Foothills Trail

The Foothills Trail is a long-distance hiking path that stretches 77 miles across the mountain regions of South Carolina and North Carolina. It winds through forests, valleys, and ridges, connecting major parks and offering access to waterfalls and rock formations along the way.

The trail was created in the 1980s by volunteers who built a long-distance hiking route through the Blue Ridge region. Their collaborative work connected state parks and established one of the area's major walking paths for outdoor recreation.

The route passes through lands once traveled by Cherokee peoples, and hikers today walk paths that hold deep meaning in their history. The landscape itself tells stories of how Native Americans lived and moved through these mountain valleys.

You can enter this route at several different points along its length, with main access at state parks and connecting roads throughout the region. Wear sturdy hiking boots and be prepared for changing mountain weather conditions that can shift quickly.

The route crosses paths with the Appalachian Trail system, allowing hikers to experience where these two major paths meet. The many waterfalls that cascade down rocky gorges create scenic spots that feel like hidden pockets of nature.