While some hikers continue backpacking through the Winter months, many take the season off and daydream about warmer weather. Either way, the off season is a great time to start planning future adventures. Hopefully one (or all) the trails on this list will inspire your future backpacking trips. Without further ado, here are four single track trails you can hike (from one end to the other) in 7 days or less...
#1 Foothills Trail
This trail has grown in popularity over the last few years. The FHT is a one-of-a-kind adventure. Don't underestimate it though. The trail has a rugged side that can pose a much greater challenge than expected at times. Take the notorious 500+ step climb over Heartbreak Ridge for example.
Distance: 76.2 miles
Time Frame: 5 to 7 days
Estimated Daily Mileage: 10 to 15 per day
Location: Western terminus - Oconee State Park in Mountain Rest SC
Eastern terminus - Table Rock State Park in Pickens SC.
Shuttle Providers: Your best option is Jim “Taz” Simpson. You can reach him at 864-431-0447. The conservancy also keeps a list of current volunteers you can contact at foothillstrail.org/shuttle-service/
Additional Info: Get an overview of each section, elevation profiles, and maps of the various access points at https://foothillstrail.org/ under "The Trail" tab. You can also purchase the official guidebook and map at Conservancy's online store
I thru-hiked the FHT over 6 days in October of 2020. I averaged 12 to15 miles per day going Eastbound. You can find my video series and trail journal from the trip HERE: Foothills Trail (seagrasstosassafras.com)
#2 Chattooga River Trail
In same neighborhood is the Chattooga River Trail. This one shares path with both the Foothills and Bartram for a part of the way. Shorter and less strenuous than the aforementioned trail, this one ambles through the Chattooga River Valley. While the trail doesn't run directly beside the river the whole time, sections do convene with it. A common point of reference for this trail is the 28 bridge (Russel Bridge.) The route runs about 20 miles below it and 20 miles above it.
Distance: 40 miles
Time Trame: 3 to 4 days
Estimated Daily Mileage: 10 to 15 per day
Location: Southern terminus - Chattooga River Info Station (76 bridge) in GA
Northern terminus - Ellicott Rock Wilderness Area bordering SC, GA & NC
Shuttle Providers: Jim “Taz” Simpson not only shuttles for the FHT, but parts of the Chattooga River Trail as well. You can reach him at 864-431-0447. Another option may be Chattooga Whitewater Shop/Outfitter. You can reach them at 864-647-9083
Additional Info: Alerts or closures for the are regularly updated on the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest site. You can find an overview of the Northern half of the trail (Russel Bridge to Ellicott Rock) from Sctrails.net and an overview of the Southern half (Chattooga Info Station to Russel bridge) from Scouting Magazine.
I've backpacked the Northern most sections of this trail. Nicholson Ford to Ellicott Rock Wilderness is a great out and back trip along the Chattooga. This is one of the milder options on the list in terms of difficulty and available resources. There's no shortage of riverside campsites, water sources, or spots to cool off your tired feet. For an interesting bit of history along this route, look into the Walton War.
#3 Art Loeb Trail
If you’re looking for a trail that will challenge you physically, mentally, and possibly spiritually then this one is for you. A phrase that's commonly used to describe the Art Loeb is "not for the faint of heart" and they're not kidding! Difficult though it may be, for many hikers the far-reaching views and unique terrain along the way make the struggle worth it in the end.
Distance: 30 miles
Time Frame: 2 to 4 days
Estimated Daily Mileage: 8 to 15
Location: North terminus - Daniel Boone Scout Camp in Shining Rock Wilderness Area NC
Southern terminus - Davidson River Campground in Pisgah National Forest NC
Shuttle Providers: My personal favorite is PuraVida Adventures. I rode with them on both my North and Southbound trips. To schedule a shuttle go to https://pvadventures.com/
Nate with Traveling Lite Shuttle and Resupply also shuttles for the Art Loeb. For more information go to his Facebook page or call (817) 239-4266. WNC Trail Shuttle and Mountain High Shuttles are two additional providers in the area.
Additional Info: Alerts or closures for the Art Loeb are regularly updated on the North Carolina Forest Service site. Get an overview of each section with pictures and interactive GPS maps from Hike WNC. You can also check out my post Advice for Hiking Art Loeb.
I've had my butt kicked by this trail more times than I care to remember. I've also had countless positive experiences along it. I've hiked it Northbound, Southbound and as a part of various backpacking loops. My number one piece of advice for anyone interested in hiking the Art Loeb is go into the trip with a positive attitude. It makes a WORLD of difference! You can watch and read about my most recent trip at: Art Loeb Southbound Thru-hike
#4 Neusiok Trail
Looking for a Coastal getaway? Head on over to Croatan National Forest. Unlike the other three trails on the list, this one is best hiked in the Winter! Start planning in December and you might be able to take a trip along it before the swarms of insects and reptiles return.
Distance: 20 miles, 40 as a yo-yo (out and back)
Time Frame: 2 to 3 days one way, 3 to 4 as a yo-yo
Estimated Daily Mileage: 8 to 10 per day
Location: Southern terminus - Oyster Point Campground
Northern terminus - Pine Cliff Picnic Area both located in Croatan National Forest NC
Shuttle Providers: Unfortunately, I have not been able to identify any shuttle providers for this trail. (If you know of any, feel free to reach out to me with that info so I can share it with anyone else considering hiking the Neusiok.) You will either need to park one car at the campground and one at an access point near the Northern end OR park at the campground and do a yo-yo hike. Thankfully, because this is a shorter trail on flat coastal terrain, more miles can be covered in a day making a weekend out and back trip feasible.
Additional Info: Alerts or closures for the are regularly updated on the North Carolina Forest Service site. Be sure to read the PDF brochure with an overview of the trail including trailhead locations and shelters/camping along the route. The Neusiok trail is a part of a 70 mile segment on the Mountains to Sea trail. You can find more info about the Neusiok portion here: https://mountainstoseatrail.org/segment/16/ Members of "Friends of the MST" get access to downloadable PDF guides of each segment like this one. A few years ago, the water pumps at shelters along this trail were removed, making water sources even scarcer. Many hikers suggest leaving water caches at various points along the route. There have also been During certain times of the year, reroutes and detours have to be made due to storm damage. Sometimes entire section of trail are inaccessible. The best resource for up-to-date trail conditions I have found are the reviews on AllTrails (especially the beach section)
Once again, Winter is the best time to hike the Neusiok. The rest of the year hikers have bugs, snakes, and hellish heat to contend with. It can also be incredibly overgrown and hard to navigate.
Thank you so much for stopping by. I hope you found this list of trip suggestions helpful and informative. For even more trails you can hike in a week or less, check out PART 2 in this series of posts!
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