Overview
The Foothills Trail is South Carolina's premier long-distance hiking trail, running 77 miles through the Blue Ridge foothills from Oconee State Park to Table Rock State Park. The 14-mile section through Sumter National Forest's Andrew Pickens District is one of the trail's most demanding and rewarding stretches, covering ridge-top terrain, crossing multiple creek drainages, and passing several waterfalls in the Chattooga watershed.
This section accumulates 2,800 feet of elevation gain over 14 miles, making it a challenging day hike or a very comfortable 2-day backpack. Most parties planning an overnight use the backcountry camp options along the route. No permit is required for camping on national forest land.
Black bears are present; food storage using a bear hang or bear canister is strongly recommended. See our bear canister guide for USFS recommendations.
The Route
Miles 0 to 5: Oconee State Park to Bad Creek. The trail begins in the state park on the west end and immediately enters the cove hardwood forest. The first five miles traverse rolling ridge terrain with two significant creek crossings on footbridges. Waterfalls are audible from the trail in several sections even if not directly visible.
Miles 5 to 10: Ridge traverse. This is the most physically demanding section, with multiple ascents and descents across the ridgelines that run perpendicular to the direction of travel. Views open to the west toward Georgia and the Chattooga drainage from several points. A backcountry camp area with a privy exists at the approximate midpoint.
Miles 10 to 14: Descent to Bad Creek Access. The final section descends toward the Bad Creek Access Area adjacent to Lake Jocassee, with the elevation loss concentrated in the last 3 miles. The Bad Creek area has a parking lot and trailhead facilities.
When to Hike
March through May: The most popular season. Wildflowers peak in April, waterfalls run full, and temperatures are cool enough for the sustained climbing.
September and October: The second peak season. Humidity drops significantly from summer levels, temperatures moderate, and fall color begins in late October. The trail is less crowded than in spring.
June through August: Possible but hot and humid. Carrying extra water and starting very early are both important in summer.
What to Bring
Many hikers carry 2 to 3 liters of water capacity on this route. Stream crossings provide resupply points. Bear-aware food storage is important; see our bear canister guide. Trekking poles are strongly recommended for the steep descent sections.
Trailhead Access
Oconee State Park entrance is on SC-107 about 11 miles north of Walhalla. The Bad Creek Access Area is on SC-130 east of Walhalla. A shuttle between trailheads takes about 30 minutes.
Nearby
The Chattooga River Trail and King Creek Falls Trail are accessible from the Burrells Ford area along this section. The Winding Stairs Trail provides a shorter ridge-top hike option. See the full Sumter National Forest guide. Follow Leave No Trace principles on this popular backcountry route, particularly regarding campsite selection and waste disposal.