There is something about these last few weeks of summer that makes you want to squeeze in one more adventure. Before school lunches, alarm clocks, and packed schedules return, spend a weekend making memories in Oconee County. Whether your family loves swimming, hiking, or simply exploring somewhere new, there’s still plenty of summer left to enjoy.
For the Family That Loves the Water
High Falls County Park
Looking for an easy lake day? High Falls County Park offers a swimming area, picnic shelters, and plenty of space to relax by Lake Keowee. Pack a cooler and settle in for an afternoon on the water.
Devils Fork State Park
If crystal clear mountain water is more your style, Devils Fork is worth the trip. Swim in Lake Jocassee, rent a kayak or paddleboard, or simply enjoy one of the most beautiful lakes in South Carolina.
Earls Ford
For a quieter afternoon, head to Earls Ford on the Chattooga River. The calm, shallow water makes it a great spot for floating, wading, and enjoying a picnic away from the crowds.
Swimming in Oconee County’s rivers can be a great way to cool off, but safety comes first. Water levels and currents can change quickly, so check conditions, wear a life jacket, supervise children closely, and never swim alone.
For the Family That Loves Hiking
Brasstown Falls
A short hike with a few steep spots leads to beautiful waterfalls and refreshing swimming holes. It’s one of the easiest waterfall adventures in the county.
Riley Moore Falls
If you’re up for a moderate hike, Riley Moore Falls rewards you with a wide waterfall and one of Oconee County’s most scenic swimming spots.
Yellow Branch Falls
Yellow Branch is the longest hike of the three, making it perfect for families looking for a little more adventure before cooling off at the falls.
For the Family That Loves to Explore
Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park
Located just across from Yellow Branch Falls, this bike park offers trails for riders of different skill levels and is a great stop for active families.
Seneca City Playground
Need a place where kids can simply run and play? The Seneca City Playground, across the street from city hall, is an easy stop with plenty of room to burn off energy!
South Carolina Botanical Garden
Walk the beautiful gardens on Clemson’s campus, then step inside the Bob Campbell Geology Museum to see fossils, minerals, and gemstones! The museum is open Monday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and admission is free.
Rain in the Forecast? Beat the Heat Indoors
Sometimes summer brings afternoon thunderstorms, and sometimes it’s simply too hot to spend the whole day outside. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to keep the fun going.
Challenge the family to a few games at Oconee Lanes, shoot a round of pool at Brett’s Billiards, visit one of the area’s local museums, or try your hand at axe throwing for something a little different. If you’re looking for a slower pace, spend the afternoon shopping in downtown Seneca, where you’ll find local boutiques, coffee shops, and restaurants that make it easy to enjoy a few hours indoors before heading back outside.
One More Weekend Before Summer Slips Away
The best weekends aren’t always the ones planned hour by hour. Sometimes they’re built around whatever sounds fun that day. Whether you’re hiking to a waterfall, cooling off at the lake, or discovering somewhere new, before backpacks replace beach bags and summer slips away, take one more weekend to make a few memories in Oconee County.
