foothills trail

[Philsweep]

Do not underestimate how hot and humid it can be on the Foothills Trail in late summer or even early fall. I had to cut short a planned thru-hike and had to go back the next year to finish. I ultimately went a third time to do the spur also.

A normal day on the AT for me was 15 miles. In the summer heat in SC (where I grew up, no less), there was no way I could do 15 on the FT.

Rain Man

I hear ya. I guess mid to late fall would be the best. Being up north our summers end near the end of August or sometimes don't even exist.

[Philsweep]

I did trail several years ago from Oconee to TR. Did it in October. Great trail here is link of it https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_hgv0r5jr2s. BigRed77

Bigred looks like a great time to go with the leaves changing. Thanks for sharing.

[Muskrat]

Do not underestimate how hot and humid it can be on the Foothills Trail in late summer or even early fall. I had to cut short a planned thru-hike and had to go back the next year to finish. I ultimately went a third time to do the spur also.

A normal day on the AT for me was 15 miles. In the summer heat in SC (where I grew up, no less), there was no way I could do 15 on the FT.

Rain Man

Had the pleasure of meeting Rain Man on one of treks he just mentioned as we were hiking in opposite directions. That particular trip went bad for me as well. 107* in late August I was sweating faster than I could drink. Bailed at the halfway point (thanks again Swampfox). Won't discourage a thru but make sure you are prepared for any heat illnesses. Hopefully it won't be necessary and you have a great hike.

[BillC523]

Hey fellas, Ive been around the Burrells Ford area, Ellicott Rock and Foothills trail to Chattooga River area. Not very far, however I am planning on a 3 day or longer backpack trip. Now, I'm 73 and need to go where the hiking is fairly easy. I'm a little slow, but I'm working on that. I have good health, so I am going to go. I don't have a buddy to go with but I'm planning on going in 4 weeks, by myself or with someone. My wife and son don't like that idea, but I'm just going to go. I have ultralight gear, even for cold weather and can go down to the teens. The one item that is not ultralight is my Old Man Winter tarp, I have other tarps I could use, but would prefer in cold weather to use the OMW Tarp. Now, where would you go packing for 2-3 days if you were me?

[FireInMyBones]

I am happy to help with any of your planning if I can. I love the FHT and as I live rather close, I can get you local and reasonably up-to-date trail information.

[jlink79]

Check out RedBeard's and Zpacks trip.
http://youtu.be/h8Xl8YIAMkw

[Rain Man]

Had the pleasure of meeting Rain Man on one of treks he just mentioned as we were hiking in opposite directions.

Might these two be the culprits in question?! LOL

Here are links to my FHT hikes, should anyone wish to see photos.

July 2011 Hike, Oconee SP to foot of Sassafras Mtn.

September 2011 Sassafras Mountain to Table Rock SP

June 2012 Spur trail to Jones Gap SP

[FLRider]

I hear ya. I guess mid to late fall would be the best. Being up north our summers end near the end of August or sometimes don't even exist.

Yep. My first thru attempt (with FireInMyBones) failed due, in part, to 100+ F temperatures. July is not the best month to attempt the FHT.

Forgot to include my links for trip reports...

My first (failed) thru attempt.

My second (successful) thru attempt.

Hope it helps!

[BillC523]

Hey, FireInMyBones, your help would be great! As I mentioned, I'm thinking of 3-4 days trek on a easy, to moderate trail. Watched the utube's, video of Redbird and Zpack's trip on the Foothills. I think they hiked that in 5 days! That's more than I can handle, 70+ miles. I was thinking of somewhere around 20-25 miles in 3-4 days, depending on the trail and if any trout fishing is in picture. Since I have not hiked any distance on the Foothills Trail, I'm thinking 6-8 miles a day. I had knee surgery last August, a torn Meniscus. The surgeon did a great repair, but getting back in shape after waiting until two weeks ago really didn't help any. I think if I listen to my knees and stop exercising or walking when I feel soreness I will be ready in 4 weeks. With your experience on the Foothills, what areas would suggest I consider hiking? Also, if you know someone who would enjoy hiking at the pace I mentioned, then perhaps we could meet somewhere for lunch or whatever and
Get to know each others thinking on where, when and ---. But, at this point I need to have insider information, so what do you suggest?

[carolinasbackpacker]

I am happy to help with any of your planning if I can. I love the FHT and as I live rather close, I can get you local and reasonably up-to-date trail information.

+1 on what FIMb said. May be able to shuttle as well if needed