Hey Granite06,
We talked about that some and decided it's equally difficult either way.
For instance, going eastward from Toxaway, you start at the lake level of 1200 ft elevation, immediately climb Heartbreak Hill to 1600 ft, go back down to the lake, go back up to 1800 ft, back down to the lake again, and then up to 1500 at the top of the falls. In the opposite direction, you do the same thing.
There are so many river crossings, you hike down to the river and back up the other side no matter which direction you go.
The Thompson River and Horsepasture River were especially trying.
I would not recommend this for a first timer. I would suggest hiking in from either end though and enjoy a couple of days.
Bad Creek to Hilliard Falls is 6 challenging miles.
From the other end, Hwy 178 to Laurel Fork Falls is 7.5 miles and more difficult. If you do this tough one, you get the lake as a bonus.
If she is a true beginner, I don't think you can beat the Chattooga River to ensure that her first hanging is a good one and won't be her last one.
I can send you the GPS coordinates for a campsite not at the bridge where most people camp.
This is a very secluded spot between Bad Creek and Ellicott Rock.
I look forward to your report.
Good luck
Swampfox
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