Foothills Trail

[BillC523]

I'm making plans for three days and two nights on the foothills trail. I'm a senior in reasonably good health, but I had knee surgery last year (torn Meniscus) and a little slower than you young fellas. I think that a short distance of 15-18 miles in three days maybe my limit. So if you fellas know of some fairly easy parts of the trail, I'm all ears? Also my wife is not comfortable with me going solo, so if you know of someone that may like to do three days and expect only 5-6 miles a day I would like to meet them and put a trip together. The last week in March or first week in April looks like a good time for me.

[O-Boy]

Bill,
I am 63 and somewhat in the same boat as you as far has spouse not liking the idea I want to hike alone. However, I'm not planning on a thru hike on the FH until May 17. I would have enjoyed meeting someone else not interested in covering much more than 10 miles a day with maybe even a little fly fishing thrown to enhance the trip. Hope you find some one or group that thinks like you and has the time to enjoy the trail and not so much a race.

Chris

[Str1der]

I've hiked the FHT from Upper Whitewater Falls to Laurel Valley (trip report here https://www.hammockforums.net/forum/...oothills+trail). Absolutely beautiful scenery, but not much in the way of long stretches without elevation change. I can say that Horsepasture River, Heartbreak Ridge, and the climb from Rock Creek to Schoolhouse Road were all quite steep. The section of the trail between Oconee State Park and Burrell's Ford along the Chattooga River is supposed to be far more level.

Enjoy your trip!

[BillC523]

Oboy, really can appreciate your comments. I'm working on getting in shape, When at that point I think 8-10 miles will probably be what I'll be walking on the trail.

[Jeremie]

Oconee state park to Burrells Ford may be your best bet, or even the access from Nicholson Ford Rd to Whitewater falls. Toxaway river to Horsepasture rd would be nice but requires a boat shuttle(you could also go from Toxaway to Bad Creek). If you don't mind combining trails then starting on the Chattooga trail at Hwy 28 to Burrells Ford would be very scenic with nice camping.

[Philsweep]

If you want to hike in the fall also, let me know I am planning a thru hike and wouldn't mind some company for some or all of it. Starting at Oconee.
Phil

[Str1der]

If you don't mind combining trails then starting on the Chattooga trail at Hwy 28 to Burrells Ford would be very scenic with nice camping.

That's a good point. The Chattooga River Trail is far kinder with respect to elevation change. The first few miles south of highway 28 are particularly level. Don't let the trail name fool you though. You won't see the actual Chattooga River nearly as much as you might expect.

[FireInMyBones]

Oconee state park to Burrells Ford may be your best bet, or even the access from Nicholson Ford Rd to Whitewater falls. Toxaway river to Horsepasture rd would be nice but requires a boat shuttle(you could also go from Toxaway to Bad Creek). If you don't mind combining trails then starting on the Chattooga trail at Hwy 28 to Burrells Ford would be very scenic with nice camping.

Great advice. You beat me to it. I certainly recommend the Oconee to Burrells Ford Section.

That's a good point. The Chattooga River Trail is far kinder with respect to elevation change. The first few miles south of highway 28 are particularly level. Don't let the trail name fool you though. You won't see the actual Chattooga River nearly as much as you might expect.

No kidding.

[2ply]

What is the distance from Oconee to the Burrells Ford section?

[FireInMyBones]

What is the distance from Oconee to the Burrells Ford section?

Roughly 16.5 miles.