Foothills Trail Permit: Route
Foothills Trail is in Foothills Trail, and the agency does not require a permit for it. The route covers 77 miles.
This guide covers the Foothills Trail Thru-Hike permit.
No fee to hike or camp on the trail itself. Vehicle day-use/parking fees apply at the state park termini and the USFS Whitewater Falls lot.
Permit Cost
5-10 days
Duration
77 miles
Distance
strenuous
Difficulty
About Foothills Trail
77 miles along the Blue Ridge Escarpment in Upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina, past waterfalls, Lake Jocassee and Sassafras Mountain, South Carolina's highest point. No fee to hike or camp on the trail itself.
The Foothills Trail
- Distance
- 77 miles
- Route type
- point-to-point
- High point
- 3,553 ft
- Trip length
- 5-10 days
- Difficulty
- strenuous
Entry points: Table Rock State Park, Chimneytop Gap, Laurel Valley, Canebrake, Bad Creek Access, Sloan Bridge, Fish Hatchery Road, Burrell's Ford Road, Cheohee Road, Jumping Branch Trailhead, Oconee State Park
Blue Ridge Escarpment, Upstate South Carolina and western North Carolina. Nearest town: Pickens / Salem, SC
Points along the route
- Table Rock State ParkMile 0, 1,148 ft
- Mill Creek FallsMile 4.6, 2,665 ft
- Sassafras MountainMile 9.7, 3,553 ft
- Chimneytop GapMile 11.8, 2,944 ft
- Laurel ValleyMile 13.9, 2,008 ft
- Virginia Hawkins FallsMile 17.1, 2,278 ft
- Laurel Fork FallsMile 22, 1,278 ft
- Longest suspension bridge on the Foothills Trail (Toxaway River)Mile 24.4, 1,696 ft
- CanebrakeMile 27.8, 1,123 ft
- Lower Whitewater Falls (spur)Mile 35, 1,237 ft
- Hilliard FallsMile 35, 1,237 ft
- Corbin Creek FallsMile 43.9, 1,994 ft
- Bad Creek AccessMile 44.2, 2,093 ft
- Upper Whitewater Falls viewpointMile 46.5, 2,221 ft
- Hikers' Peril FallsMile 51.9, 2,686 ft
- Sloan BridgeMile 52, 2,810 ft
And 7 more named points along the route.
Foothills Trail permit detailsandAll Foothills Trail permits
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This guide is based on personal experience obtaining wilderness permits and is regularly updated to reflect current policies and strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for Foothills Trail?
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Yes, a permit is required. Walk-up permits are available at the trailhead or visitor center, but arrive early as they may be limited.
How long is the Foothills Trail route?
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The route is 77 miles, as a point-to-point. Plan on 5-10 days.
How difficult is the Foothills Trail route?
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This is a strenuous route, demanding and requires excellent fitness.
Where does the Foothills Trail route start?
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The permit covers 11 entry points: Table Rock State Park, Chimneytop Gap, Laurel Valley.
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