The Foothills Trail Thru Hike

[@ExploringwithNicole]

I wish I had trails like that around here... I'm at 0 elevation... can't wait to see some mountains again. Awesome videos all the time! I loved watching your Thru AT hike!

[@RedBeard0924]

So glad you enjoyed my videos! You know what you need to do? Move away from 0 foot elevation! :) Hope you get to the mountains soon!

[@ericday604]

Hey man, thanks for bringing us along. This brought a little sunshine into my otherwise cold winter!! I live just a few miles from Caledonia state park and not too far from Pine Grove furnace near the 1/2 way marker for the AT. When you were hiking through all of that rhododendron on the foot hill trail it totally reminded me of all of the mountain laurel around here!! Anyway thanks and keep them coming !!

[@RedBeard0924]

Love that area you live near! So beautiful in Caledonia State Park!

[@ericday604]

Indeed......of course its around 12 degrees F and I'm just not that tough any longer! Cmon spring!! I hope to be helping at the museum this year. If your coming through and I'm there, the half gallon of ice cream is on me if your up to the challange.

[@TroggyTrog]

Will Wood That's funny because that's about where I met and hiked with Lightweight Joe V back in 2004 (we met along the A.T. just before the halfway point), and now I get to watch him hiking in one of your videos. Cool. Joe's got some nice gear, and I'm glad you got to showcase it! I'll be looking to get some of that gear for next year's thru-hike if all goes as planned.

[@TheBlackalachian]

I was going to leave my fishing pole at home for this one, but after watching this video I might have to bring it along...

[@constitutionalist3931]

I'm not a hiker, but I do love the outdoors. I've thoroughly enjoyed watching your videos. It's the next best thing to actually being there. Keep on hiking and thanks for sharing.

[@scout7772]

Nice video, thanks for sharing. I live in Upstate SC and feel fortunate to have the Foothills Trail be so close. It's an excellent trail that has a lot to offer for just 76 miles. There are a number of waterfalls, including Upper Whitewater Falls, some nice mountain views, a 225 foot suspension bridge, river crossings, views of Lake Jocassee, and dense woods with a variety of flora and fauna. My favorite section is probably along the Chattooga River Corridor. Also, with roughly 18,000 feet of total elevation gain, it's definitely a good shakedown hike for a longer thru hike.

[@ghpatriot]

I thru hiked it last January with my wife in 4 nights and 5 days as well. It got down to 5 degrees on our third night on the trail at Round Mountain but the rest was 25 at night and 45 during the day. Great video as well and it was awesome watching it here with my wife as we reminisced of our hike. All those bridges and creeks you shared brought back some great memories. Looking forward to your PCT adventure and I'll be doing Davenport Gap to Springer in March, partially inspired by your AT thru hike videos. =)

[@RedBeard0924]

So glad you have enjoyed my videos. Yeah this was a really cool trail. Tons of bridge crossings! So glad it wasn't that cold for our trip! Good luck on the AT during your section hike, it will rock for sure!

[@egyokeo]

That's gotta be bittersweet to reach the end like that. I've never done more than a 2-day hike and your videos always inspire me to do a longer one. But your videos are so good, I feel like I'm there! I can either do it for real, or sit back with a beer and watch your videos hahaha. But seriously, thanks for all the effort you put forth in sharing your adventures with the world. Your commentary is excellent. We really get a feel for what it's like out there. Thanks!

[@nathangiannini3515]

Another great video, Red Beard. After watching your videos and many peoples reviews I ordered my ZPacks Duplex. I placed my order on Monday in hopes to get it in time for an upcoming Veterans hike so I asked Matt and Stephanie if they could help me get in on time... sure enough it shipped out today, 2 days after I placed the order! I have to say, Matt, Stephanie and Joe have the customer service thing nailed down and they were a pleasure to deal with. Glad you all had a good hike and best of luck on the PCT.

[@RedBeard0924]

Glad you enjoyed the vids and that it helped in your decision making. ZPacks definitely rocks, not just their gear but the people that make up the company. It wouldn't be the same with out Joe and Matt for sure! Enjoy that new tent! I just picked up a new camo version of the Duplex for my PCT hike! Can't wait to use it.

[@fireinmybones86]

Fantastic! You were minutes from where I live. I love the FHT and now you have joined us as a Peregrine Hiker. The lake that every major river that you crossed (minus the Chattooga River) flowed into is Lake Jocassee which has great scuba diving and actually is one of the deepest in the USA at almost 400' in one or two areas. I'm glad that you enjoyed the hike. It is a knee buster. See you on the trail.

[@latitude918]

Redbeard that was a killer video. I've never heard of that trail before, but your video has me pumped to check it out and give it a go. Keep up the good work and thanks for making this video and bringing us along.

[@RedBeard0924]

Thanks so much, glad you enjoyed it. Definitely a nice trail.

[@OutdoorsCamping]

Hey red beard! Great channel! We're preparing for the JMT next year and are testing equipment this summer! We picked up a triplex and ARC based on your recommendations! Keep sharing cool stuff!!!

[@RedBeard0924]

Good luck with your hike! I know you will love your ZPacks gear!!

[@mikesides617]

Thanks Redbeard! Awesome trail to learn about.

[@RedBeard0924]

thanks for watching

[@brholder1]

It looks like you passed up one of my favorite places to camp on the FHT, Laurel Forks Falls. Great Video. The cooler months are the best times to hike the trail in my onion. I did the Jocassee Gorges from Rocky Bottom to White Water Falls in July one year, man was it HOT!!! Stayed soaked and it didn't rain.

[@djkmark]

I'm glad you enjoyed the hike. I wish I could have met you guys on Saturday and shook your hand, but I was hiking the opposite end of the trail. Sloan Bridge to Burrell's Ford. I live in Greenville, not too far from the trail and I'm up there every weekend hiking on it.

[@RedBeard0924]

That would have been really cool for sure. It's definitely a great trail and I love the Chattooga. I usually fly fish and camp north off of Burrells Ford before the camp ground off of the Chattooga River Trail. Maybe I'll see you up there sometime. Happy Hiking!

[@bahamajim1998]

Cool trail . may try it after i do all my Pennsylvania bucket lists

[@timothyciarlette8250]

Hey RB, thanks for taking us with.

[@RedBeard0924]

My pleasure, glad to do so!

[@jennifersullivan8338]

Thanks for sharing Will! Those bridge crossings looked amazing. Did you just hike this this week?

[@RedBeard0924]

Yes we hiked it this past Friday to Tuesday. Great time but my knees are hurting today for sure :)

[@DanHaug]

Pretty funny... I ordered some gear from ZPacks last weekend and got an email saying, "Joe is hiking the Foothills Trail. He'll email you as soon as he gets back." :)

[@RedBeard0924]

Ha! It was a great time for sure.

[@joesaverino5607]

Nice hike Red Beard. Looking forward to your gear review. I'm convinced that if I'm gonna put in the miles, I will need the ultralight gear you use.

[@RedBeard0924]

It is so worth it and makes backpacking up those endless miles on the AT much easier on your body and knees for sure. Some on the east coast are more reluctant to embrace the light weight movement for some reason but most out west on the PCT are ultralight. I won't ever go back to carrying over 30lbs! I'm at 10lbs base weight with winter gear for my PCT hike and I'm trying to cut another pound or so!

[@joesaverino5607]

That's amazing. Good luck on the PCT

[@Jradeckjr]

Man it was great seeing this trail. I really need to get up there. I'm down in the SC lowcountry. I read some of the other comments - I also grew up hiking and fly fishing north of Burrells Ford. Great area. Too bad the shoes didnt work for you. I love mine, but everyone's feet are different. I used to live near the Whites and have a lot of videos hiking up there if you are interested in checking it out. I'm looking forward to your NH AT video. Also, definitely look into the hammock thing once your PCT is done. It's another fun addiction. cheers.

[@darrowood75]

Great video. Can't wait to see your PCT.

[@muleyscousin6258]

It's up to 7230 dpi now. Thanks. I really do respect your opinion and the Pinhoti Trail would be considered a southern extension of the A.T. and I believe the original A.T. plan was to include what is now the Pinhoti.

[@RedBeard0924]

Oh yeah it runs from springer to almost Birmingham. I met a few people who started their AT hike in key west hiking up the Florida trail than into Alabama catching that trail to Springer. I want to do it for sure. Maybe after the PCT!

[@donorcutt3605]

thanks. followed along on all your videos and really appreciate the info and perspective. Looking forward to the PCT with you.

[@deckrower]

Awesome trip and video. I'm leaving Next week with a friend to hike this from Jones Gap to around Lake Jocassee for a hybrid foothills/spur trail hike. 60 miles in five days. Hopefully a good warmup to an AT thru hike next year. Great advice in your video as always.

[@andreas_ebert]

Hi Will, I like your trail videos so much. Thanks for sharing with us. Looking forward to your reviews about your new zpacks stuff. Cheers Andi

[@RedBeard0924]

Glad you have enjoyed them for sure. I will definitely try to get the initial first impressions of the new ZPacks gear after use for 76 miles up soon. Hopefully by this weekend or so. So stay tuned for sure. Cheers!

[@ravinagarajan989]

Great video. I'm starting the Foothills Trail tomorrow (Oconee to Table Rock), also as a PCT shakedown. I'll be using my zPacks Hexamid Twin.

[@RedBeard0924]

Sweet! When you starting the PCT?

[@ravinagarajan989]

April 13

[@danielrutledge3772]

Great video. Where was the road crossing you show at 14 miles in and is there parking to access the trail at that point?

[@noahtriplett5658]

I'm doing this trail this summer it'll be like my first long trail I'm super excited

[@HikeLighter]

Hey man, on your way out to the PCT, swing by my place and lets get in some miles through the Redwoods!!

[@RedBeard0924]

Will do for sure!

[@FPBC14]

Great video and really nice of you to do some gear advertisement for your friends. They have some nice stuff.

[@RedBeard0924]

It's fun hiking with them. Already had purchased all their gear before I ever knew them, but definitely have no issues plugging their stuff since I really love their gear!

[@FPBC14]

Will Wood looking forward to your PCT updates. Have a safe and awesome time.

[@gvc56100]

Another great video...thanks ..can't wait for the PCT..

[@randoe744]

Great hiking RB. The trail looks great. Friends I have that have thru hiked both the AT and PCT all say the PCT is your reward vacation for hiking the AT. Many more vistas and not as much ups and downs. Great video as always. Your cool factor went up a notch doing this hike with the Zpack crew.

[@RedBeard0924]

I am super excited about the PCT for sure. A little nervous due to how my skin tends to burn quite easily! It was definitely a blast hiking with Joe and Matt. Matt always plans good trips!

[@rb5235]

Will Wood The best skin protection is cover up. Even in warm temps long sleeves shirts, long pants, full brim hat, and maybe light weight gloves to protect the backs of your hands. Suntan lotion is a big mess and just comes off.

[@RedBeard0924]

For sure. I will be wearing a long sleeve desert type shirt by Columbia and a desert hat by columbia as well with my columbia pants. Can you tell I like columbia. Ha :)

[@gregr501]

Thanks for taking me on another great trip, that is so beautiful there. I got to white water kayak the Chattooga in 93. There had been a tornado come down the river a few months before and it looked weird. It would go around the outside of a bend in the river then jump the river and go around the outside the next bend and the trees would be laying in a row like they were pushed over by a steam roller. Hey, you said your tent got muddy on night 4, how hard is it to clean up Cuben Fiber? What do you use to clean it? Really looking forward to you starting the PCT, I truly enjoy your vid's! Thanks again for sharing.

[@RedBeard0924]

It really isn't too hard to clean. All I did was wipe it down with a towel. Wen I got home I pitched it and sprayed it down! Worked wonderfully!

[@thefoothillsbackpacker4638]

Nice video. I live nearby, so I get out on the FHT several times a year. Thru hiked it a few years ago but over 10 days. Plenty of time for fishing and rock hopping up the rivers to check out some big falls. So what did you think of the Jocassee stairs?

[@RedBeard0924]

There were a ton of stars for sure! Including the ones that were just blocks nailed into the ground going almost straight down or up. Crazy!

[@orangepartyhat]

Great video! I've done a bit of hiking in the area and around Highlands and Cashiers NC. It's a great area! I was just curious, did the foothills trail end at Gorges state park? That parking lot looks familiar.

[@RedBeard0924]

That was Oconee State park at the end and it started at Table Rock. Great trail.

[@JonBaatz]

Will another great video. You mentioned some stretches you did before you AT thru hike that helped your knees. Do you have any references to those?

[@Muzzleblast-1911]

Nice vid Will. Thanx for sharing. Peace out bro.

[@wrendbl12]

Great video. I'm doing the FHT October 2018. What's the name of the song at the end?

[@hikehunter9572]

did not know about the foothills trail till a few years ago when I did more looking into the AT. Looks like a fun trip. I have done parts of the PCT in south OR ,mid OR and small parts in WA. I like the Crater Lake area in south OR best. I look farward to watching you on your run. I start the AT for a 45 day Dash on the 13th Feb2015.

[@RedBeard0924]

Awesome, good luck on your hike! I can't wait for the PCT!

[@cway444]

Great video, looking forward to your gear review.

[@RedBeard0924]

yeah hopefully ill get to those right after I finish New Hampshire & Maine

[@trailology]

I'm curious as to what kind of stretching you were doing before your AT hike. You didn't seem to have knee any knee trouble.

[@Loner2012AT]

Great video Redbeard! Glad everyone had fun and made it home safe. Yeah the FT is no joke and has some really tuff, but beautiful sections. Sorry the knees were giving you pain. The conditions are much better in the Spring. I live only 15 minutes away from Table Rock and have spent a lot of time hiking that trail and completed a thru in 2011 to get ready for the AT. This is a great place to train but I only recommend the 5day / 4night schedule you'all were on for experienced, in shape hikers. 5 nights would be more fun. Did you see any critters? The FT has plenty of deer, wild bore, turnkeys, and black bear. Thanks for posting this, I'm itching to get out for a hike. PS - ZPacks rules!

[@RedBeard0924]

Yeah I agree with you 5 or 6 nights would have been better. I didn't see anything but birds. But we did hear weird animal noises one night maybe coyotes or fox or something. I saw signs of boar where they were digging roots up on the trail and my friend steve saw some turkeys. Really cool area for sure!

[@coolwheelz5190]

Thanks for another great video! Great info as you hike about the trail and gear you are using. I hope Joe from ZPacks is taking care of you for promoting his gear. I just checked out their website and I think my wallet will be taking a hit here in the near future! Have fun on the PCT! Can't wait for the videos!

[@drfische]

Wow. looks like a great trip. How do you turn your camera from selfie to forward view while you are walking?

[@RedBeard0924]

It's just a Sony action camera that I'm holding. So I just point and shoot.

[@brucehodson2763]

Dude-Arthritis sufferers tip #23: If knees hurt going down stairs turn around and do them backward. It uses the muscles in a different more stable fashion. Takes some stress off the patellar tendons too. Also, are you walking PCT this year, or '16?

[@RedBeardReaver]

First off, let me say, I love your videos! You have a nice relaxed style and I really enjoy following your hikes. I'm planning a hike on the foothills trail in few weeks, as well. I have a question unrelated to gear or trails, however. One of the logistics of planning a thru hike that is baffling me the most, is managing relationships, work, and personal life while still having the freedom to thru hike long-distance trails such the AT and PCT. Without being too personal, what kind of work do you do for a living? How do you manage to save enough money working half the year to pay all your bills, keep your wife happy, and still have money left over to have a decent social life? I'm currently planning an AT thru-hike for 2016, and even if I manage to save enough money to go, I don't know how I will manage paying rent, a credit card bill, and students loan will not working for 6 months. If you have any advice or financial insight that would be helpful, it would be greatly appreciated! Cheers!

[@steffie41675]

awesome video.im so happy this exists.thank you =)

[@raymoore8435]

As always fantastic video.Just curious what prompted you to change and or try the Salomon shoes over the brooks ?

[@RedBeard0924]

I was trying to find a shoe that would have a longer life span. But these shoes didn't work for me so I will be switching back to my Brooks.

[@Weberventure1]

Cool video. Looks like you have some shiny new gear. I'll never be able to take enough time off to do a AT thru hike so the Foothills Trail has always on my radar. I'd like to say I thru hiked something, even if it's Soap Creek. Now that you have done both, would you recommend the Foothills Trail or maybe the AT from Springer to Dicks Creek Gap?

[@RedBeard0924]

Both are cool. I would say the AT is cooler in that section just because it's famous and has bigger mountains and better views especially in the winter time. It would also be cool to do that section on the AT in March so you could hike with thru hikers and get huge trail Magic at the roads. Would be a neat experience for sure!

[@Weberventure1]

Will Wood I appreciate the opinion, just need to sweet talk the wife. Since we live in the same neck of the woods, what are some of your favorite 2-3 night hikes?

[@RedBeard0924]

I enjoy Neels gap to Unicoi gap on the AT. Also I love the smokies, hiking from Newfound Gap north on the AT to Boulevard trail to Mt Leconte. There is a shelter there that I love.

[@Weberventure1]

I've done Alum Cave - LeConte, Boulevard - AT route and it was awesome. I'll have to give the Neels Gap to Unicoi Gap a go. Thanks!

[@jdrower]

You mentioned having a guide. Did you find it a worthwhile purchase? Did you find the Trail easily signed and/or blazed?

[@RedBeard0924]

I personally didn't have it but Matt was carrying one. It was definitely useful in describing the sections and planning it where to stay. But you could easily do it without one because there was plenty of water the entire way.

[@garygerow4822]

Always great video,s , thank,s for sharing .

[@RedBeard0924]

My pleasure!

[@galaxy-lk2zk]

Hope you got the permit for pct...I guess after that movie "wild" can out people are wild to hike it...btw it was a great book

[@RedBeard0924]

Yeah I will be getting one when they become available in a week or two. I'm sure it will see a bit of an increase in popularity this year for sure. Probably greater increase starting in 2016 as people have time to learn and prepare after viewing the movie :)

[@galaxy-lk2zk]

Will Wood good luck...there's a bunch of people hiking thur you...look forward to the posts

[@timmoore5329]

Hey, what are those Zpacks guys doing hiking ?? I would prefer that they were back in the factory working on my Zpacks Duplex tent that I have on order ;-)

[@RedBeard0924]

Good point! Jerks :)

[@henrys3629]

Cool reviews.

[@christopherch7307]

⚡WOOOOOO⚡ Rick Flair moment 😁 The new Sassafrass mountain observation deck is awesome and worth checking out.

[@Parrott65]

Quick question, completely unrelated to this video: When you finished the AT, what made you decide to immediately dive into the PCT? Also, what do you do for a living to be able to be in the woods this much?

[@RedBeard0924]

I quit my job, So no job at the moment live off savings and have no debt. Makes it easier for sure. I decided to do the PCT because my favorite thing to do in life is backpack so why not? Happy Hiking!

[@PeterYurkins]

Hi Will, Great vid. I didn’t know where to ask a few questions so I hope here is ok. Because of your reviews I am going with a duplex tent and a Arc Zip - Cuben Fiber. My question is how often did you find yourself getting canisters of fuel for your MSR? I am trying to decide whether to alcohol stove or not. TY Peter.

[@RedBeard0924]

You will be happy with both purchases. Go with the canister setup. It's super easy finding canisters and they actually last a long time. I only cook once a day however.

[@PeterYurkins]

+Will “Red Beard” Wood thanks i was starting to lean that way

[@ghpatriot]

P.S. Zpacks rocks, I got a Duplex partially because of your reviews and when I'm not in a hammock I'm in my duplex and ZPacks sleeping bag. Joe makes some amazing gear for sure.

[@RedBeard0924]

The Duplex is sick, I definitely want to get into Hammocking as well. That will be my next thing!

[@DrewsThoughts]

How many canisters of fuel did you take with you? How long did each one last?

[@RyanTheWebGuy]

You're legit! I love your videos.

[@robflynn3835]

Sweet, love my ZPacks gear!

[@RedBeard0924]

It rocks for sure!

[@vonniemcb8149]

Did you get a new Pack? I thought your other one on the AT was grey.If so what is it? Thanks

[@RedBeard0924]

I did I got a bigger ZPacks Arc Blast the 60L because I'm gonna need more space for the extra water!

[@vonniemcb8149]

Thanks, looking forward to your PCT videos, safe trip...

[@Appalachianwhitetrash]

That was lake Jocassee

[@RedBeard0924]

Thanks for the info, I could not remember the name. It was certainly beautiful and peaceful. It reminded me of a lake the AT circles in Virginia. Great place for sure!

[@muleyscousin6258]

It's not like you to use 360 dpi, but it looks like the tree tops have been torn up with bad weather on most of your hike. Have you ever hiked "The Pinhoti Trail" ? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pinhoti_National_Recreation_Trail I'd like to know what you think of the Pinhoti ?

[@RedBeard0924]

360 DPI? If you are referring to the resolution quality, it usually takes about 10 minutes once the video is uploaded to KZbin before they allow it to be viewed in HD. Sadly all my footage is filmed in 1080P 60P but for some reason youtube scales it back to 720P 30P. Might be my software or computer as well. I have heard of the Pinhoti Trail but dont know much about it, I will definitely be checking it out now! Thanks for the link!

[@RockLightHiking]

If you hadn't have taken two months off from hiking do you think you could have completed the whole trail in 4 days 3 nights? Im planning a trip in September and wanted to see if it's possible. Thanks man!

[@RedBeard0924]

As long as your body holds up no knee issues I think you could do 20 a day!

[@jdrower]

How did you choose which direction to go?

[@RedBeard0924]

I left that up to Matt. He chose to do the most strenuous day first climbing to sassafras mountain over 2,800 feet of climbing day one. It sucked.

[@eglazier]

Dang...hiking with the owner of ZPacks?

[@RedBeard0924]

What you really meant to say is dang ZPacks is hiking with Red Beard :)

[@eglazier]

That's what I meant! :) When does the PCT hike start? I watched every AT video...will you be able to upload video on the PCT as easily as the AT? I would love to do a long-distance hike some day, but I don't have the kind of job where I can take 6 months off. I live very close to the Southern Terminus of the Long Trail...and that's supposed to take about 30 days. That would be a possibility for me sometime soon!

[@RedBeard0924]

Yeah I'm thinking it's gonna be much harder to upload live videos from the PCT. I'm gonna try but most likely my footage will be mostly seen after I finish. But who knows.

[@steffie41675]

so, joe only waited for me because i had the car keys?

[@RedBeard0924]

I was rambling :)

[@RedBeard0924]

And we needed your car keys ha!

[@rb5235]

Surprised to see you having knee pain but then again not. The knees may be one of the biggest things that put people off the trail. As you prepare for the PCT is a video on a leg workout something you could/would do? It's not all about the gear but much about mind and body.

[@TroggyTrog]

Hiker tidbit #372: At 1:20 or so, in the south, every mountain and gap that you don't know the official name of is always "Sassafras". Always. So say we all.

[@RedBeard0924]

Ha! So so true! Has to be the most common name for sure for gaps and mountains!

[@theMRAAA]

A+...

[@rogerlamb536]

Hello Will! My wife and I have been following you for awhile now and wish you luck on the PCT, check us out on here we are from the Smokey Mountains area in Tennessee and some of our videos will bring you back to those days you was on the A.T.

[@hikehunter9572]

Joe, looks like a TeenageMutantTurtle with the hat on his backpack......

[@RedBeard0924]

He does ha!