Before YOU GO, Watch This! SOLO Thru Hike of The Foothills Trail

In this video, we provide an overview of what to expect on a solo thru hike of the Foothills Trail. The Foothills Trail is 76.2 miles long and provides an excellent hike between South and North Carolina. For this adventure, we started our hike at Oconee State Park and went east to table Rock State Park. The hike took approximately 4 days, 3 hours and 33 minutes to complete and we had near perfect weather on trail!
For more information on the Foothills Trail, please visit the link below:
foothillstrail.org/
#thruhike #thru #foothillstrail
PLEASE HELP US REACH OUT GOAL OF 10,000 SUBSCRIBERS!
Please support this channel by hitting the like button, subscribe, share and hit the notification bell for weekly updates. Would love to hear your feedback on this video, so please leave a comment below and I will do my best to respond as quickly as possible.
Please Follow Me On Instagram for Updates! / metroonthemove
This channel is self-funded and my goal is to share my experiences on trail so you can enjoy the outdoors to the fullest. In every video, my mission is to share the highlights along with mistakes from each hike and to discuss what gear has performed the best for me on trail.
HIKE YOUR OWN HIKE! Everyone's preferences are different when it comes to hiking. At the end of the day, I want you to stay focused on your personal hiking and backpacking goals and to use this channel as a reference. If you feel there is something I missed or should focus on, please let me know by leaving a comment below.
Hikers of America is an online resource that provides information on some of the best hiking channels along with incredible hiking and backpacking trails in the United States. If you want to learn more about Hikers of America, please visit the link below:
hikersofamerica.com/
#hiking #backpacking #metroonthemove

[@LinWilson-xx2lc]

Hey! Re: hiking is snacking in exotic locations. Love that. Once lived/cruised sailboat -- cruising is fixing the boat in exotic locations.

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Excellent!!

[@jimhill715]

I am the crazy fool you met heading to Oconee State Park. I finished in 4.5 days or (45 hrs 33 min moving time). 12330 ft elevation gain with 11615 descent. One thing I liked about going this way was getting a shower at Oconee before heading home. We did have a problem with a bear getting my friends food near Sassafras Mountain. It was a well hung bear bag, but the bear must have jumped and held the bag till the carabiner broke. My Ursack was untouched but I upgraded the carabiner I use on it. So I recommend everyone use a bear canister or Ursack in this area. I will say this was the first time in a life filled with camping and hiking on the East coast to ever have a problem with bears. It was a great hike with excellent weather. You did a great job capturing the feel of the trail. I’m a subscriber!

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Wow! That is crazy that the bear took the bear bag on trail. This was an excellent adventure and happy to hear you enjoyed this video. I appreciate the feedback and happy to hear you had a good time on trail despite the incident with the bear. Need to look at ursack as an option.

[@kathyshepherd4539]

Love the hike to snack perspective.

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Just keeping it real right? Snacks in fancy places

[@sarahshockley6986]

I agree! Snacks are EVEN better in fancy places!

[@olddudeonthetrail72]

Nice video. Good info. Took me 7 days to complete the trail. I'm not getting any faster as I age, but I like to take my time anyway. I enjoy leisurely breaks in scenic spots, where I have a snack and slip into my camp shoes to let my feet air out and rest. But next time I am going to try to complete the trail in 6 days.

[@MetroOnTheMove]

You did the trail in a perfect amount of time. Wish I would have taken my time more in a few of the areas. At the time, I was limited for time off. Can’t wait to go back and wish you the best on your hike! It’s awesome out there!

[@wanderingkelso]

Thanks for this, love the info! I’m a newbie starting out with 6-10 mile hikes and hope to solo hike this trail next year.

[@MetroOnTheMove]

This trail was amazing! Might hike this trail again solo as it was nice to be alone for a few days in the woods. Hope you have fun out there!

[@JBENHIKES]

When I eventually do this thru-hike, THIS will be my go-to resource. Great job at the narration, shots, & edit. So good! Take care brother, JBEN

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Look forward to seeing your perspective of this trail! Let me know when you go brother!

[@campoljato]

Solid video! Perhaps I missed it, but did you visit King Creek Falls, Whitewater Falls, or Hilliard Falls? All of these are must-sees and worth the side trail.

[@bullwinkle734]

Another Southeast hiker. Comment for algorithm

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Cheers! Happy Friday my friend!

[@troubadouroutdoors2126]

Party pacer, I love that. That’s about what I like to do, somewhere between 12 and 15 miles most days. My teenage daughter and I will be headed up there in a couple weeks and trying to knock it out in five days. Enjoyed this video, we are excited... It looks about as pretty as some of the prettiest sections I’ve done on the Appalachian Trail.

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Hope you have a great time out there! This was an excellent hike going this route, just wish I would have taken a little longer to enjoy some areas more. 15 miles a day over 5 should get you to the goal.

[@tnjuggernaut1]

It's a great hike! We were on the trail at the same time. I was a day behind you. I went Sunday-Thursday and our times are within minutes of start and finish! That's awesome! My campsites were 1. Burrels Ford 2. Thompson River 3. Rock Creek 4. Big rock. Sadly the fog rolled in that morning before sunrise on Sassafras but amazing views later that morning from Pinnacle. Thanks for sharing your trip with us, I enjoyed your videos! Happy hiking brother!

[@MetroOnTheMove]

That hike up to Sassafras is something else right! Especially if you get there first and have the place to yourself. Great that you had this experience and made great time as well. Great job my friend!

[@NickandRachel]

We've thought about doing that trail as well looks awesome! You went in a really good time of year! I wouldn't argue with your statement about the art of hiking 😅 Funny that you ran into hunters near table Rock Mountain we did two just the one in North Carolina last year lol I definitely like this style of video a lot better not much down time in between shots always talking good editing!

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Appreciate that feedback. Trying to change up the format a bit. Thinking I might do three videos for hikes like this. 1. Commentary. 2. ASMR 3. METRO Style with Music. Thoughts?

[@NickandRachel]

@@MetroOnTheMove Try all three. Just look at your retention rate on each video style and see which one does the best. All I know is whenever we keep it moving when we're constantly talking not having much down time and long breaks between scenes watch time go up and you get more views.

[@PFAM5]

Awesome video! I love how you put it together with the mix of talking head spliced in. Cool that Tom was able to get with you. Hiking to exotic places for a snack 😂 Looks like you had sour patch, that’s what’s up lol. I’d love to do at least a section of the trail, that includes heartbreak ridge. Great adventure!!

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Thank you my friend! This trail was challenging and rewarding. Having the opportunity to do this solo teaches you a lot about yourself and you have time to go through your thoughts. Appreciate the kind words!

[@polesofdestinyhiking]

Awesome video! Such a place to be at that time. I'm looking forward to hiking that in the future, maybe a couple months after the Alabama Triple Crown.

[@MetroOnTheMove]

This was definitely one for the books. Combined with the ATC, you are going to have a great time on trail. Thanks for the kind words my friend!

[@ecttreker9816]

Awesome. Can't beat hiking in Fall. Great views👍👍

[@MetroOnTheMove]

This was a dream hike! So many waterfalls and beautiful areas on this trail! Hope you get a chance to check it out one day!

[@ecttreker9816]

@@MetroOnTheMove that would be great, however, be it that I'm about 4000kms away chances are low. You never know though, some day maybe.

[@lizstrailsandtravels4624]

Nice thanks for the info.

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Appreciate ya! This is an excellent hike

[@russwagers]

I was planning to thru hike the FHT this year before making a career change.

[@MetroOnTheMove]

The good news is that the trail is still there. Five to seven days is a commitment. You have to treat the time off like a vacation.

[@BackpackingWithJason]

Really liked how you put the video together. Very informative. I’m so wanting to do this trail.

[@MetroOnTheMove]

You would love it. Very cruisy to start, lots of waterfalls, rock formations, overlooks. Good times!

[@KaisDinoAdventures]

Happy November my friend! Hope you are having a great week!!! Thanks for sharing and posting this!!!! Awesome upload and big like!! amazing scenery and awesome hiking my friend

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Appreciate ya! Hope life is treating you right and thanks for the kind words!

[@cherokeesurvival8340]

GREAT VIDEO

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Appreciate ya! This was an excellent hike and hope this videos inspires others to hike this trail!

[@Astp9999]

Never heard of the term “party pacer” but hey, that’s me! 😂

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Keep on hiking in the free world my friend!

[@hobofab]

Great looking trail! Thanks for taking us along for the ride!

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Appreciate your support my friend! Hope life is treating you right

[@Kari-bb3rm]

Awesome info! Awesome encouragement! Awesome view! Awesome energy! Love it. Let's keep movin!❤

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Love the feedback my friend! I make these videos for the love of backpacking to share with others to inspire people to get out in nature. Appreciate ya!

[@tangenttrails]

Excellent! Great info and you are correct. It’s definitely a trail I would enjoy, especially in the fall with those colors popping.

[@MetroOnTheMove]

The colors and temperature made it feel like a dream in some areas. Once in a lifetime so far for me and loved it!

[@JeremiahStringer]

It took me about five days. The scenery out there is unbeatable. Enjoyed the video.

[@MetroOnTheMove]

💯 Very well marked trail and filled with excellent waterfalls and views. Was hard to pick the best footage to make it all fit in the video!

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

This is great! Love the format. Awesome discussion and informative about the trail. Well done Andy! I loved that trail. Crow✌️

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Thank you my friend! Trying to figure out a better way to share the trail and this format was fun to do. Editing five days of content...not so fun. See ya soon my friend!

[@GoneFeralWithSquidly]

Metro, I can’t describe how well this was narrated and put together. I really enjoyed the way you narrated after the trip and introduced the different video clips and topics. 🦑

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Thank you my friend! This was an awesome hike and going solo had some really great moments on trail. Definitely recommend this and you would love this trail. Good times!

[@OurNationalAdventure]

More orange for safety! Congrats on this huge accomplishment! You have some great hiking friends to join you and drive with and leave suxh awesome notes or gifts along thw way...Snacks and great views!! Lol. 100% 16 miles a day is a great tempo.Thank you for the great information. Beautiful images!!

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Thank you! This was a hike for the books. Just wish I did slow it down a bit to enjoy the trail a little more. Yes, great hiker friends all over the US and very grateful to be a part of this growing community. Thanks for the kind words!

[@jodavis211]

Beautiful colors and very informative! The 4k really make you feel right there with you too.

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Thank you my friend! This was an excellent hike!

[@CastawayHikes]

I love the way you presented this video, well done brother!

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Appreciate the kind words my friend! Trying to incorporate new ways to share the experience on trail. Thank you for the support!

[@MinuteontheMountain]

Awesome trip, man. It looked challenging but the views and beauty you saw had to be so worth it. Great job.

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Appreciate ya! This is an incredible trail and 76.2 is just enough distance

[@FOLLOWINGWALKERSWORLD]

Metro! One of the best short version of explaining the FHT. You had some great video shots & awesome weather. Definitely backpacking is getting somewhere epic & having a snack. Come back again soon & we’ll do some of these spur (off the beaten track trails). Those honey mushrooms looked good in the video. 👍👍

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Mr. Walker! Thank you for being a part of this adventure! It was great to see you again and thank you for your help getting me on trail! Yes, let's get back together and hit up some of those spur trails. You really are just a stone throw away. Need to pick your brain on how to grow these King Stropharia mushrooms on trail!

[@adventure_outdoors]

Thanks for giving such great information in this video. I'm hoping for a foothills trail thru hike this year!

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Hope you have an excellent time on the Foothiills Trail and thank you for the kind words!

[@RobinT-treehugger]

Party pace.... hahaha... 10-15 is near death march for me. Nice video! Really need to get back to NC and hike. Haven't been there since I was a kid (born and raised there). So gorgeous..

[@MetroOnTheMove]

If I had to do this again, I would take 5-7 days to slow down and enjoy the trail. Still have blisters on my feet. You should definitely hike the Foothills Trail as this was a great physical/mental/spiritual trip for me to hike solo. Hope you have fun out there!

[@cachemacstrailtime]

Oh yeah! Nicely done. Looked like an awesome time. 4 days sounds perfect. Take care Andy!

[@MetroOnTheMove]

You would LOVE this trail! Have a great weekend Michael!

[@cachemacstrailtime]

@@MetroOnTheMove I have watched many hikes along this one. It is a must in my book.

[@SeniorHiker77]

This is definitely one of your better videos. Your narration was on point, and held my interest throughout the whole video. BTW Congrats on a good video and finishing the FHT in 4 days, 3 hours and 33 minutes. Lol

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Appreciate ya! Learned a lot from you as the years go by and hoping to up the quality of my videos in the future. See ya soon my friend!

[@micah6-8]

You nailed it brother! On my LASH, I would leave camp early to find a view spot to eat breakfast and then see where I could eat lunch. 😁 Very informative video. Thanks!👍🏼

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Hiking to fancy places for snacks...that is what hiking is all about!

[@Irishdaisysadventures]

Heartbreak was definitely a heartbreak..lol great trail. It's my only thru hike (over 20 miles). Great video. Enjoyed your take on it. I did the trail in 6.5 days, I believe. I think an extra day would have been helpful. Carrying 7 days of food at once was not fun..lol. I believe that Taz does food drops also.

[@MetroOnTheMove]

As you know, this trail has a lot of ups and downs but is really enjoyable compared to other trails like the AT. All that food and trash is not fun to carry. Glad you have had this experience as well. Thanks for the tip with Taz!

[@roselee_explores]

It took me 3 weekends 🤣. It was my first “section” hike. Funny enough… started at Table Rock (I think I died going up that in 90deg heat 🥵). I love overnights by Thompson River & Lake Toxaway. Great video - congratulations 😊

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Great that you made the goal of completing this trail. Saw that video on you hiking up Table Rock in the heat! That is a HUGE challenge as those climbs are something else. Lake Toxaway was very nice and loved that bridge hiking in!

[@ShadetreeJetski]

Very well done video. If you didn't go the 2/10 mile off trail to see Hilliard falls you missed a fantastic waterfall.

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Was hoping that was not the case…damn

[@journeyofbear6423]

The tip about hunters is a good one. I keep a verity of blaze orange head gear for hunting season. I've walked across my share of hunters. I have not done the through hike yet. I'm planning on going the other way and at a relaxed pace over 7 days.

[@MetroOnTheMove]

7 Days is PERFECT! Wish I would have taken some more time to stop and smell the roses. Did this hike in 99 hours...my feet were killing me. Yes, blaze orange is key this time of year! Have fun out there!

[@StepsbyKaatje]

A lot of useful information about the Foothill trail. I saw Kevin's videos of the hike and it looks pretty nice out there! I agree 15 miles in a day is enough. When you have to do more, it's just too much! I think it's a good distance for a thru-hike. At least if you can't get away for weeks and months. I did 3 and 4 weeks this year for my way to Santiago. 😊 Haha, I love the idea that hiking is just about finding the perfect spot for a snack! 😂🤣 Maybe also finding the perfect spot for a campfire! 😊 The last part looked a bit more challenging. Dogs can be a pain and so are hunters... 😉 On the other hand bears might be a problem too. Wear orange, yes, good tip! Lovely sunrise All the best Kaat

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Kevin inspired me to go for it! Going solo was a trip but I think it is worth it to help keep your pace up. Congrats again on your trip! Great job my friend!

[@StepsbyKaatje]

@@MetroOnTheMove If you go solo, you only have to worry about yourself. On a good day, you do a bit more, but you can also decide to take a rest when you need it. I have noticed that you'll do more in a day when solo because your breaks are shorter and not much else to do than hike or cycle in my case! 😁

[@MetroOnTheMove]

@@StepsbyKaatje Exactly! Hike your own hike without having to stop on others terms. Helps push you to do more!

[@DaveOffGrid]

Awesome round up and trip vid Andy! How did this one rate compared to some other longer hikes you’ve done? Would you do it again? Weather looked decent.

[@MetroOnTheMove]

This trail is moderate for the majority of the trail and gets aggressive at Sassafras Mountain. This trail was a lot more fun than other long trails I’ve been on at this distance. Yes, would do this trail again for sure!

[@RuskinSeabrook]

It took us 7 months. Started in March of 2021 ended October 2021

[@MetroOnTheMove]

That is quite a hike! Having a good water filter and light gear is key to longer hikes.

[@angelcoleman3900]

Awesome video. Is there a gate at OSP? Trying to figure out if I'm going to be on a time restricted schedule the last day to get back to my vehicle.

[@MetroOnTheMove]

I definitely saw one at Table Rock as I had to wait for it to be opened in the morning to register. Not sure about OSP. You may want to call to confirm. Thanks for watching and hope you have fun out there!

[@Caveman_OS_Hiking]

Well done Andy. Great information for us that hope do do the trail someday.

[@MetroOnTheMove]

This is a PERFECT trail for you! It is a mix between the Pine Mountain Trail and Twentymile in the Smokies. I would schedule 5-7 days to enjoy the trail.

[@user-hx7dw4hj4l]

Thanks for documenting your thruhike. My wife and I have done several sections of the trail and I would like to solo thru hike. I'm curious what your thoughts are around campsites. My biggest (probably irrational) fear is that I will get to where I want to camp and there will already be people there. Do you just find a hole and squeeze in or move on? Any tips in terms of what to expect there and the etiquette? I would also be happy to do it out of peak season, too. Thank you.

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Thank you for the kind words! This trail is amazing. Campsites were not full when I was in trail. There are limited spots in some areas and if they are taken, you will have to keep pushing. However, most hikers will accommodate those in need so you should not worry about this too much. I still think Fall is the best time to go.

[@ervinslens]

This trail looks really challenging especially for solo hiking! Nicely explained bud, autumn colors are so vivid here. It's always dangerous when it's hunting season, here even in some parts it's forbidden to go hiking until the hunting season is over.

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Added a new orange blaze to the pack for extra visibility. The Hunter told me that they have to make sure the bear is big enough from the scope before they move forward. Scary though right?

[@atgirl]

We did this the first week in june...no bugs, no ticks, not hot. But seeing the trees in ur video, i want to do this again in the fall. So, how were the bugs and ticks in the fall?

[@MetroOnTheMove]

This was the perfect time to go! Would do this again in the Fall as there were no bugs and the temps were perfect!

[@anisahbagasra7043]

I have hiked some sections but haven't quite worked up to doing my thru hike. How much is parking per day at Table Rock?

[@MetroOnTheMove]

It was $6 per day. This trail is great, and hope you have fun out there!

[@togohiking]

This is an awesome trail! So glad you enjoyed it. There's a great documentary about the trail and conservancy at youtube.com/@travelingpanda5108?si=v2-xvJWZKJR8VSJ1

[@TryingTheHardHikeATAdrieWashne]

How do you like your hyper lite pack?

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Love it! Used to carry a Zpacks Arc Haul years ago, but made the switch about three years ago and have not looked back. Definitely recommend!