 g. Section hikers doing 2–3 day loops can manage with a 35–45 L pack like the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 2400 Windrider — ideal for the ultralight-minded. See our full Best Ultralight Backpacks 2026 roundup for side-by-side comparisons.

• Footwear: Waterproof trail runners or lightweight boots — the Chattooga River crossings will wet your feet regardless. Gaiters for mud season.
• Rain gear: A packable hardshell jacket is non-negotiable; afternoon summer thunderstorms can be severe.
• Bear canister or hang system: Required practice; bear boxes exist at Burrell's Ford but not at most backcountry sites. An Ursack or PCT-style hang satisfies Leave No Trace requirements.
• Water filtration: The Chattooga River and its tributaries are your primary water sources. A squeeze filter (Sawyer Squeeze) or UV pen (SteriPen) suffices — the water is generally clean but agricultural runoff near trailheads warrants treatment.
• Navigation: Download offline maps (Gaia GPS or FarOut app for Foothills Trail) before departure. Cell coverage is non-existent in the Jocassee Gorges section.
• Tick kit: Permethrin-treated clothing, fine-tip tweezers. Deer ticks carrying Lyme disease are present in Upstate South Carolina.
• First aid: Include a SAM splint and elastic bandage — the rocky trail surface causes ankle rolls in wet conditions.

Similar Trails You Might Like

If the Foothills Trail appeals to you — a long point-to-point through biodiverse wilderness with significant elevation change and epic viewpoints — several other US trails share that character. The Clouds Rest Trail in Yosemite National Park offers dramatic exposed ridgeline hiking with comparable scenery in a single day. For canyon-country contrast, the South Kaibab Trail and North Kaibab Trail together form the classic Grand Canyon rim-to-river-to-rim route. The Panorama Trail in Yosemite Valley is a shorter option delivering high-density viewpoints. For something off the beaten path in the eastern US, the Hidden Canyon trail offers a slot-canyon experience that pairs well with a Zion area itinerary. International hikers exploring European mountain routes might also enjoy the Theth to Valbona hike in Albania — a similarly remote, high-ridge crossing in the Balkans.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike the Foothills Trail?

Late April is the single best time for most hikers: the trail has dried after winter, wildflowers (trillium, bloodroot, mountain laurel) are at peak bloom, water sources are full, and insects are not yet active at higher elevations. The autumn window — mid-September through October — is equally good for comfortable temperatures and fall color, with lower crowds than spring.

How difficult is the Foothills Trail?

The Foothills Trail is rated moderate-to-strenuous. Individual days average 600–950 m of elevation gain, and the rocky, rooted trail surface demands sure footing. The route is not technical — there is no climbing or scrambling — but 9,000 m of cumulative gain over 129 km makes it a serious undertaking for hikers without prior multi-day backpacking experience. Strong day-hikers with good fitness can manage it in 7–8 days.

How many kilometres (or miles) should I plan to hike per day?

Most thru-hikers target 16–22 km (10–14 miles) per day over 7–10 days. The terrain slows pace: rocky switchbacks, creek crossings, and steep ascents mean a typical mile takes 30–40 minutes rather than the flat-trail 20-minute average. A comfortable 8-day itinerary covers roughly 16 km/day; experienced hikers can push 22 km/day and finish in 6 days.

Are there huts or shelters on the Foothills Trail?

No — the Foothills Trail has no staffed huts, lean-tos, or enclosed shelters. All camping is in designated backcountry tent sites or the developed campgrounds at Burrell's Ford, Table Rock State Park, and Oconee State Park. Hikers must carry a tent or tarp. Burrell's Ford has bear boxes; all other backcountry sites require a hang or certified bear canister.

Do I need a permit to hike the Foothills Trail?

No thru-hike permit is required for the backcountry sections of the Foothills Trail that run through Sumter National Forest. Entry fees apply at Table Rock State Park ($5 USD/adult) and Oconee State Park ($5 USD/adult) at either terminus. There are no campfire permits, but open fires are prohibited at most backcountry sites — always check current restrictions with the Andrew Pickens Ranger District before you go.