The Farmhouse Coffee Exchange
Casual cozy coffee shop in Applewood Shopping Center. In the same building as the post office.
313 Cafe
Serving locally roasted coffee, food, smoothies, juices, craft beers, select wines and pre-prohibition style cocktails. Music on Friday and Saturday nights.
Bad Creek Spur Trail
This easy 0.8-mile spur trail provides a connection to the Whitewater River, the Foothills Trail, Coon Branch Trail, and to Lower Whitewater Falls (via the Foothills Trail). Enter the gate to Duke Energy's Bad Creek Hydro Station on SC 130, and proceed two miles down to the marked entrance to the large trailhead parking area. Fishing, but no camping, is allowed along the Whitewater River. A designated campsite is 0.5 miles past junction with the river.
Bee Cove Falls
Remote multi-tiered falls is a difficult 2-3 hour hike, but worth the effort! Directions/GPS N 34.98149 W 083.06280 –NORTH from Walhalla on Hwy. 28. –BEAR RIGHT Hwy. 107 –12.5 miles PARK on left. –WALK 150 yards on right to FS 702 –Roadbed goes along creekside. –BEAR RIGHT at 3-way intersection. –FOLLOW less defined path & sounds to waterfalls. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.98149 W 083.062800
Belle’s Bistro
Located at Chattooga Belle Farm. Appetizers, soups, salads, specialty sandwiches and homemade desserts. Winter hours (through March): Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10-3pm. Brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays.
Big Bend Falls
Largest vertical drop of the Chattooga River is a sight to see with a 30 ft. drop. It is a difficult 3 hour walk that we recommend for adventurous, expert hikers. GPS Coordinates to parking prea: N 34.97128 W 083.11465
Big Bend Trail
This 2.7-mile, out-and-back trail begins a the Cherry Hill Recreation Area and eventually ends at a junction with the Foothills Trail along the Chattooga River. An adventurous scramble on an unmaintained trail along the river affords views of 30-ft. Big Bend Falls, the largest drop on the Chattooga River.
Blueridge Railroad Trail
Trail follows the railroad bed of an incomplete section of the 19th century Blue Ridge Railroad where you can see three abandoned tunnels. The moderate to strenuous trail is 2.5 miles one-way. Trail head is located in Stumphouse Park, at the top of the Issaqueena Falls parking lot, and takes you through the forest with amazing views of the upstate.
Brasstown Falls
Four falls ranging from 20ft. to 40ft. The trail to the right is a difficult and dangerous hike, not for novice hikers. Requires climbing down an unmarked but worn trail; crossing through a narrow, shallow stream; then short walk to falls. The left trail is a more family friendly short hike. Good swimming holes at both ends of the trail. Brasstown Creek BBQ is a great place to eat Fri. or Sat. 4-9pm. GPS Coordinates Parking Area: N 34.71908 W 083.30158
Bull Sluice
Bull Sluice is a Class Five rapid on Section III of the Chattooga River. This is a popular place to view rafting trips running the rapid. It's a short .2 mile hike from the Hwy 76 Chattooga River Access parking lot. Follow the trail downhill to where it forks, and go right along the gravel trail to reach a viewing area. Depending on your mobility level, you can walk on huge rocks on the side of the river to get a better view. (The left fork takes you to a beach downstream of the rapid.)
Bull Sluice Rapid
An easy hike on a well marked trail leads to a 14ft. drop on the Chattooga River with whitewater in action. Fun for watching rafters and kayakers drop over a class IV falls. Family friendly, with restrooms and a beach area for swimming nearby. GPS Coordinates to parking area: N 34.81473 W 083.30512
Carolina Pizza Company
Pizza, salads, sandwiches, beer. Open Tue - Sat 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Chattooga Belle Farm
Located high up on a water tower, this mural compliments the natural beauty of the farm while highlighting some of the fruits grown there. Aerosol, 2020.
Chattooga River
The Chattooga River is the boundary between GA & SC. It is nationally designated as Wild and Scenic and is protected from development. Known for whitewater rapids, and meandering, mountainous woodland passage. The lower sections of the Chattooga are considered among the best whitewater in the SE with heart-thumping Class III to Class VI rapids.
Chattooga River – Section 1
Section 1 is the West Fork of the Chattooga River. It's a 6-mile stretch that is ideal for tubing and Class II float trips.
Chattooga River – Section 2
Section 2 is a good beginner whitewater section with class I and II rapids. This 7 mile run is a good day trip with opportunities to stop and picnic on large boulders, or stop to fish for trout. The Chattooga has excellent opportunities for fishing, camping, and hiking.
Chattooga River – Section 3
Section 3 is a 13-mile beautiful stretch of river with intermediate to advanced whitewater. Its a 4-6 hour trip down river. Section 3 put-in is at Earls Ford, and the take-out is the Highway 76 Bridge. There is 1/4 mile hike in and out of the river. The Chattooga River is under the jurisdiction of the US Forest Service. There is a self-permit system (no fee), where you fill out a form, drop a copy at the box near the put-in and carry the other copy with you down the river.
Chattooga River – Section 4
Section 4 is one of the most well-known sections of whitewater in the U.S. This 8-mile section includes major whitewater including Class IV-V rapids. It takes 4-5 hours to raft or paddle Section 4. Put-in at the Highway 76 Bridge, and take-out at Lake Tugalo. There is 1/4 mile hike to and from the river. The Chattooga River is under the jurisdiction of the US Forest Service. Anyone paddling on the river needs to fill out a permit (at the put-in) prior to getting on the river.
Chattooga Trail
15.5 mile trail that runs parallel to the famous Chattooga River, and shares 8.5 miles with the Foothills Trail. It passes through some of the finest wilderness in South Carolina. The northern terminus of the Chattooga Trail is Ellicott Rock, where Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina meet. Waterfall lovers shouldn’t miss this trail, since you can see King Creek, Spoonauger, Big Bend, Pigpen and Licklog Falls at points along the trail.
Chattooga Trails Bed & Barn
Variety of lodging for people and their horse companions. Main house guest rooms, Hunters Hideout basement apartment, RV sites with full hook ups and Sheep Wagon glamping. For horses: paddocks, pasture, barn, or tied up at a hitching post beside RV sites. Ride out from the property 1.5 miles to the Rocky Gap Trail System where you can ride for miles. Trails lead to the Chattooga River and cross into GA. Come back and end your evening by the campfire in the quiet setting.
Chau Ram County Park
Over three miles of hiking trails and a mile of the Chauga River runs through the park. Tubing, hiking, fishing, picnicking, camping and sight-seeing are popular activities. The park has 26 campsites with water and electricity; four rental areas for parties and gatherings; a playground; and is a favorite spot for weddings. $3 park entry fee.
Chauga Narrows
Located on the Chauga River, view of the narrow 25 ft. high falls. A moderate hike. Great picnic spot and swimming along the river. For best viewing of falls, some climbing over rocks is required. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.83332 W 083.17399
Chauga River
A 31 mile long tributary of the Tugaloo River that flows south to Lake Hartwell. The Chauga River offers much of the same scenic beauty and cool waters found nearby on the Chattooga River. Anglers like the Chauga River and often catch rainbow trout, brown trout, chubs, and redeye bass. Depending on the water level, sections of the Chauga are popular for whitewater kayaking. Good access and parking are available off Cassidy Bridge Road in Mountain Rest.
Cheohee or Miuka Falls
A 75 ft. waterfall on Townes Creek easily viewed with a 45-minute hike. This is one of two falls you can reach by hiking the Winding Stairs Trail, the other being Secret Falls. Go north from Walhalla on Hwy 28, bear right on Hwy 107 for 8 miles. Follow signs for Winding Stairs Trail which turns right in .2 miles, make a sharp left and continue 1/3 miles to clearing and hear the falls. Hike through foliage to creek. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.94220 W 083.08975
Devils Fork State Park
Travel Tip: ARRIVE EARLY! If you are coming to enjoy a day on the lake, make sure you arrive by 9:30AM for the best chance of getting a parking space. The park is the only public access point for Lake Jocassee, a 7,500-acre reservoir lake. Boat ramps for public boat access to the lake; 20 lakeside villas; 59 standard sites for RV or tent camping; 25 tent camping sites; 1 boat-in campground; 2 picnic shelters; 2 playgrounds; 2 mile Bear Cove Trail; 1 mile Oconee Bell Nature Trail. Park store.
East Fork Trail
Beginning at the picnic area adjacent to the Walhalla Fish Hatchery, this 2.5-mile trail is an easy hike along the bank of the scenic, fast moving east fork of the Chattooga River. The trail will take you down to the river. Beginning or ending the hike at Burrell's Ford adds and additional 2.1 miles.
Ellicott Rock Wilderness
Ellicott Rock Wilderness was established by Congress in 1975. Encompassing 8.296 acres, this wilderness spreads across the corners of SC, NC, and GA. It also straddles the 15,432-acre Chattooga River Wild and Scenic Corridor. The steep terrain of the Ellicott Rock Wilderness offers numerous mountains and waterfalls to explore. There are several access points where you can enter the wilderness area including Burrell's Ford Rd. & the Foothills Trail off Hwy. 107 in Mountain Rest, SC.
Fall Creek Falls
Multiple falls range from 30 to 40 ft. within a 1-mile stretch. A long, steep, but not dangerous 2-mile hike made more difficult during spring and summer by foliage. Best viewing is in winter. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.82246 W 083.25079
Foothills Trail
This National Recreation Trail has its southern terminus in Oconee State Park and extends to the north and east for 77 miles. Sections very in length and difficulty. Day-hikers can access the trail from different points; thru-hikers can spend a week backcountry hiking on the trail. Maintained by the Foothills Trail Conservancy.
Fork Mountain Trail
6.4 mile trail, a spur of the Foothills Trail, starts in SC at the Sloan Bridge Picnic Area and ends in NC where it joins the Bad Creek Trail in the Ellicott Rock Wilderness Area. From there the trail eventually joins the Chattooga Trail and continues to Burrell's Ford. The trail weaves along the northern flanks of Fork Mountain through numerous coves and ravines. At the junction with Bad Creek Trail you can return, or extend your hike 1.3 miles to historic Ellicott Rock.
Hidden Falls
Near the head of the Foothills Trail, this 50 ft. waterfall over granite ledges can be reached with a moderate, one-hour hike. Best show of waterfall occurs after a rain. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.863309 W 083.09820
High Falls County Park
46 acre park located on the shores of beautiful Lake Keowee. There are 91 campsites with 10 being waterfront; two boat ramps; 3 rental buildings/shelters; playground; picnic tables with charcoal grills; swimming area; restroom; miniature golf; tennis and basketball courts; volleyball; fishing pier and more. $3 park entry for cars; $5 fee for boats and trailers.
Hogs & Hops
Family owned restaurant at the end of Ram Cat Alley serving BBQ in unusual ways. Homemade specials and desserts too. Outdoor seating and customers are welcome to BYOB from neighbor Brews on the Alley. Open Thursday, Friday and Saturday 11:00AM-8:00pm.
Humble Pie
The restaurant has a new owner. Pizza, appetizers, sandwiches, salads, quesadillas, beer. HOURS: Sun. - Thurs. 11am - 8pm; Friday & Saturday 11am - 9pm. Live music Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday nights.
Issaqueena Falls
Located in Stumphouse Park. It's an easy 5-minute walk to viewing platforms where you can view the beautiful waterfall named for a Creek maiden who hid on one of the falls' ledges to avoid capture during an Indian attack. There is a rough trail next to the lowest platform, which leads to the base of the falls. However, the PATH IS QUITE DANGEROUS and visitors are not encouraged to try it. GPS coordinates to the parking area: N 34.80740 W 083.12158
Keowee Brewing Company
Oconee County's first brewery! Beer garden, beer bar & brewery. HOURS Mon-Thurs 4-9pm, Fri 3-9pm, Sat. 11am-9pm, Sun 1-6pm
King Creek Falls
This 70 ft. tumble through a laurel-choked gorge is one of the best to view. Easy to moderate 30-minute hike that is sometimes slippery. Trail is well marked, with restrooms at the trail head. Family friendly beautiful sight. Kids can play in the pool at the base of the falls. You can hike the look and view the river. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.97128 W 083.11465
Lake Hartwell
Lake Hartwell is a reservoir bordering Georgia and South Carolina and is created by Hartwell Dam. One of the southeast’s largest and most popular recreation lakes, LAKE HARTWELL comprises nearly 56,000 acres of water with a shoreline of 962 miles. Highway I-85 bisects Hartwell Lake and makes the area easily accessible to visitors.
Lake Hartwell State Park
Just off of I-85, at the South Carolina-Georgia border, you’ll find Lake Hartwell State Park. Thanks to 56,000-acre Lake Hartwell, fishing in this area is renowned by anglers across the state. Attractions: Unique Single Room Camper Cabins, 128 Camping Sites, 1 Picnic Shelter Building, 2 Boat Ramp, Basketball Court, Swimming and Hiking.
Lake Jocassee
Very popular destination in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Four mountain streams and several waterfalls feed into the lake, making it cooler than others and a great South Carolina trout fishing spot. The unusually clear water is a haven for boat tours, scuba divers and swimmers. Public access to this 7,500-acre lake is limited to Devils Fork State Park, the #1 visited state park in SC! Park has many amenities and fills up during peak times. Check for reservations before visiting.
Lake Keowee
ARRIVE EARLY! Parking at boat ramps is limited and fills up fast. With 18,500 acres of water and a 300-mile shoreline, the Lake Keowee area is popular for fishing, waterskiing, swimming, camping and picnicking. LOWER LAKE KEOWEE public access: • South Cove County Park • Cane Creek Access • High Falls County Park • Stamp Creek Access Area • Keowee Marina • Warpath Access Area UPPER LAKE KEOWEE public access: • Mile Creek Park • Crow Creek Access Area • Keowee Towne Landing • Fall Creek Access
Lake Tugalo
This little known 575-acre lake in the mountainous region of Oconee County is fed by the Chattooga and Tallulah Rivers. Backed up by the Tugalo dam, the lake is a peaceful spot to paddle and a great place for fishermen. Motorboat access to the lake is restricted to motors below 20 hp, ensuring a peaceful outing. Several small waterfalls tumble into this scenic lake, which is surrounded by the forest covered foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Laurel Fork Falls
Consider visiting the falls by boat instead of hiking. Witnessing the 80 ft. high falls from a boat in the waters of Lake Jocassee is a one-of-a-kind experience. There are several other falls to be viewed on the lake including Wrights Creek and Mill Creek Falls. For lake access, enter at Devils Fork State Park. Boat rentals and guided tours are available. If you opt to hike, it's 16 miles round trip. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 35 02.938 W 82 48.828
Lee Falls
A bit hard to find, but one of Oconee's most picturesque falls is on Tamassee Creek. No official trail makes this a challenging hike. Best visibility in wintertime. No swimming. Last 1/4 mile is difficult with lots of boulder climbing. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.89344 W 83.08131. Waterfall coordinates: N 34.89428 W 83.10191
Long Creek Falls
A 50-foot waterfall on its namesake creek just before it flows into the Chattooga River. The 1.6 mile unofficial trail is moderately difficult and not well-marked. The last 150 ft. is very steep making it a challenge to climb out. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.77767 W 083.31212. Paddlers and rafters going down the Chattooga River can view this waterfall from the water.
Longnose Falls
Only a few ruins of an old mill remain at the base of this beautiful waterfall. Best accessed by canoe or small boat from Lake Hartwell. Located Near Hwy. 123 at the GA/SC line. On the SC side follow River road north to the third bridge. Paddle up the creek until you reach the falls.
Lower Whitewater Falls
A dramatic 200 ft. drop, these falls are the highest in eastern America. The Lower Falls (in South Carolina) is about half-mile down the Whitewater River from the Upper Falls (in North Carolina). The trail to the overlook is a dangerous 1.7 mile trek. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 35.01246 W 082.99911
Mayberry’s
New Seneca location for this restaurant that moved from Clemson. Simply good food in a comfortable atmosphere. Menu features: sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads, vegetarian, homemade sides and yummy desserts. Open 7 days. Weekend breakfast served Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Mill Creek Falls
Located on Lake Jocassee, this waterfall is only accessible by boat. Launch from Devils Fork State Park. For exact location of the falls, stop by the Devils Fork Ranger Station for map and detailed directions. GPS coordinates for Devils Fork State Park: N 34.952139 W 82.946134
Mountain Mocha
Coffee house and sweet shop. Serving sandwiches, soups, baked goods and desserts. They have a selection of locally made gift items and often feature live music. Open Monday - Saturday.
N the Midst Ice Cream
Fresh hand made ice cream frozen with liquid nitrogen and flavored to your liking. Open everyday.
Oconee Bells Nature Trail
This easy, 1-mile loop within Devils Fork State Park gets its name from a rare wildflower that has gorgeous white blooms in the early spring. Many native plant species are identified with markers along the trail. The trailhead is behind the bark office and has an informative kiosk at the beginning of the trail.
Oconee State Park
The joys of a mountain retreat without the work. The historic park rests deep in the Blue Ridge foothills, with several picturesque but non-demanding hiking trails and well-kept cabins and campgrounds that have welcomed families for annual trips since the days the park was first built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Small retail store.
Oconee Station State Historic Site
Built around 1792 during tensions between white settlers and Creek Indians, the Oconee Station itself was once one in a string of small frontier posts garnished by state militia. It was the last of its kind when it was decommissioned and the troops left in 1799. Its 20-inch stone walls are still standing today. Also on the site is the William Richards House built in 1805. It served as a private residence for 150 years. Site features picnicking, fishing and trail access to Station Cove Falls.
Opossum Creek Falls
The two-hour hike to this 50-ft. cascade is not dangerous, but quite strenuous. Nice picnic area and swimming in the Chattooga River. Best views when leaves are off trees or from May-June when the Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel are in bloom. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.77332 W 083.30361
Paesano’s Italian Restaurant
Italian dishes, steaks and fresh fish. Nightly features. Pizza and calzones. Covered patio dining. Open for dinner Tuesday - Saturday (closed Sunday & Monday).
Palmetto Trail – Oconee Passage
The Oconee Passage is a moderate to difficult 3.2 mile trail along an old roadbed that pinches into a path along the mountain ridge line. Once the Palmetto Trail is complete, this trail will end in Walhalla, but for now you can start from either Oconee State Park (Mountain Rest) or Oconee Station (Walhalla). The Oconee Passage is steeply uphill from Oconee Station. Mountain bikes are allowed on the Oconee Passage.
Peace of Pie on Hartwell
Pizza, calzones, salads, wings, burgers, beer. Open Tuesday - Saturday.
Pigpen Falls & Licklog Falls
Perfect falls for a young family. An easy one-hour hike to two sets of falls 1/4 mile apart. Pigpen will be the first falls on the left with a great swimming hole. Licklog is a short distance further on the right, and a little more difficult to view if leaves are out. Continue on the trail a few more minutes to the Chattooga River. Nice place to swim and picnic. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.91905 W 083.12020
Presst Food & Wine
Lunch served Monday-Saturday 11:00am-3:00pm. Wholesome soup, sandwiches, wraps, salads and bowls.
Puerto Nuevo
Mexican restaurant serves lunch and dinner 7 days a week.
Ramsey Creek Falls
Beautiful 40ft. cascade over large boulders where Ramsey Creek and Chauga River meet. The falls is located inside Chau Ram County Park where a $3 parking fee applies. Lower parking lot provides roadside viewing. Good wading pond at foot of falls. Excellent swimming just a short, easy walk from the falls on well-marked and partially paved trail. Great place to camp and picnic. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.68171 W 083.14542
Riley Moore Falls
Once the site of a gristmill, this waterfalls measures 12 ft. high, 100 ft. wide and is a great family destination. Moderate 15-minute walk to falls, a tunnel to the left brings you up to the middle of the falls. Good swimming spot. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.74106 W 083.18535
