heartbreak ridge foothills trail

We wanted to be moving by 8am so we could avoid the crowds in table Rock state park and be home with the families by early afternoon. The Toxaway River flows into Lake Jocassee along the Foothills Trail. Unlike the tall and unforgiving crests of the great range, the foothills are alive and lush. Description. I tackled the Foothills Trail during a three day two night fastpack in early January. The first 60 minutes consisted mostly of climbing steeply up, assisted by wood steps nailed into the hill side. Both State and Federal agencies have taken over management responsibilities in recent years, and this section of South Carolina has some of the best backcountry wilderness in the Southeast with numerous waterfalls, suspension bridges, and streams. Be careful! Geology Guide to the Foothills Trail NOW AVAILABLE! Around 13 miles into the run touch the bench on top of Heart Break Ridge at Lake Jocassee and return back to the parking lot. There were plenty of views and beautiful streams and waterfalls this time of year. I could not have asked or hoped for anything better. Excellent article. With the exception of the winter months, chances are that weather will be warm and often extremely hot and humid. It is a beautiful site at the top of the waterfalls. If you enjoyed the Foothills Trail you should check out http://www.ultimatehike.org. Be prepared. Flowers, and other Flora abound, birds aplenty, There are even plants that only exist in this part of the world. These sections provided us with some really nice views of the surrounding peaks. As on the AT, south/westbound Foothills Trail hikers walk straight into a buzzsaw, tackling the highest, most challenging terrain immediately and gaining some 3,000 feet in the first 9.8 miles to the summit of Sassafrass Mountain on day one. Absolutely beautiful with all the waterfalls.But you earn the views. Ill have to download some gps coordinates for my favorites. Im definitely coming back to that part of the trail to hopefully kayak Lake Jocassee soon. http://www.mtbproject.com/trail/1368860/heartbreak-ridge, 2940 Ft. /8 Miles. More. This is a week that will stay with me forever. Cloudflare monitors for these errors and automatically investigates the cause. The plan is to make a full loop of about 375 miles (I think). It was an evening of mixed emotion for me. The section of the trail from Laurel Fork Creek to the Whitewater River is often referred to as the Gorges Section and was initially built and maintained by Duke Power Company as part of a licensing agreement for the construction of Lake Joccasee. The afternoon left me completely exhausted. Oconee State Park is about two hours from both cities. I dread the descents more than the climbs. Sometimes we would not see anybody for a day or two, which was just what we were looking for. There is abundant wildlife and hikers have a good chance of seeing deer, snakes, toads, frogs, raccoons, waterfowl, raptors, and more. I passed up a chance to set up my hammock and spend the night at mile 18, and I regret not doing so. Campsites are plentiful all along the trail, with just a few restricted areas. There are no shelters along the trail, and rain is frequent, so hikers should have a good shelter such as a tent, tarp, or hammock. The incidence of Lyme disease is very low in South and North Carolina (less than .5 confirmed cases per 100,000 residents), but the black-legged (or deer tick) is present, so be diligent about tick checks. Day 3 started only 4.8 miles from Bad Creek, where I was meeting my friend the next day. Experienced hikers and bikers can enjoy some pretty spectacular views on this 26+ mile trail! We took our time breaking camp and were on the trail by 11am. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Day 4 was a short 3 miles but much of it was uphill. The trail is blazed and is normally hiked in 10 days. Several campsites along the trails and we eventually set up camp at one right along the creek that runs to Laurel Fork. This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. . While there are often more people around features such as Whitewater Falls and Lake Jocassee, hikers will find plenty of solitude on most of the trail, including quiet, secluded campsites. We feel that this has prepared us for longer trips we're looking at The Mountains to Sea Trail in NC next (900 miles, we'll have to do it in sections since we work). Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans photo. Continue on an old road to your left after entering a field to . Find us on Facebook! The trail features sturdy bridges crossing over numerous rivers, beautiful waterfalls, a jaunt around a corner of Lake Jocassee, and, on the eastern half of the trail, steep climbs of up to 2,000 feet that rival anything on the southern Appalachian Trail. The trail is strenuous throughout. Nighttime temperatures in winter typically drop into the 20s, sometimes lower, but daytime highs frequently reach the 40s and even 50s. Cross the bridge and turn left at the Laurel Valley Lodge sign. 70, Old Fort, NC, 28762 We briefly paused at bald rock to take in the spectacular views and snap a few more pics. We ended up creating a website (www.thefoothillstrail.com) with the hopes of informing others of the difficulty of the trail, the terrain type, how to read the guidebook (published by The Foothills Trail Conference), and other insider tips. The Foothills Trail Conservancy website lists local shuttle services. The Foothills Trail proper ends at Table Rock State Park, about ten miles from Sassafras Mountain. Thank you to Heyword Douglass, Executive Director of the Foothills Conference, for your encouraging emails and photographs! Lots of climbing and switchbacks. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The Blue Ridge Mountains are well known for their three hundred sixty degree views from their bare summits. . Performance & security by Cloudflare. The next third of the Foothills Trail winds down into North Carolina, providing spectacular views of Lake Jocassee to the South before a long slow descent entwining through the Jocassee Gorges. Additional troubleshooting resources. https://foothillstrail.org/maps-coordinates-2/. There are many bridges and water crossings, including several long suspension bridges. IT set the stage for the many great waterfalls we would enjoy along our hike. No conditions reported in the past 7 days. The Star Gap Trail is a great short trail for hikers and bikers alike! I had many great campsites along the trail but this one would prove to be the best. We were on the trail by 8:05, not bad! The hiker is treated to their first of many waterfalls at mile 8.2 at Lick Log Creek. This was a hard day of almost 12 miles. Often one can hike for an entire day and not encounter another person. The Foothills Trail, though steep in places, is not especially rugged, so trail runners are more than adequate. The Foothills Trail - A 76-mile journey into the wilderness. Go to Join Now to join for the first time or to renew your membership. He has hiked the Colorado Trail, Appalachian Trail, Foothills Trail, Pinhoti Trail, Centennial Trail, and the Great Plains Trail Pilot Trail, and will start hiking the Pacific Crest Trail on April 7, 2021. I got my trail name, Pony, in 2015 when I hiked the Colorado Trail. Our family of 2 adults and 2 teenagers did these sections over 2 days. I suppose the guidebooks will have that and will purchase soon Not unlike the AT, the Foothills Trail is more challenging at one end. Beginning at mile 50 the trail slowly gains elevation, passing Laurel Falls (54.30) and Virginia Hawkins Falls (57.3) on the way up. It's Day 5 on the . Just know that as a general proposition, the Foothills Trail is rich with water sources in fact, all those creeks, rivers and lakes is one of its great appeals. Turn right into the parking area and pay your nominal parking fee. The trail is well-marked and well-graded. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Your IP: This was one of the few instances I saw wildlife along my hike. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Bald Knob (mile 72.5): Expansive view of upstate South Carolina from knees of Pinnacle Mountain. We logged over 32 miles. This is a popular trail for backpacking, birding, and camping, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Crossing the Toxaway River and Ascending Heartbreak Ridge - 12.30 Miles - From Campsite at mile 47.6 To Campsite at mile 59.9 - We were up at 6:40 am. One of the classic mountain bike descents in Pisgah is one of the most infamous hiking climbs in Pisgah when paired with the Star Gap Trail. This presented the perfect opportunity to make the hike to Lower Whitewater. Camping is allowed on most of the trails 77 miles, with the following exceptions: 1.7 miles along the Whitewater River on Duke Energy property, starting at around mile 30 (northbound); Table Rock State Park, except in designated campsites at park headquarters. We parked the truck at a red gate and began hiking down the service road. NC 226-A to Armstrong Fish Hatchery Rd.. Woods Mountain Trail is not for the faint of heart! The suspension bridge was amazing! As the name implies, this down hill, four mile bike trail descends approximately 2,000 feet and is a true heart breaker. We had the overlook to ourselves and time to kill, so we broke for lunch and I read while Spencer napped in the sun. Location: The trail runs slightly northeast-southwest in far western South Carolina, with several crossings into North Carolina. Fortunately, once I got to the lake I came upon a perfect hammock site on a cliff overlooking Lake Jocassee. There I set up camp. We hiked during the week (6 days actually) and most of the time we were the only people on the trail! Streams, creeks, and engorged rivers mark the land with deep gorges and sandy beaches. Click link for details and directions. Click to reveal The Foothills Trail is a part of the nearing completion Southern Appalachian Loop Trail. Maybe even us. We had reached the access area by 2:30 that afternoon so I decided to push on past to the Thompson River and grab one of those sites. That was my favorite part of the trail. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. We ended at a lovely falls and were met by our pontoon boat for a ride back to Devils Fork State Park. We switched to the trail because it had nice footbridges to cross the streams. I was very impressed by the size and power of this waterfall! The Trail joins the Chattooga River Trail at mile 10.6 and winds along the Chattooga Rivers sandy beaches for miles. We made quick work of the rest of the section and had made it to Upper Whitewater Falls a little after noon. A very special place to wander and enjoy!!! Foothills Trail Conservancy PO Box 3041 This mornings highlight was the climb to the top of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. We counted down the miles as we moved down the mountain towards the nature center. From Bear den campsite to Cane Brake boat access, not flat, Great hike! Hikers who travel westbound from Table Rock State Park face the challenge of 3,553-foot Sassafras Mountain, the high point of South Carolina, right out of the gate, while those who start at Oconee State Park get a much gentler introduction to the trail along the banks of the Chattooga. I can usually will myself to keep going but not in this case. A group of 3 moms and 3 girls did these 32.6 miles over 4 days. Region: Deep South, Lower Appalachians (South Carolina) Length: 76.2 miles (5-8 days) Physical Difficulty: Moderate Insects can be troublesome, especially mosquitoes and biting flies in warmer months. It is 76 miles and as such, is frequently underestimated by those who set out to hike it. We finished up with 9.4 miles for the day. The Foothills Trail is a fun, challenging traipse through classic southern Appalachian terrain. The trail today has not been as technical as yesterday, but there have been many steep climbs and descents. Hopefully I will get a good nights rest and be ready to go in the morning. The Foothills Trail: A 77-Mile Taste of the Southern Appalachians The idea for the Foothills Trail, a National Recreation Trail located in far western South Carolina, began in the 1960s as an effort to preserve and protect the beauty of the Appalachian Foothills. This was an awesome site and from atop the giant rocks we could see for miles and got the privilege of watching a beautiful sunset. Day 4 was going to be all back tracking since we had to hike back to Bad Creek to meet my friend. For those who wish to follow the white blazes of the Foothills Trail, the trail continues down Sassafras Mountain, makes one last climb to up Pinnacle Mountain, and winds its way down to Table Rock State Park. Exited at Bad Creek parking lot access. Print/PDF map. Thankfully volunteers have put steps into the dirt and rock to enable hikers to negotiate the steep trail. Oconee is about 2.5 hours and Table Rock is about three hours from Atlanta. There is an issue between Cloudflare's cache and your origin web server. Hard 4.4 (195) Pisgah National Forest. Hikers can fly into Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport. This is a 30 mile one day hike on the trail that is a fundraising event for CureSearch for Childrens Cancer. The steps are so long that in the middle there is a bench for folks to rest before they tackle the remainder of the climb. Click on any map and youll see what Im talking about. The Blue Ridge Mountains are well known for their three hundred sixty degree views from their bare summits. Dismiss. A trail corridor linkingTable Rock State Park in the north/east toOconee State Park to the south/west, was completed in 1981. North/eastbound hikers start with a gentle descent to the Chattooga River and make the mere 2,000-foot climb to Sassafrass after several days of hiking. Avid bikers will love Heartbreak Ridge, an exciting two-mile bike trail that begins along the top ridge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment and descends 2,000 feet! This was a relatively easy day at about 8 miles. Wildflowers were just blooming. Thanks for your support! It can be hiked in 3-7 days. Cloudflare monitors for these errors and automatically investigates the cause. 2.1 miles 600 feet: 34.1370,-118.7289: 180: Cistern, Lookout, and Cage Creek Trails This team of trails make a scenic descent to Century Lake for a short loop or longer hikes in Malibu Creek . What a great way to fall asleep, as the rain pattered against my tarp and the thunder boomed and lightning lit up the evening sky! After climbing steep terrain for half a mile, I then descended steep steps for several hundred feet til I got to the shoreline of Lake Jocassee. Loved the wild rivers! There are multiple easy access points to the Foothills Trail. Easy and downhill. That said, its hard to think of a better trail to help newbies figure out if they are going to enjoy the AT. Terms under which this service is provided to you. We completed this section then broke for lunch at Laurel Fork Falls. During this middle section of trail, the hiker will also get their first introduction to another essential attribute on the Foothills Trail. Heartbreak's tread is narrow, and often constricted even more by Laurel and Rhododendron encroaching into the corridor. Length: 76.2 miles (the Foothills Trail Conservancy rounds this off to 77 miles). Thru-hikers travel both north/eastbound and south/westbound, but theres no question that those who travel south/westbound have it a bit tougher. copy 0. Sassafrass Mountain (mile 66.4):At 3,553 feet, the highest point in South Carolina, with 360-degree views from the fire tower on top (note: the tower was closed for construction in late 2018). Thru hiked with a buddy and my dog. 6.6 - 13.6 miles 2,350 feet: 34.266172,-117.62684: 740 The FTC website lists shuttle services that cater to long-distance hikers. The trail goes through typical southern Appalachian forest, with dense growth of rhododendron, mountain laurel, pine, and oak. You do need to watch for bears and bees, although the bees seem very tame. Photo: Clay Bonnyman Evans. Log In. Foothills Trail Journal Heartbreak Ridge. The service rd has many creek crossings but eventually crosses the actual Foothills Trail. 54.36.118.98 As a result, the web page can not be displayed. The Bartram Trail is a 102-mile trek through the Southern Appalachian Mountains. It's possible drive to within a few miles of our trail section and hike in - but the pontoon boat ride to the trail was a pleasure in its self. Generally considered a challenging route. Overall Id say its moderate to difficult, but I was cruising at 2.5 miles per hour each day to get it down before work on the third evening. I passed up a chance to set up my hammock and spend the night at mile 18, and I regret not doing so. Good views at spots along the trail as well. It can be hiked in 3-7 days. Overall, south/westbound hikers (SWOBOs?) This trail is great for hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. Water is plentiful. Day 5s goal was to get to Canebrake and finish the section. Around 4:15 we started the hike to the Bad Creek parking lot. Hes the author of several books, including the Amazon bestseller, Bones of My Grandfather: Reclaiming a Lost Hero of World War II, and his most recent, The Trail Is the Teacher: Living and Learning on the Appalachian Trail. We decided to climb to the ridge and found the perfect site for the evening atop the ridge. Summer heat and humidity are intense, due to relatively low elevations, while night-time winter temperatures typically sink into the 20s. The Foothills Trail is a 76-mile point-to-point hike in the Appalachian Mountains of western South Carolina best hiked in fall, winter, or spring. Water: Water is plentiful all along the trail from streams, rivers, and lakes, except in drought conditions. I began at the southern terminus, Oconee State Park in Mountains Rest, South Carolina. Explore this 11.0-mile out-and-back trail near Montreat, North Carolina. 2022 Foothills Trail Conservancy | An Engenius website. The Foothills Trail Conference Divides the trail into thirteenaccessible sections. Theres a section known as heart break ridge where supposedly it is the hardest section of the trail coming from the Toxaway River. Moderate to strenuous on the eastern/northern portion of the trail. This has been by far my favorite hike Ive done in recent years. To help support the investigation, you can pull the corresponding error log from your web server and submit it our support team. Start and stop your timer on the first wooden step heading into Laurel Valley . Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 58 min to complete. Table Rock State Park is about an hours drive from both Asheville, North Carolina and Spartanburg, SC. Jurisdiction: The Foothills Trail crosses land managed by the U.S. Forest Service, state parks, and Duke Energy. Overall, we hiked around 6 miles to and from. Elevation change: 535 feet, hikes around the Santa Monica Mountains on the Hike Finder Map, Social Distancing hikes around Los Angeles, Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a1237b0ae472c2f About an hour later we put the packs back on and headed toward the Cliffs. I continue to log miles and slay summits in Asheville North Carolina. Hikers should fill up before ascending Sassafrass Mountain, particularly northbound; the climb is long and steep, and there are no water sources for 4.5 miles. The Bartram, Foothills, AT and Benton MacKaye form a Southern Serpentine Route! Stairs. Although mostly well-built and -maintained, as of October 2018 there were quite a few blowdowns, including a couple that force hikers into significant bushwhacking and route-finding back to the trail. A solid and steady climb with a few short downhills just to give you a quick break. Thanks again. The trail begins along the top ridge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, accessed from either Curtis Creek Road or from the Old Toll Road, outside the Ridgecrest Conference center. Apr 25, 2020 at 8:30 AM . It looks like a small pool of water but it is the top of the falls. That night as we slept we were entertained by a wild thunderstorm. Happy hiking! I would not call this trail moderate, as there are many challenging sections, no matter which direction you travel. Heartbreak Ridge - 19.10 Miles - From Cantrell Campsite To Lake Jocasse - This morning's highlight was the climb to the top of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina. This self supported marathon begins in the Laurel Valley Parking Lot off HWY 178 . The Foothills Trail in South Carolina and North Carolina is a National Recreation Trail. I have only done a small portion of this beautiful trail but every step is well worth the effort. And they were indeed smoky this morning. Its a great trail! Nantahala National Forest - (828) 526-3765. Click here to find alternative waterfall and hiking trails. Today's miles: 17 Total miles: 65.4 Camped: Boulder about a mile before Sassafras peak What a day. This is a four-season trail, hikeable even in winter. But from its well blazed path to its active trail conservancy, it is a trail well worth the walk. Foothills Trail Conservancy PO Box 3041 Greenville SC 29602. info@foothillstrail.org. The trail goes between Table Rock State Park and Oconee State Park. We arrived at camp by 3:30 and explored the Cliffs and the Lighthouse. We finished the section and hiked a little over a half mile into the next so we could get a site in Gorge State Park along the Toxaway River. Resupply: The trail is short enough that it can be easily hiked without resupply. In summer and early fall, the heat and humidity can be a killerhikers who can tolerate walking in gear literally soaked with sweat will avail themselves of frequent opportunities to swim and wash off chafe-inducing salt and grime. If not, then I will assess what my body tells me it will do. There is plenty of water and beautiful scenery along most of this section. New benefit of membership: Free subscription to Backpacker magazine. Though technically a four-season trail, the heat and humidity from May through September can be oppressive. I am considering running the entire trial over three days. Mother Nature smiled upon me with great weather! Day 3 we hiked approximately 10 miles and camped at Whitewater campsite. We were always close to Lake Jocassee but we couldn't see it. Great one night trip. Volunteers should be reimbursed fairly for their generous donations of time and gasoline. Hopefully I will get a good nights rest and be ready to go in the morning. If not, then I will assess what my body tells me it will do. gain approximately 10,900 feet of elevation, while north/eastbounders (NEBOs?) 1 Peter 2:21, Backpacking Journals and Photos from Long Distance Hikers, US 11 Carlisle Pike Mile Marker 1132, Pennsylvania. No permits are required, but if you camp in either Oconee or Table Rock state parks, there is a fee. Its unfair to reduce the Foothills Trail to a warm-up for the Appalachian Trail. I am very proud to have accomplished this feat and Im already looking forward to my next journey along the trail. We hiked back up to the Whitewater River and took another break killing time until the hike to the access area. Had brief freezing rains. A rat snake, coiled alongside the Foothills Trail. Hikers spend a good deal of time in the green tunneljust like the ATbut ample opportunities to swim, gorgeous waterfalls, and occasional vistas to the south make this a truly enjoyable trail. Hikers get a neat patch, a membership with the Foothills Trail Conference and a subscription to Backpacker Magazine. Day 1 we hiked to Laurel Fork Falls campsite. My wife dropped me, and my dog Spencer, off at 10:45am and after our goodbyes and a few pictures, we set off on our journey. This website contains affiliate links, which means The Trek may receive a percentage of any product or service you purchase using the links in the articles or advertisements. Well maintained trail. Lots of Stairs. Enjoy your next adventure. Some shuttle drivers also will do food drops for a fee. It offers multiple distance choices with a challenging hill climb and scenic views of surrounding . Trail. The part we loved most about the trail was how desolate it was. This is a worthy trail in its own right, but many hikers use the Foothills Trail as a kind of shakedown, warm-up, or training-wheel expedition for an AT thru-hike. This route was very challenging, but worth it in the end, when you are back home with your feet up :), Laurel Fork Falls to Canebrake Point-to-point using boat shuttle. We really enjoyed the short hike to Hidden Falls. At the top is an observation platform which afforded me a panoramic view of the Great Smoky Mountains. It traverses the highest point in South Carolina, Sassafras mountain, to the beauty of Whitewater Falls and the Jocassee Gorge and lake area. Sign up for our email newsletter. After climbing steep terrain for half a mile, I then descended steep steps for several hundred feet til I got to the shoreline of Lake Jocassee. Immediately bear right onto the unpaved fork and continue to the Foothills Trail parking area about 0.3 mile on the left. a To help support the investigation, you can pull the corresponding error log from your web server and submit it our support team. Trails are compared with nearby trails in the same city region with a possible 25 colour shades. Head West on The Foothills Trail towards Lake Jocassee. In fact, its not unlike a condensed version of the southern Appalachian Trail, and many prospective hikers have tackled the Foothills Trail as a shakedown for a future AT hike. We had reached Sassafras by 10 till noon. The climate is mild due to lower elevations, which usually means oppressive heat and humidity in late spring, summer, and early fallgood training for the ATs mid-Atlantic in July. However from Sassafras Mountain there is a 14.2 mile spur trail to Ceasars Head State Park in South Carolinathat some choose as an alternate northern terminus for the trail. Along this extended spur lies views of the East Fork of the French Broad River, as well as the sheer rock faces of Raven Cliff Falls. There is an issue between Cloudflare's cache and your origin web server. Id like to make that connection to the Bartram and hike it to the AT sometime. Im investigating as we speak! Below is more information about our experience. Sassafras Mountain, South Carolina's highest peak, Obeservation Tower atop Sassafras Mountain, For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps. Length: 80.0 miles Type: One Way Surface: Various Difficulty: Difficult Trail Features: t Parking Trail Head Scenic Observation Waterfall Camping Point of Interest Water Launch Pets Fee Camping Summary: Whether you're looking for a day hike or planning a multi-day through-hike, the Foothills Trail offers adventures of every length and difficulty. What an experience! For safety's sake, you can almost always get a cell phone signal with Verizon also. Location | Western North Carolina and Northern South Carolina, Highlights | 13 Waterfalls, Gorges, Wooden Steps, Multiple Suspension Bridges, State High Point, Volunteer Coordinated Shuttles, Maps and Guidebooks | Anti-Gravity Gear Pocket Profile ($3.95), Foothills Trail Conference Trail Map ($15.00), Foothills Trail Conference Guidebook ($16.00). Bears frequent these mountain areas, so its important to bring and adequately hang a bear bag, or use an Ursack setup. The buyer pays the same price as they would otherwise, and your purchase helps to support The Trek's ongoing goal to serve you quality backpacking advice and information. PARKING (Laurel Valley Parking Area) - From the intersection of US 178 and SC 11, drive north on US 178 to the bridge over Eastatoe Creek (approximately one mile past the community of Rocky Bottom). Check out this 19.1-mile point-to-point trail near Lake Toxaway, North Carolina. gain about 10,000 feet (the Foothills Trail Conservancy does not offer exact totals; approximations are based on an overall elevation profile). Trailhead begins inside the Old Fort Picnic Area with incredible views of Kitsuma Peak at trail end. instead, 91 South Catawba Avenue, Old Fort, It got our heart rates elevated but it failed to break us! Heartbreak Ridge Half Marathon. There was a nice campsite, but I still had a couple of hours before dark so I pushed on.

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