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Summary: Starts with a casual old logging road, then some inclines, but nothing like the incline on the way back. It starts to get narrower further down the trail as you get deeper into the cove. You can begin to hear rushing water of the creek to your left. Some parts of the trail are pretty narrow and border 50 - 100 foot dropoffs. I personally would not recommend trying this trail after or near a rain, especially if carrying a backpack due to this. The leaves on the trail when I went made me cautious enough. Near the end, the last 0.5 miles is pretty steep decline. Finally, you come to an opening by the creek and a sign for Primitive Camping. The camping spots are awesome, with some right by the creek. Past the camp, the trail is poorly maintained , but with a little effort, you can get through. It is worth it to see the flume/sluice (whatever it is) and how it has, over centuries, carved it's way through the rocks to form a small tunnel. Trailhead: From Pickens, SC, Drive North (though HWY is US178 West) on US 178. In approx. 7.5 miles, you will come to a 4 way stop at Hwy 11 (Foothills Scenic Hwy). Continue straight on US 178 for approx 7.5 miles again, to the bridge over Eastatoe Creek (about 1 mile from the town of Rocky Bottom). Cross bridge and turn left at the Laurel Valley Lodge Sign. Take the right fork (Horsepasture Road-gravel road) immediately to the Foothills Trail parking area on the left. Hike from here up the road further (little more than 0.1 miles) and turn left onto an old logging road marked by a steel post gate. There will be a sign there also pointing out the Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve direction. (Lat:35.046 Lon:-82.83) Trail Guides for Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve: Hiking South Carolina by John Clark & John Dantzler (Falcon) www.sctrails.net by SC State Trails Program () Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Heritage Trust Program, 803-734-3893 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Brian Bain, who has posted 6 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Page 1 of 2 Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Lobo41 on 2/22/2010 This was a fun hike through some nice terrain. The trail is mainly a forest service road until the last half mile when it heads down into the gorge. At the end of the switchbacks leading to the primitive camping area, look to the right for a new trail. Follow it for about 0.2 miles to a newly constructed overlook for observing the falls/sluice. 
Reviewed by Matt on 3/31/2008 An awesome way to spend a weekend alone in the woods! About 45 mintues in and an hour 15 out. for the properly equiped fishermen, there are a couple of nice small falls and a really cool sluice if you come down stream from the bridge. I've fished it often and you will have to get wet, but the deep pools hold trout. Paths go around the big pools for a while, the rocks are slick, use felt bottom wading boots. It's really rough trying to make it all the way down stream to the primitive camp site, so just go as far as you are comfortable. Another stream comes in from Rocky Bottom about halfway. Use care and caution, but the fishing is great.
Reviewed by hiker thom on 1/31/2008 just did this one yesterday, and i lOVED it! the majority of the hike finds you on a ridge overlooking the other mountains that form the "gorge". great views nd isolation, didn't see another soul nor many signs of others either (not a bit of trash on the trail...always appreciated...the second i see a can or whatever, it pops the bubble, so to speak). cannot wait to hike in and camp once it warms up a bit. the deep pool near the campsites is going to be awesome in summer! I give my kudos to those who laid out the descent trail. stairs and switchbacks were never taxing, awesome work!
Reviewed by Chip on 11/21/2007 My brother and I hiked this last week and really enjoyed. We actually took the old trail down which is not marked but is easy to find. When you get to the trail sign for the new part of the trail you will see the old trailhead to the left, it is a very narrow trail so be carefull, I would suggest using the new trail to return up. Nice primitive camp site at the river.
Reviewed by Tucker on 4/10/2007 This is an excellent wildflower hike from mid April to mid May. Lots of Wake Robbin Trillium, Rare Trillium Luteum (Yellow Trillium), Dwarf Crested Iris, May Apples and many others. The trail crew that put in the new switch backs did a terrific job. There are no longer any risky spots as mentioned in other reviews.
Reviewed by Linny on 9/11/2006 The Eastatoe Creek and Gorge are gorgeous! But the trail has changed due to washouts caused by Ivan. It is now longer--2.5--but not nearly as steep. Still starts out the same way (follow yellow blazes), but stays on old logging road for longer stint, then switches down and ends at the hemlock camping site next to the creek, where three yellow blazes mark the end. Some of the yellow blazes are still on trees going upstream from the old trail, so don't get confused and think this is a loop; still have to go out the way you came in. Was also pleased to see not as much Hemlock Wooly Adelgid damage as I've seen in other parts.
Reviewed by Manuel on 5/2/2005 Ignored the sign that said closed for storm damage. Went down the trail in rainy weather and had a great time. Saw rare insect-eating pitcher plants. The washout was kind of bad, but passable. A great hike! 
Reviewed by Adam on 2/7/2005 Attempted this one on 2/6/05, but there was a sign posted saying that the trail was closed until further notice due to storm damage. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: South Carolina Hiking, South Carolina Trails, South Carolina Hikes, Pickens County Hiking, Pickens County Trails, Pickens County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||