Planning
Your
Hike
Trail Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, leashed, non-aggressive dogs are welcome on the trail.
The FHT FarOut App is a great source of information about the trail, including GPS locations and tracking. You can get more info about the app at: https://foothillstrail.org/farout-app/
A great source of detailed information is the Foothills Trail Guidebook, available in our store at: https://foothillstrail.org/product/guidebook/ as well as the complementary Trail Map at https://foothillstrail.org/product/trail-map/.
An excellent resource both on and off the trail is the FHT FarOut mobile app. You can get more info on the app here: https://foothillstrail.org/farout-app/
There are many sources of historical climate data online. Note that actual weather conditions at any time can differ significantly from both forecasts and from historical averages. That said, a useful resource is The Weather Channel monthly forecasts and historical averages for locations near the trail, such as Pickens, SC: https://weather.com/weather/monthly/l/370208d340e113462373804b497126aa16e903c72c3e09c0a1648b1faf84ce05
Major trail updates are posted to the website at: https://foothillstrail.org/trail-conditions/
Social media is also a good way to get the latest updates on the trail from the FTC as well as other hikers. Some social media links:
FTC on FB – https://www.facebook.com/foothillstrailconservancy
FTC on IG – http://instagram.com/foothillstrail
FHT Hiking Group on FB – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1491703867712310
The gate is open 24 hours a day 7 days a week at this time.
Definitive information about hunting seasons and regulations can be found on the sites for:
SC DNR – https://www.dnr.sc.gov/regulations.html
NC WRC – https://www.ncwildlife.org/licensing/regulations
Regarding how to stay safe while hiking during hunting season, here are some tips from the American Hiking Society: https://americanhiking.org/families-on-foot/hike-safely-hunting-season/
If you have a cell signal, then calling 911 is the best option to get routed to the right place. Without a cell signal, you may need to use the SOS feature of a satellite communication device or the satellite SOS on some newer smart phones.
Don’t forget simpler measures such as ensuring you have friends/family that know your itinery, and keeping them updated on your progress.
Camping
and
Logistics
There are a number of designated campsites located along the trail (see the Guidebook, Trail Map, or the FarOut mobile app for locations).
Camping is expressly forbidden within Oconee and Table Rock State Parks, as well as along the Whitewater corridor between Hwy 281 and Bad Creek Access.
USFS regulations also prohibit camping within 50 ft of either the trail or the Chattooga within the “Wild and Scenic River” boundaries (see link for more information).
Bear canisters are not required, but they are recommended. There is plenty of bear activity throughout the trail, and you must secure your food from bears for your safety and theirs. Many of the designated campsites have bear cables but not all, and the cables are sometimes damaged by blowdowns.
If you don’t have a bear canister, you must have the equipment and skills to do an effective bear hang.
Many of the designated campsites have cables but not all. The FHT Guidebook and the FarOut mobile app have information on which sites have them. You should always be prepared to make your own bear hang.
You may get signal at points along the trail, but there are long stretches with no signal at all. A satellite messaging device is recommended if you want to stay connected.
There are many trees along the entire trail, and many hikers use hammocks to camp.
Yes. All sources of water along the trail should be treated, regardless of how clean they appear.
Your best options for caching food or supplies is to make arrangements with a friend or shuttle driver to meet you at an access point. You may also leave an extra vehicle at an access point with your supplies.
There is ample water to collect along the trail at all but the dryest of conditions. Under drought conditions, it is advisable to get up to date information for your itinerary.
If you see a wooden post with a blue reflector, these mark reliable water sources, many with a cistern installed for protection.
There are facilities with running water at Oconee and Table Rock State Parks, as well as at Upper Whitewater Falls. There are pit toilets at Burrells Ford Campground, Sloan Bridge Picnic Area, and Sassafras Mountain. There are portable toilets at Bad Creek Access, and there is a newly-built privy at Toxaway Campground. At all other locations hikers should follow LNT guidelines for disposal of waste.
Yes, during normal conditions you can have campfires only within established fire rings at designated campsites.
It is extremely important to be aware of current fire danger conditions, burn bans, and to never leave a fire unattended.
Getting
to
the
Trail
Both state parks have reservable campsites, and camping is also available at Burrells Ford and Cherry Hill (USFS).
The closest airport is Greenville – Spartanburg (GSP), which is about 40 miles from Table Rock State Park and about 70 miles from Oconee State Park.
Another close option is the Asheville Regional Airport (AVL), which is about 48 miles from Table Rock State Park and about 61 miles from Oconee State Park.
Parking is allowed at all trail access points. Parking is at your own risk, and you should never leave valuables in your vehicle.
Parking at either SC State Park requires an SC State Park Pass or daily parking fee. Parking at Upper Whitewater Falls requires an NC Parking Pass.
There are both volunteer shuttle drivers and commercial drivers available to help you with the logistics of your hike. Our volunteers are “hikers helping hikers”; they do not charge set fees but should be reimbursed fairly for the number of miles traveled.
There is a list of known shuttle drivers and services at: https://foothillstrail.org/shuttle-service/
If a driver does not have a set fee, think about their time, fuel expenses, vehicle upkeep, and the service they provide to the trail.
Partner
with
the
FTC
There is a form for this at: https://foothillstrail.org/trail-conditions/
First off, if you finished the trail, make sure to apply for the Peregrine Award. You will need to be a member of the FTC, but then you’ll want to be one anyway!
Peregrine Award – https://foothillstrail.org/peregrine-award/
FTC Membership Form – https://foothillstrail.org/join-now/
Be sure to complete the hiker survey form at this link. This provides valuable information about how many people are using the trail and where they are coming from to do it.
Many hikers enjoy posting their picture and stories in the FHT Hiking FB Group, and you can always reach us by email at info@foothillstrail.org.
Visit our website and become a member: https://foothillstrail.org
Get the FarOut App: https://foothillstrail.org/farout-app/
Get some great FHT merchandise at the store to show your love of the trail: https://foothillstrail.org/shop/
Get involved with our active maintenance volunteers by emailing: maintenance@foothillstrail.org
Be sure to complete the hiker survey form at this link. This provides valuable information about how many people are using the trail and where they are coming from to do it.
Last but not least, tell all your friends and get them out on the trail!