Foothills Trail w/Whitewater Falls Backpacking: 15 Mi./Burrell's Ford-Bad Creek

Interested in a challenging, multiple night backpack trip, criss-crossing through South Carolina's Sumter National Forest and North Carolina's Nantahala National Forest on the Foothills Trail, including Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall east of the Rockies, falling 811 ft.? We'll see numerous other waterfalls including the Lower Falls, falling 411 ft., in South Carolina. This is the second section, heading east, of the 77 mile trail, which first opened in the 1980s and is known for its stunning scenery and superior hiking experience in a remote and lush rainforest, wilderness habitat. Elevation gain will be approximately 1,168 ft. over two days.

All hikers are expected to RSVP responsibly, following up periodically for messages and updates, especially as the event nears. Good communication is important when hiking in a wilderness area and with a group. Please make changes with your RSVP, to the best of your ability, at least two weeks prior to the event, as too many last minute changes may cause problematic logistics issues.

Experienced backpackers with ability to safely hike and camp in wet, hot, and humid weather conditions as well as carry their backpack over long distances and with elevation gain.
TIP: Backpack weight should be no more than 20% of body weight.
My hiking style is slow and steady with occasional stops for breaks to enjoy the surroundings and for snacks/lunch. I will hike in intermittent, moderate rain. Hikers are encouraged and expected to have navigational skills. I will use the Foothills Trail in the FarOut app for navigation. This hike is exploratory for host.
AllTrails link (full trail only): Foothills National Recreation Trail.

Friday: Burrell's Ford Campground-Fish Hatchery Campsite (6 Miles)

• 9:30 am: Meet at and drop off end car(s) at Lower Whitewater Falls Trail Access parking area off Bad Creek Road, Salem, SC. This parking lot is on paved roads (see attached photo).
• Drive remaining cars the 11.5 miles, (approximately 23 minutes) to Burrell's Ford Road Campground parking area, Tamassee, SC. This parking lot is accessed by gravel/dirt road (see attached photo).
• Hike six miles to Fish Hatchery Campsite. Most campsites are small and may fill up quickly, so we'll make adjustments/move on or back as needed. There are a number of campsites both before and after this site. This site has easy access to water while campsites further north may not.

Saturday: Fish Hatchery Campsite-Whitewater Campsite (9 miles)

• This day affords many beautiful sites. We'll hike to Hiker's Peril Waterfall, Sloan Bridge Access with pit toilet, border of North Carolina, highest elevation at Round Mountain, Whitewater Falls Scenic Area, Corbin Creek Falls, down Stairway to Heaven (wooden staircase), and over Whitewater River Bridge.
• Camp at Whitewater Campsite with benches, fire rings, a bear bag cable, and water cistern.

Sunday: Whitewater Campsite-Lower Whitewater Fall Access Parking (2 to 3 miles)

• This will be a short day with time to trek to the Lower Whitewater Falls Overlook. Breakfast at campsite or Lower Whitewater Falls Overlook (1.3 miles).
• Hike to and retrieve ending trailhead vehicle/s (1.3 - 1.5 miles).
• Retrieve beginning vehicles at Burrell's Ford parking lot.
• For anyone interested, we can stop for lunch at Universal Joint, 109 N. Main Street, Clayton, GA.

There is a Peregrine Award patch for anyone who completes all 77 miles of this 49 year old trail. I will post 2 future backpack trips ultimately ending at Table Rock State Park.

*If anyone is interested in carpooling with me from NW GA area, let me know. I can pick up from the REI in Kennesaw at 6:00 am on Friday morning. Feel free to reach out to other hikers for carpooling from other areas if you want to. This is a big drive from ATL area. We will need at least 2 vehicles for adequate transportation needs. I have a truck we can use on dirt/gravel roads.

References: Foothills Trail Guidebook and Official Map of the Foothills Trail, for educational purposes only.
Photo credit: RomanticAsheville.com, for educational purposes only.