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.
Chattooga River – Section 3
Long Creek/Mountain Rest, SC
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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.
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
Mountain Rest, SC
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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
Clemson Lake Rentals
Seneca, SC
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Three vacation rental homes on Lake Hartwell near Clemson University. The homes are perfect for football weekends, wedding events, work related travel, spoiling your special student or just visiting your favorite alma mater.
Clemson Marina
A full-service marina located on Lake Hartwell directly across the lake from Clemson University. Service center with a Master Certified Mechanic on staff. They offer pontoon boat rentals, as well as wet and dry stack storage. The Grill at Clemson Marina features outdoor dining and a unique tailgating experience for the college football season.
Crooked Creek RV Park
Campground located on Lake Keowee. They have 97 RV sites with full hookup. Their marina has a full menu with docks and gas.
Amenities: 24 Hour Security, ATM Machine, Fax Service, Golf Cart Rentals, Camp Store, Picnic Tables at Each Site, Heated and Air Conditioned Bath Houses, Clean Facilities with Individual Rooms, Handicap Facilities Laundry, Swimming Pool, Kiddie Pool, Lake Keowee Beach Area, Fishing.
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
Mountain Rest, S
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Beginning at the picnic area adjacent to the Walhalla State 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 an additional 2.1 miles.
