HIKING When it comes to trails, you’ve hit the jackpot with Oconee County! Simple park trails to ambitious steep climbs, from rivers edge to lakeside, on foot or by horseback, the trails of this region offer something for everyone. The high adventurer and those with more modest physical ability can find a trail that suits them, one that leads to better fitness or another that leads to a beautiful waterfall. A great source of information regarding trails is the website maintained by the South Carolina State Trails Program, www.sctrails. net. Trails on this site are well-described, include good directions, hike distance, length of time required, and difficulty levels. For more trails than those listed here, you can also visit www.VisitOconeeSC.com/uploads/Experience/Hiking.asp. For hikes to some of the nearly 150 waterfalls in Oconee County, please see the waterfall section of this guide. The Free Map Insert has the trails listed as well as numbered symbols that indicate the general location of each of the trails. The trails listed here are in order of length and type. 24 • Visitors Guide
Photo by Sean Hogan
Foothills Trail (Map – Trails 4) This National Recreation Trail has its western terminus in Oconee State Park and extends to the north and east for 77 miles to Table Rock State Park. Divided into sections of various lengths, it hugs the banks of the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River, passes beautiful Whitewater Falls (highest waterfall in the east ), and meanders through the magnificent Jocassee Gorges. The sections vary in length and difficulty, and day-hikers can access them from a dozen different points, including by boat from Devils Fork State Park. The Foothills Trail is also a favorite with backpackers from all parts of the country because hiking on the trail can be accomplished by a simple overnight campout to a thru-hike lasting a week. Day-hikes may be made on additional spur trails to Eastatoe Gorge, Ellicott Rock, and the more remote Lower Whitewater Falls. The Foothills Trail is maintained and promoted by the Foothills Trail Conference, a non-profit, membership organization which has a website that is filled with information about the Trail, its activities, and how to
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