Outdoors
Opportunities galore for exploring outdoors…
In Oconee County, SC the great outdoors includes access to 200+ miles of trails, 29 waterfalls, 200,000 acres of Sumter National Forest, 4 lakes, 4 state parks and 3 county parks!
Travel Tip:
ARRIVE EARLY
Especially if you are coming to enjoy a day on Lake Jocassee or Lake Keowee.
Parking at lake public access points is limited.
Devils Fork State Park–the only public access for Lake Jocassee–is a very popular destination. Depending on the season, the parking lot gets full early in the day. If you’re not there by 9:30AM, you will likely be turned away.
Roads near Lake Keowee have been experiencing heavy traffic. We strongly discourage parking in private neighborhoods along the lake.
Note: The restaurants listed below offer outside seating.
Tipsy Taco Clemson
Fun, laid-back vibe specializing in made-from-scratch Tex-Mex favorites like street tacos, tamales, fajitas and much more. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
Traditions on the Lake
Restaurant located inside Lakeside Lodge Clemson. Traditions on the Lake offers classic American cuisine including burgers, salads, sandwiches and entrees. Open: Tuesday – Sunday for lunch and dinner (closed Monday.)
Tru By Hilton
Hotel on Hwy. 123 in the Hartwell Village retail center. Minutes from Clemson University, Lake Hartwell, SC Botanical Gardens, and all sorts of recreational opportunities in Oconee and Pickens Counties.
Unlimited Outfitters
(Formerly Hartwell-Keowee Paddleboard & Kayak Co.)
Board, boat and kayak rentals. Serving Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell. Rentals available from South Cove County Park or High Falls County Park. Luxury pontoon boat rentals (launch from South Cove County Park). Contact them about kayak or paddleboard delivery on Lake Hartwell.
Upper Whitewater Falls
Beginning in North Carolina and ending in South Carolina, these falls are the highest in eastern America. Easy 10 minute walk to a viewing platform at the end of an asphalt path. Stairs lead to a better viewing platform. However, it is a difficult climb back up. DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 11 in Salem, go North on Hwy 130 ten miles and follow signs to Whitewater Falls.
W.P. Anderson Park
Westminster, SC
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The park is near the Westminster Library. It features a playground, public restrooms and two covered picnic shelters. The Pavilion Shelter has picnic tables, electrical outlets, and a charcoal grill. Rental Fee: $35 for 3 hour rental. The Picnic Shelter is a covered picnic area with tables. Rental Fee: $25 for 3 hour rental. Call (864) 647-3200 or email sholbrooks@westminstersc.org to rent. {Melody Davis from Gateway Arts Center painted the vibrant mural on the public restroom building.}
Waterfall View Vacation Rental
Very unique! 1,200 sq. feet great for couple get away with option to sleep 4. Enjoy nature with 90+ acres to roam. Paths for long walks or mountain bikes. Architect James Fox designed this cliff side home overlooking a beautiful fall. Feel like you are in the trees in an area much as it was when inhabited by Cherokee Indians. Stream feeds into Lake Hartwell. Boat slips are close by to provide big water access.
Western Carolina Sailing Club
Located on Lake Hartwell, the club is dedicated to promoting the sport of sailing and sailboat racing. A non-profit organization with an active membership dedicated to making sailing an enjoyable experience.
Whetstone Horse Camp
Access to 28 miles of nearby trails and a good base camp for riders on both the Rocky Gap (South Carolina) and Willis Knob (Georgia) horse trails. The campground is open year-round and has 18 sites with parking spurs for horse trailers. Reservation only. Sites are equipped with water, picnic tables and grills. Vault toilets and drinking water available. Hitching posts throughout the facility. Fee: $15/night.
Winding Stairs Trail
A 75-ft waterfall tucked away along this accessible 3.5 mile trail makes this an interesting choice for a hike. If you start at the northern trailhead at the Cherry Hill Recreation Area, this meandering path is an easy hike, but the return trip is moderately difficult due to 1,100 foot elevation change. It is possible to be picked up by car at the southern end of the trail on Tamassee Road (FS 71). Alternatively, you can begin the hike at the southern end.
World Class Cheeseburgers
Cheeseburgers, wings, appetizers, wraps, salads and sides. Open Monday – Saturday 11AM-10PM
Wright Creek Falls
Salem, SC
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Located on Lake Jocassee, this falls is only accessible by boat. Launch from Devils Fork State Park (parking fee required). Boat rentals and lake tours available. Stop by Devils Fork State Park for map and directions. GPS coordinates for Devils Fork State Park: N 34.952139 W 82.946134
