Hiking the Gorges

Explore the Wilderness Wonder of America’s Most Beautiful Lake!

Naturalist-led Guided Hikes Across the Jocassee Gorges!

Section-hike the Foothills Trail with experienced guides who have a passion for leading adventurists through the Jocassee Gorges. Five hike options cover distances between 5 miles and 8.6 miles.

Price includes a Jocassee Wild Naturalist guide certified in wilderness first aid and CPR, a pre-hike Zoom meeting before the hike (so you’ll know exactly how to prepare and what to expect), pontoon and/or car shuttles to and from the trailheads, and a delicious, locally made snack. Daypacks and hiking poles are also available to rent. Join Jocassee Lake Tours!

 

5 Treks: 

February 25th-Cost $125 per person

1 - Laurel Fork Falls to Laurel Valley = 8.1 miles (6 – 7 hours)

Moderate to Strenuous

Just before the Laurel Fork Falls, a spur trail leads to the Foothills Trail. The trail passes Laurel Fork camp; Virginia Hawkins Falls and criss-crosses Laurel Fork Creek.

Leave the dock at 8:30

Pick up at Laurel Valley at 4:00

 

March 4th-Cost $110 per person

2 - Laurel Fork Falls to Canebrake = 5.8 miles (3 - 4 hours) 

Strenuous

This trail is rugged and beautiful. There are steep ascents and descents, as well as spectacular views of Jocassee.

Leave the dock at 8:30

Pick up at Canebrake at 1:00

 

March 11th-Cost $125 per person

3 - Canebrake to Horsepasture = 7.8 miles (5 - 6 hours) 

Strenuous

This part of the Foothills Trail is wooded and crosses many streams with steep ascents and descents.

Leave the dock at 8:30

Pick up at Horespasture at 3:00

 

March 18th-Cost $125 per person

4 - Horsepasture to Bad Creek = 8.6 miles (6 - 7 hours) 

Strenuous

This section of the trail also has great views of Jocassee and is rugged with many ascents and descents.

Leave the dock at 8:30

Pick up at Bad Creek at 4:00

 

March 25th-Cost $110 per person

5 - Canebrake to Frozen Creek Access = 5 miles (3 - 4 hours) 

Moderate to Strenuous

This is a spur trail off the Foothills Trail starting near the Toxaway Bridge. It is a steep climb up through the Jocassee Gorges toward Lake Toxaway (route 64).

Leave the dock at 8:30

Pick up at Canebrake at 1:00