You Can Hike in Two States in One Day on This South Carolina Trail

For hikers, the Foothills Trail is the ultimate outdoor hike. The 77-mile trail crosses through Upstate South Carolina and Western North Carolina and takes you through some of the most beautiful (and challenging) terrain in the region. Hikers can spend up to 10 days on this trail, but there are shorter sections that you can take for a casual day hike. Today, we’ll do a deep dive into the Foothills Trail to Whitewater Falls so you can hike two states at once in South Carolina and North Carolina.

Trail Overview: Distance, Difficulty, and Scenic Highlights

This hike begins at the Sloan Bridge Picnic Area, heads northeast, crosses into North Carolina, and continues to Whitewater Falls. It’s a 10-mile out-and-back trek that has about 2,000 feet of elevation gain and is moderately difficult. 

It’s a great hike for anyone looking to tackle longer trails (this one will take about six hours to complete) and gain some new skills. There’s nothing incredibly technical about the hike, though there are a few sections where it can be pretty rocky and steep. There are several backcountry sites along the way, should you want to turn this day hike into a multi-day adventure.

The trail is well marked, but this is an area that was heavily affected by Hurricane Helene in 2024, and it’s likely you’ll see storm damage. They do a great job clearing the trails after storms, but sometimes you might have to climb over a fallen tree. 

Your efforts will be rewarded when you get to the viewing point for Whitewater Falls. Standing at 411 feet, Whitewater Falls is the highest waterfall east of the Rockies and the tallest waterfall in North Carolina. This colossal cascade actually has two tiers, one in North Carolina and another in South Carolina, for a total of 811 feet. 

Best Time to Hike This South Carolina Trail for Weather and Views

The weather plays a large role in outdoor adventures, and that’s certainly true when it comes to this trail. Even though this trail does have a few staircases, primitive trails like these are at the mercy of Mother Nature. The trail becomes extremely muddy after it rains, making it incredibly slippery and dangerous. Make sure you check the trail conditions before you head over. 

This whole area shines between spring and fall, and there’s always something beautiful to see. In the spring, your path will be lined with various wildflowers that bloom. Summertime brings out those gorgeous green leaves and abundant sunshine, and of course, the fall foliage makes this hike a true stunner. It’s one of those hiking trails you’ll want to revisit in every season so you can watch the landscape change. 

For more information regarding the full Foothills Trail, visit the official website.  Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner. You might also want to check out our ultimate hiking guide, where we feature some of the best hiking trails in South Carolina.