Sassafras Mt. to Drawbar Cliffs

(Note: due to a change in route due to weather related issues, the hike was somewhat shortened from it's original posted distance. It was changed to a D4 afterwards to coincide with the actual distance and ascent hiked)

The Foothills Trail is a well laid out and maintained 77 mile scenic trail which stretches from Table Rock State Park to Oconee State park. We will be hiking a 5.5 mile section between Sassafras Mtn and Drawbar Cliffs.

We will begin the hike near the top of Sassafras Mt, which is the highest peak in the State of South Carolina (3,553 ft). We will make a quick stop at the overlook on top of Sassafras Mtn where we will then begin hiking towards Drawbar Cliffs. This is a very pretty rolling trail with lots of ascents & descents. The trail passes an old home site, through rhododendron tunnels, over small streams, & through lush forest.

About 4.5 miles from Sassafrass Mtn. there is a big boulder field where we can spend some time climbing & exploring. Leaving the boulder field you can sneak a precarious view of a waterfall going over the mountian rock faces. We can also search for the petroglyphs located below the cliffs. I'm not sure exactly where these are located, so I will do a little reseach before the hike. I also haven't been able to validate how old these are. Be prepared, and flexible, for the possibility of a little bit of off-trail hiking - less than 1/2 mi.

After leaving the boulder field, we will continue climbing to reach the overlook at the top of Drawbar Cliffs where we'll have lunch and enjoy the view. Then we will head back the way we came.

The hike will be 11 miles long and have 2,600 - 2,700 feet of ascent. This puts it at the low end of the D5 range, so it should be suitable for anyone who has recent D4+ hiking experience.

Thanks to Beth H. for showing me this section of the Foothills Trail back in 2013 and for letting me borrow portions of the write-up.

(Note: due to an on-the-fly change in route from weather related issues, the hike was somewhat shortened from it's original posted distance. It was changed to a D4 afterward to coincide with the actual distance and ascent hiked)

Your TL's plan to stop for BBQ on the way back. If you do not wish to stop, make sure you state your plans at the carpool, so that you can ride/drive with someone else who is not stopping. If no one else is heading straight back, then you will have to take your own vehicle.