Foothills Trail Conference

2016 Annual Meeting

FTC 42nd Annual Meeting

Oconee State Park - November 4, 5, and 6, 2016

Deadline for Registration is November 1, 2016

 Every year the Foothills Trail Conference holds an Annual Meeting weekend for our members that is filled with exciting hikes, great speakers, delicious meals, and fellowship with other FTC members.  This year’s Meeting is just around the corner, and we have an exciting weekend planned for all to enjoy!  To reserve a campsite, please contact Oconee State Park online. Make sure to register early to reserve your hikes and a place at the table for a great weekend of outdoor adventure and fellowship with the FTC!

FTC Annual Meeting Schedule

Friday,  November 4

     9:30 a.m.                  Hike Departs  (See enclosed hike list)

      3:00 p.m.                 Volunteers gather to help set up

      6:00-9:00 p.m.         Friday Night Social Hour. Potluck supper and
                                      presentation on Jocassee Loons by Brooks & Kay Wade

 Saturday, November 5

      8:00 a.m.                 Breakfast in the Meeting Room (catered by Martha’s Cafe)

      9:30 a.m.                 Hikes Depart  (see enclosed hike list)   

      Lunch on your own

      5:00 p.m.                 Social Hour in the Barn – BYO Special Beverages with                                               Snacks and Drinks by FTC

      6:00 p.m.                 Hunting Camp BBQ will cater a delicious BBQ supper

      7:00 p.m.                 Annual Meeting                                                                                                             Guest Speaker, John Cely (Congaree National Park)                                                Business Meeting, Steve Pagano,  FTC Board Chairman                                           Door Prizes

Sunday, November 6

     8:00 a.m.                 Breakfast in the Meeting Room (Continental)

     9:30 a.m.                 Hike Departs  (see enclosed hike list)                                                                          Volunteers help with cleanup

 

Hikes

Hikes meet at the lower parking area (or other designated place ) at 9:30 a.m.

**Note: The hike / boat ride on Jocassee meets at an earlier time!**

Friday

#1— Bull Pen Rd to Ellicott’s Rock and Walhalla Fish Hatchery. Led by Cathy Foster, Foothills Trail Conference board member and Master Naturalist, this moderate hike of about 7.8 miles starts from Bull Pen Rd.  Hikers will be able to see Ellicott’s and Commissioner’s Rocks and the Walhalla Fish Hatchery. Bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water.  A shuttle is required. Meet at Burrell’s Ford parking area off SC 107. 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday

#2 —   Horsepasture River to Canebrake. Join DNR Master Naturalist and Foothills Trail Conference board member, Dan Whitten, as he leads this hike on a section in the Jocassee Gorges that is difficult to get to for most hikers. Brooks  Wade, of Jocassee Lake Tours, will captain the boat and discuss the Loon population that winters on Lake Jocassee. This hike is 7.8 miles, and considered strenuous.  Be sure to bring snacks, lunch, and plenty of water, as well as proper clothing and footwear. Boat shuttle in and out from Devils Fork SP. Hike is limited to 14 people. Meet at Oconee State Park lodge. 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  Bring water and lunch. Cost: $30, and payable to Jocassee Lake Tours at the time of the hike.

#3 — Whitewater Falls to Bad Creek.  Vic Shelburne, retired Clemson Forestry professor, will lead a hike that will start with a view of Whitewater falls surrounded by beautiful fall color.  The remainder of the hike descends to the boulder-strewn Whitewater River, crosses a 60-ft metal bridge over the river and follows the river for 2.5 miles. After crossing the river there is a good view of Corbin Creek Falls.  Dr. Shelburne will discuss the early agriculture that took place along the river.  This is an easy to moderate hike of about 3.5 miles that is family-friendly.  Shuttle required. Bring water, lunch and snacks. Meet at Oconee State Park lodge. 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

#4 — Oconee Family Nature Walk. If you don’t want to leave the park, learn about plants and animals on an easy walk around Oconee State Park with John Garton, naturalist, author, and retired Duke biologist. Bring a drink and a magnifying glass and/or binoculars. Meet at Oconee State Park lodge at the CCC statue. 9:30 a.m. to noon.

#5 — Lower Bearwallow Falls Hike and Visitor Center Tour: FTC Board Chairman and Park Superintendent Steve Pagano will lead a hike to Lower Bearwallow Falls, Dan’s Falls, and Lime Kilns in Gorges State Park in NC, and then tour the visitor’s center that includes a breathtaking view of the Jocassee Gorges area. The hike will involve some off-trail clambering and will be moderate to strenuous. Bring snacks, lunch, and plenty of water. Meet at Oconee State Park lodge. 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

#6 — Sassafras Mountain to Chimneytop Gap. Join Greg Lucas, Foothills Trail Conference Board Member, on an easy hike of about 2.7 miles, which will include a look at the recent changes and construction on the top of Sassafras Mountain. Of course the views from Sassafras can be worth the trip, especially with fall color. Bring water, snacks and lunch. Meet at Oconee State Park lodge. 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m

#7 — Maintenance Hikes. Help out with upkeep on the Foothills Trail with Foothills Trail Conference board member, Rocky Nation, and others. There may be more than one maintenance hike, so plenty of strong backs are needed! Bring gloves, a favorite tool, lunch and plenty to drink. Meet at Oconee State Park lodge (lower parking area). 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday

#8 —Yellow Branch Falls Hike. Join Master Naturalist and Board member Bobbie Wilhite on a moderate to somewhat-strenuous 5-mile hike with gorgeous fall colors to the unique Yellow Branch Falls. Bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water. Meet at Oconee State Park lodge. 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

Register Now!