Foothills Trail in SC/NC July 18-23, 2011

**Rain Man** · 07-16-2011, 17:11

Originally Posted by Muskrat

Some friends of mine are joining me for a 3 day FHT hike starting at Laurel Fork Access and heading west to Bad Creek Access. Maybe our paths might cross? We are looking to leave early Friday morning, unless I get an offer for an interview, and will be out until Sunday evening.

Right now our very rough, tentative schedule is Monday night at Burrell's Ford, Tuesday night at Whitewater Falls/Bad Creek area, Wednesday at Cane Brake or probably a campsite east of there, Thursday night near Chimney Top Gap.

Rain Man

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**Rain Man** · 07-24-2011, 17:26

Originally Posted by Muskrat

Some friends of mine are joining me for a 3 day FHT hike starting at Laurel Fork Access and heading west to Bad Creek Access. Maybe our paths might cross? We are looking to leave early Friday morning....

Just thought I'd let folks know that my path and Muskrat's paths did cross Friday morning just south (west?) of Laurel Creek/Hwy 178 trailhead. So nice to run into a fellow hiker in the flesh!

It was the morning of our 5th day and the heat had worn me down so badly, that we ended our hike shortly thereafter, at Hwy 178, after 62 miles. I have 14 miles left, over Sassafras Mountain, to do some day to complete the Foothills Trail. In pic below, Rain Man is in white shirt, Muskrat in blue shirt.

I'll be posting a link to photos and a trip report later on.

Rain Man

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**ShellD** · 07-24-2011, 18:02

Sorry you had to cut it short but I do commend you for hiking 62 miles in the heat we have had here the last few days. I think a lot of people underestimate the FHT because it is technically not in the mountains. However, I have read journals of people that have hiked the trail after thru hiking the AT and commented on how difficult it is. I've backpacked all over and the Jocassee Gorges section really kicked my tail. Either way, when you have a heat index of 110 I would say that any hike is difficult. Glad you made it out safely and I'm sure you'll be back.

**swampfox** · 07-24-2011, 18:49

Good to hear from you Rain Man. Even with all your preparation, I was worried about you. 62 miles this past week is a phenomenal accomplishment in my book. Wish I could have hooked up with you along the trail but it just wasn't to be.
I look forward to your trip report and pictures.

swampfox

**Rain Man** · 07-25-2011, 07:37

Originally Posted by swampfox

Even with all your preparation, I was worried about you. 62 miles this past week is a phenomenal accomplishment in my book.

Originally Posted by ShellD

Sorry you had to cut it short but I do commend you for hiking 62 miles in the heat we have had here the last few days. I think a lot of people underestimate the FHT because it is technically not in the mountains. However, I have read journals of people that have hiked the trail after thru hiking the AT and commented on how difficult it is.

Perhaps I shouldn't say this before a few more days pass for better perspective, but I've hiked 1,000 miles of the AT, all in the South except for Katahdin, and this past week on the Foothills Trail was harder than any week I've had on the AT. I've never run into so many wooden steps and stairs.

On the other hand, I've never run into so much good water. We jumped in streams and/or the lake at least twice a day to combat the heat, sweat, and grime.

It's been two full days of R&R now and I'm pretty much back to normal, but it took that long.

Rain Man

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**L.D. Cakes** · 07-25-2011, 08:08

I commend you for hiking in this heat Rain Man! We hiked up to the top of Flint Mill Gap last weekend where it's cooler but on the way it was a hot & grueling climb. The relief of the Spring in a fern strewn Oasis at the top was worth it!
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Wish I was back there but it's raining this morning and it's a welcomed relief since my A/C is out and the back yard has been my refuge.

So I'm feeling your pain & gratitude of the trail.

Keep us informed of your progress!

**ShellD** · 07-25-2011, 08:43

I agree with Swampfox, hiking in that heat and humidity was indeed a phenomenal accomplishment! You have every reason to stand tall Rainman. I'm just gald to see the FHT getting some recognition. It really is a challenging trail that offers incredible scenery. We're (Blue Ridge Backers) are doing it in October and hopefully will have cooler temps.

**BigRed77** · 07-25-2011, 09:38

Good job Rainman. It's a tough trail. May do It again In Oct from Table Rock to Oconee. Also looking at AT. Keep Cool.
BigRed77

**Bearpaw** · 07-25-2011, 12:09

The heat and humidity make any hike a lot less attractive. This time of year, I go as high in the mountains as possible. Last week on Standing Indian Mountain at 5000 feet the humidity was enough to be a bit uncomfortable. I was glad to be somewhere besides the valleys.

In March, the FHT is a real pleasure. I may thru-hike it again during Spring Break next year.

**Rain Man** · 07-25-2011, 16:43

Honestly, I did think that if we cut the hike short for weather-related and health safety reasons, it might stand as a good example for someone else to follow some day. I did not realize how much the heat had sapped the energy out of me. And that's not something you get back from one rest break.

My Foothills Trail photo album. 100 pics. My fellow hikers will probably add a few more. Almost all have captions, so those are a trip report of sorts.

Enjoy!

I already have two local Nashville hikers asking to go back in the fall to finish the hike.

Rain Man

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