Although the 76.2-mile Foothills National Recreation Trail begins and ends in South Carolina’s “golden corner” along the Blue Ridge Escarpment, it also traverses two of North Carolina’s most beautiful mountain counties. Along the way it crosses five rivers, passes numerous spectacular waterfalls, and climbs to South Carolina’s highest point.

This slim pocket guide has concise thru-hike directions from either end of the trail, detailed maps, major and minor trailheads; the best day hikes and overnights; campsites, water sources, and GPS coordinates. All this and more in an easy-to-use reference format that will help you keep your pack small and light.