(JUST A PAUSE FOR THE CAUSE: PLEASE CONSIDER A DONATION TO THE FOOTHILLS TRAIL CONSERVANCY, THIS ONE IN PARTICULAR BECAUSE OF THE WORK THEY HAVE DONE ON THE TRAIL & THE USE WE GET FROM THE TRAIL, HERE IS THE LINK TO THEIR SITE FOR MAKING SUCH A DONATION. foothillstrail.org THANK YOU)
TUESDAY OCT 29, 2024
SASSAFRAS MOUNTAIN from CHIMNEY GAP via FOOTHILLS TRAIL
Description:
The excellent view from Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in SC. From the parking area, walk toward the Chimney Top Gap Kiosk. The trail for this hike starts on the opposite side of the road. Outbound, we climb about 1000 ft on mostly moderate terrain with a few, short, easy and difficult sections. A mid-way overlook from a short spur to a nice rockery previews the destination. About 2 miles into the hike, the trail crosses another road and continues on the other side. Go a bit past the summit to see the observation platform. Lunch on the 3554ft summit. The return 3 mi is all downhill.
DIRECTIONS (GPS: 35.0634196, -82.7988300) Gather by 9:15am the Holly Springs Mart (SC11 & US178) for departure from there. Therefore, leave KKEPA by 845am.
Directions: Click here for directions and details.
THURSDAY OCT 31, 2024
TAMASSEE KNOB from OCONEE STATE PARK FT ACCESS
Description:
Trick or Treat! Tamassee Knob offers a fine mountain vista via a moderate outbound, easier return, out-and-back trail. It’s four miles total with climbs, each way, of just over 500ft. Starting from the Foothills Trail Access in Oconee State Park (start of the white blazed FT). The trail begins through a mix of laurel and open forest, then crosses a ridge, dipping and rising… somewhat steeply for the last half mile up to the 1780 ft summit. The vista to the north, from a small rock shelf at the end of the trail, includes a glimpse of Bad Creek Dam and Whiteside Mountain.
Return to the Park and enjoy lunch, lake-side on picnic tables. Then, add an easy 1.2 miles stroll around the lake.
(GPS: 34.866756, -83.101322) Meet, pool, and depart as usual from KKEPA at 830am and/or Walhalla at 9:00am.
Directions: Click here for directions and details.
BRR Library
Planning to do some hiking on your own? You can borrow a book from our hiking library. The library offers many different books about hiking in NC, SC, and GA. From our home page click on “Resources”. The bottom half of the page lists the different books available. A big thanks to those who donated to the library: Nancy Carkhuff, Michael Gauderer, Bill Ebeling, and others. To request a book contact the librarian at: [email protected].