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
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
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.
Chattooga Trails Bed & Barn
Mountain Rest, SC
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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
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
Cherry Hill Recreation Area
There are 29 campsites, some suitable for RVs. The campground has restrooms with flush toilets, hot showers and a dump station (no hook ups). Close to the Chattooga River, Walhalla State Fish Hatchery, Oconee State Park, Ellicott Rock Wilderness, and the Foothills Trail. Open April 1-October 31. Campsites are available through reservation only and the fee is $15 per night. Call (877) 444-6777 to reserve.
