Choose your direction.
Oconee offers a gentler opening. Starting at Table Rock brings a substantial climb early. Both directions include demanding terrain, so leave room in your daily goals for climbs and breaks.
Planning outline · Route alignment remains under review. Confirm each leg in your trail guide.
A LITTLE STRUCTURE FOR A BIG WALK
The Foothills Trail.
Find your own pace.
Choose your dates and direction. Explore the miles, climbs, and overnight stops ahead.
BEFORE YOU SET OUTA few things to plan around.
Think about the season.
Plan for the weather as well as the miles. Summer brings heat and humidity; winter can bring freezing conditions. Check the forecast close to departure and prepare for rain.
Arrange your start and finish.
This is a point-to-point hike. Confirm your ride, parking and any resupply plans in advance. Leave your itinerary and check-in plan with someone you trust.
Use the resources below for maps, current conditions, logistics and a first-hand account of the hike.
GET YOUR BEARINGS
A look at the whole trail.
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How to read this map
Day breaks move to selected named campsite areas as you adjust the slider. Numbered pins are overnight areas; the final day ends at the trailhead. Locations are approximate community map records, not surveyed tent pads or confirmed availability. Route data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL 1.0). The map shows the OpenStreetMap route. Daily distances reference campsite mileposts in FarOut, the Conservancy-recommended hiking app, rather than measuring the map line; estimates exclude side trips and campsite approaches. Route sources & limitations.
Approximate planning overview. Confirm route and overnight locations in your trail guide.
SEE THE TERRAIN AHEAD
The ups and downs of your route.
Move along the profile to explore estimated elevation. Numbered dots mark your overnight areas.
Elevation profile is loading.
Distance from your starting trailhead · estimated terrain elevation. Use the arrow keys for precise steps.
Selected overnight areas
How elevation is estimated
Estimated terrain elevations from USGS 3DEP. Samples are roughly a quarter mile apart and can miss smaller climbs. Campsite dots show nearby terrain, not tent-pad elevations. Elevation data & source records.
PUT SOME SHAPE TO YOUR DAYS
Your daily outline.
Your days are balanced by mileage between selected campsite areas. Use the estimated climbing to judge each leg, then confirm stops and current conditions in your trail guide.
| Day | Date | Start → overnight area / finish | Approx. miles / estimated gain | Total miles |
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About the mileage and campsite locations
Mileage is referenced from FarOut, the hiking app recommended by the Foothills Trail Conservancy. Distances exclude side trips and campsite approaches. Campsite locations: © OpenStreetMap contributors · ODbL, checked October 5, 2026. Download the source data. The Whitewater map record is withheld until its position can be confirmed against the no-camping corridor between Hwy 281 and Bad Creek Access. Camping restrictions and current notices: Conservancy guidance ↗.
A LOOK AT THE DAYS AHEAD
The next five days.
Today onward, independent of your trip dates. Conditions change with elevation and along the trail.
Loading the latest National Weather Service forecast…
THE NEXT STEPS, WITH GOOD COMPANY
Resources to help you get there.
Use these alongside your outline to choose overnight stops, check water information, arrange transportation and prepare for the conditions.
RECOMMENDED READING / TREELINE REVIEW
A closer look at the thru-hike.
A first-hand account can help you picture the days ahead. This guide from Treeline Review offers another perspective as you turn your outline into a trip.
Article dated January 8, 2026. Check the official resources below for current conditions and access.
The official guide & map.
The Conservancy’s guidebook and map are the place to work through trail sections and designated camping options.
Official guidebook ↗Official trail map ↗FarOut’s trail guide.
FarOut is the hiking app recommended by the Foothills Trail Conservancy, which partnered on its Foothills guide. We reference its mileage to help you start planning. Use the full app for waypoints, water information, offline maps and recent reports before your hike.
Explore the Foothills FarOut guide ↗Current trail conditions.
Review the Conservancy’s notices before finalizing your itinerary, then check again close to departure.
Conservancy trail updates ↗Camping, water & getting there.
Use the Conservancy’s FAQ for camping guidance, water treatment, parking and resupply questions. Confirm transportation arrangements directly before you go. Major trail access points include Oconee and Table Rock state parks and crossings at US 178, SC 130, and SC 107. Use the official guide and map to choose your access point.
Planning & logistics FAQ ↗Weather for your hike.
Check National Weather Service forecasts and alerts for the places you’ll travel through. Revisit them near departure as your trip comes into forecast range.
NWS regional forecasts & alerts ↗Care for the trail you came for.
Support the Conservancy and take time to learn Leave No Trace practices before setting out.
Support the Conservancy ↗Leave No Trace principles ↗Independent Glacial Gear planning companion. Resource links reviewed October 5, 2026. Your trip dates and preferences remain in this browser. Online map providers receive requests for the area you view. The National Weather Service receives requests for the selected forecast location; we do not send these services your trip dates or preferences. OpenStreetMap attribution · USGS map source.