Backpacking Overnight: Jocassee Gorges

If you sign up, you will go directly to the waiting list so I can be sure that you are prepared to hike 11 miles in and navigate 2 mild water crossings with your overnight gear! Thank you!

Details: Please join me for an overnight backpacking trip down to Lake Jocassee where the Toxaway River flows in. We will be doing a loop style hike incorporating the Auger Hole Trail, Foothills Trail, and the Canebrake Trail. This will be a 16.5 mile trip total. We will be camping at the Toxaway suspension bridge designated camping areas. These campsites are on the bank of Lake Jocassee and offer picnic tables, lantern hooks, fire rings. This is a beautiful protected wilderness area in the NC section of Lake Jocassee. There will be great views and sunset!

Day 1: meet at Frozen Creek Trailhead near Rosman NC at 8:15AM. Starting hiking at 8:30AM, 7 miles on Auger Hole Trail to the intersection of the Foothills Trail. We will then hike 4.3 miles along the Foothills Trail to camping area at the Toxaway River Bridge (65ft in length) There are two creek crossings on the Auger Hole Trail that require you to take off shoes and ford over.

Day 2: Around 9:30 AM, start hiking 5 miles back to cars via Canebrake Trail. This will include a 1800 ft ascent over the 5 miles.

Hike Length: 16.5 miles

Hike Duration: Overnight

Hike Rating: Moderate

Blaze: Orange on Auger Hole, White on Foothills, Yellow on Canebrake

Elevation Gain: 2500 feet (est.) – three climbs

Hike Configuration: Loop

Trail Condition: Excellent

Starting Point: Frozen Creek Road