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Northeast Georgia HikingNew & Old Friends Who Like to Hike

January 6, 2026

Thompson River via Foothills Trail from Bad Creek Reservoir

near Salem, SC

Distance
7.6 mi
Climbing
1,358 ft
Difficulty
Moderate
Type
Out & Back
GPS track availableView on AllTrails →

What a great way to start off a new year . . . great weather (sunny and mild temperatures at 49 to 63 degrees, great trail, two beautiful scenic rivers, three energetic trail dogs and five smiling hikers. This was a moderately difficult hike, but it included 2.1 miles of steady uphill climb on return from the Thompson River. Whew!

Today's Hikers: Paige Watson, & Bear, Heather Wall & Toby, Matt Henderson & Toby, Gerald Richardson & Mike Bell

The route

7.6 mi · 1,358 ft climbing · 4h 9m out, 3h 26m walking · 2.2 mph moving

Elevation

Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.

2,192 ft1,619 ft0.0 mi1.9 mi3.8 mi5.7 mi7.6 mi
  • Steepness
  • Gentle under 5%
  • Moderate 5–10%
  • Steep 10–15%
  • Very steep over 15%

19 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.

Photos (19)

  • The Thompson River is so beautiful with its massive boulders and clear waters. Relatively calm today.
  • Today's hikers: Mike, Page & Bear, Gerald, Heather & Toby and Matt & Toby.
  • Headed out of the trailhead, but led by Toby, Toby and Bear.
  • The short path between the two bridges over the Whitewater River was mostly blocked by a huge pile of washed up logs and debris. Not today.
  • The Foothills Trail is well maintained with numerous small bridges across drainage swales.
  • Paige and Heather are not wasting any time today.
  • Better keep up guys!
  • A view up the Thompson River before we cross the bridge.
  • Checking out the Thompson River as we cross it for lunch.
  • Paige and a new trail dog for us, "Bear," taking a break at the river.
  • A view down the Thompson River from the bridge.
  • Heading back.
  • 2.1 miles of mostly uphill at the start of our return from our break at the Thompson River.
  • We stopped when we saw this curiosity of numerous small sprouts along the entire trunk of two pine trees. We later identified these as "Epicormic sprouts," a response to stress on the tree.
  • Bear and Toby stopping along the trail for a sniff.
  • We took a few minutes to scramble down to see this very small water feature and the interesting curly tree beside it.
  • Nicely marked state line.
  • Good signs at major trail intersections.
  • A look up the Whitewater River as we finish our hike.