Foothills Trail Backpacking – Laurel Valley to Table Rock (15 Miles)

Foothills Trail Backpacking – Laurel Valley to Table Rock (15 Miles)
December 12–13, 2026 | 2 Days / 1 Night

Overview
Join us for a scenic two-day backpacking trip along one of the most beautiful sections of the Foothills Trail in South Carolina. We'll hike from Laurel Valley to Table Rock State Park, passing Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina, and enjoying outstanding views from Drawbar Cliffs, Bald Knob, and the Pinnacle Mountain area.
This section features hardwood forests, mountain ridges, rocky overlooks, and some challenging climbs and descents. With the leaves off the trees, December can provide even more expansive mountain views.
We'll spend Saturday night at Cantrell Campsite before continuing to Table Rock State Park on Sunday.

Technical Details

• Distance: Approximately 15 miles total
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 3,100–3,600 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
• Views: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
• Challenge: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
• Campsite: Cantrell Campsite
• Expected Temperatures: Daytime 35–50°F; overnight 20–35°F
• Sunrise: 7:30 AM, Sunset: 5:20 PM
• Water: Historically available near camp; bring a filter and sufficient water

Meeting & Logistics

Saturday, December 12 — 8:30 AM

Meeting Location: Table Rock State Park, near the Lake Pinnacle trailhead parking area.
We'll meet at Table Rock, leave enough vehicles there for Sunday's return shuttle, and drive the remaining vehicles to the Laurel Valley parking area on US-178. We'll begin hiking from Laurel Valley around 9:15–9:30 AM.
On Sunday, we'll finish at Table Rock, then use the vehicles left there to shuttle drivers back to Laurel Valley to retrieve their vehicles.

Parking: Table Rock State Park requires a two-day parking permit ($6 per vehicle per day, $12 total). Parking at Laurel Valley is free.
I'll be camping at Table Rock State Park on Friday night (December 11) and will purchase the parking permits in advance, they are only open 9 am - 5 pm. Anyone planning to leave a vehicle at Table Rock must prepay me $12 so I can purchase their permit.
Exact parking, meeting, and shuttle arrangements will be confirmed before the trip.

Itinerary
Friday — Optional camping at Table Rock Campground.

• Make the arrangements on your own.

Day 1 — Saturday: Laurel Valley to Cantrell Campsite

• Distance: Approximately 6 miles
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 2,200 feet
• Hiking Time: 4–5 hours, including breaks

We'll begin at Laurel Valley and climb toward Sassafras Mountain (3,553 feet), the highest point in South Carolina. We'll stop at the observation tower for panoramic mountain views before continuing along the Foothills Trail to Cantrell Campsite.
We should reach camp by early to mid-afternoon, leaving time to set up camp, collect water, and relax.

Day 2 — Sunday: Cantrell Campsite to Table Rock State Park

• Distance: Approximately 8–9 miles
• Elevation Gain: Approximately 900–1,400 feet
• Hiking Time: 5–6 hours, including breaks

After breakfast, we'll continue toward Table Rock State Park, passing scenic overlooks at Drawbar Cliffs and Bald Knob, with views of Pinnacle Mountain and the surrounding valleys.
Although the route generally descends toward Table Rock, there are still several climbs and steep, rocky sections. We expect to finish in the early afternoon.

Important Notes

• Weather: December is usually cool during the day and cold overnight. Be prepared for temperatures below freezing, with the possibility of snow or ice. Bring appropriate winter backpacking gear and a sleeping system suitable for temperatures of at least 20°F.
• Food Storage: Bear canisters are recommended. All food and scented items must be stored properly to avoid attracting bears and other wildlife. Do not rely on bear cables being available.
• Group Hiking: We'll hike together as a group, but every participant should be able to navigate independently and be self-sufficient.
• Dogs: Well-behaved dogs are welcome but must remain under control and leashed at all times.
• Rain: This trip will generally proceed in light rain. Severe weather or unsafe trail conditions may require changes or cancellation.
• Experience: Participants should be comfortable hiking 6–9 miles per day with a fully loaded backpack over challenging terrain.

Looking forward to a great weekend on the Foothills Trail!