Memorial Day Backpacking - Jocasse Gorges & Table Rock State Park

Let's celebrate Memorial Day in nature! I have mapped out a route from Sassafras Mountain, SC, to Jocassee Gorges, Table Rock State Park, and back. This double loop will cover roughly 20 miles and 4,800 ft elevation gain in 2.5 days and is rated strenuous. If I have not hiked or backpacked with you before, please message me directly, before RSVPing so we can discuss the details of this trip and your backpacking experience :-)

I will preface this by saying I am not a certified guide and have never hiked any of these trails before. I have researched viable campsites, permits required, parking options, water sources, etc., but as we all know, there is only so much one can plan for from afar, and sometimes things go awry. Campsites might be full, and we have to add a couple of miles to find the next one; a water source might be dry, and we have to travel further than expected to find another, etc. With that, please make sure you are prepared for the unexpected.

Day 1: We will meet at the parking lot at Sassafras Mountain at 6:30 p.m., do a final gear check, and head out on the trail by 7p. We only have a little over a mile to cover, which will give us plenty of time to get camp set up before dark. We will be shooting for the Cantrell Campsite off the Foothills Trail, which means we should be able to have a campfire.
Day 2: We will wake up, have an hour or two for breakfast and to break down camp, then head out on the Foothills Trail. We will pass Drawbar Cliffs and Pinnacle Mountain, then turn onto Ridge Trail. We will follow that through Table Rock State Park to Panther Gap and then turn on the Table Rock Trail, followed by several more miles on Pinnacle Mountain Trail. We will pass Green Creek Falls, Spring Bluff Falls, and Mill Creek Falls on our way back to the Foothills Trail for our last night! Total mileage for the day will be 10-11 miles, but with 2,700 ft elevation gain! We will take frequent breaks :-)
Day 4: We can have a leisurely morning, break down camp, and have breakfast as we will only have 4 miles and 1,000 ft elevation gain back to the car on the Foothills Trail!

The link to the general route I created is below, but it is subject to change based on water source and campsite availability, or if everyone wants to go check out a waterfall on the list! Come ready for an adventure!

Table Rock to Sassafras Viewpoint Loop on AllTrails
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/south-carolina/table-rock-to-sassafras-viewpoint-loop?sh=p0nozs&utm_medium=trail_share&utm_source=alltrails_virality

Below are a few rules:
1. You must come prepared with all of your gear for overnight backpacking, including enough food for 3.5 days, enough water (or the ability to filter water), navigation, and the ability to make it back to the trailhead on your own if separated, etc.
2. I am not a certified guide, nor will I be acting as the hiking guide for this trip. This is a social outing, everyone will be responsible for their own navigation, gear, essentials, etc. My goal is obviously to keep everyone safe, together, and having a good time, but I cannot guarantee anyone's safety. By RSVPing "yes" to this event, you are releasing me from any-and-all liability should you experience illness, injury, or worse during (or as a result of) this trip.
3. This trail is dog-friendly, so I will be bringing my dog. You are welcome to bring your dog IF you can guarantee that they will be kept on a leash AT ALL TIMES. There have been recent bear sightings, so for the safety of your dog, my dog, humans, and wildlife, your dog MUST be leashed at all times. If this is not your standard practice and you cannot agree to this, this is not the trip for you. Thank you in advance!
4. LEAVE NO TRACE - please read up if you are not familiar :-)
https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/
5. Bring a bear canister or bear bag with your own rope (and ability to hang it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLtHKYXwmWE
6. If you RSVP and I have not hiked with you before, I will private message you to get a feel for your backpacking experience. I am doing this with everyone :-) Please make sure to check your messages.