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.
Eclectic Sun at Lake Jocassee
Located in the “Pavilion” of Devils Fork State Park in the day use picnic area. Provides everything you would ever need for a day of Fun on the lake. A genuine surf shop and snack bar combined.
Ellicott Rock Wilderness
South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia
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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.
Fairfield Inn & Suites
Now open! Located on Lake Keowee, this hotel is close to historic downtown and minutes from Clemson University. Duke Energy, Itron, Borg Warner and other companies are nearby.
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
Fishski Business, LLC
Guided fishing on Lake Hartwell and Lake Jocassee with Captain Steve Pietrykowski. Hartwell is a great choice for families or even a corporate outing. Multiple fishing boats for large groups can be arranged. Captain Steve offers day and night guided fishing on Lake Jocassee, which is the only major lake in South Carolina that has an abundant trout population.
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.
Go Fish!
Go Fish! is fishing area (pay lake) located near Seneca and Westminster, South Carolina
Hampton Inn & Suites
The Hampton Inn & Suites Seneca-Clemson Area is just a short drive from numerous local restaurants and golf courses and many beautiful lakes, state parks, and waterfalls. Seneca attractions including Clemson University, Lake Hartwell, the World of Energy and the Blue Ridge Mountains are easily accessible.
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 Boat Rentals, LLC
Need a boat for a day or a week? High Falls Boat Rentals has pontoon and ski boats for rent on Lake Keowee.
All boats are equipped with USCG required safety equipment, anchors, bimini tops, depth finders, fenders and dock lines. Tubes and water skis are also available for rent.
