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.
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
Pizza, appetizers, sandwiches, salads, wings, beer. Outside seating and casual atmosphere. Seasonal hours.
Issaqueena Falls
Located in Stumphouse Park ($5 entry fee per vehicle). 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
Jocassee Charters
Guided fishing trips for everyone from serious anglers to the first-time fishermen. Children of all ages are welcome.
Deep water trolling for big brown and rainbow trout using downriggers. All tackle is furnished. All you will need is your food, drinks and a SC fishing license.
Jocassee Hideaway
Salem, SC
Get Directions >
The 2,500 sq. ft. home has 4 bedrooms and 3 full baths with a main level and a loft level living room for plenty of room to spread out and relax. A lakefront cabin where you can enjoy one of the most pristine lakes in the country with a 95% protected shoreline of national parks and conservation protected land.
Jocassee Keowee Rentals
Boating services on Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee whether your interest is a day on the lake on a pontoon, kayak, canoe, or utilizing their boat/RV storage facilities.
Jocassee Lake Tours
Love Nature? Treat yourself to an exploration of Lake Jocassee with Brooks and Kay Wade, Upstate Master Naturalists and owners/operators of Jocassee Lake Tours.
Love Waterfalls? Bring a camera…they have plenty to show you! From hidden mountain brooks spilling off the hillside to large, rambunctious, powerful waterfalls.
Love Your Friends and Family? Treat them to a tour of Lake Jocassee. Bring a picnic lunch, kids and grandkids, and experience a relaxing day on Lake Jocassee!
Jocassee Outdoor Center
Offering boat rentals, short-term and long-term boat storage, and camping or boating needs. Lake Jocassee’s only outfitter and marine center complete with a general store, full-service concierge boat storage, boat repair and maintenance shop. Rent from their large fleet of newer model and faster pontoons, performance tritoons and ski boats on Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee. The lake legacy since 1979.
Jocassee Valley Brewing Company
Craft beer taproom and music/event venue. On-site brewery coming soon! Wine, craft sodas, light appetizers. Dog (leashed) and kid (supervised) friendly.
JocasseeQuest
Salem, SC
Get Directions >
Fishing Carters & Excursions on Lake Jocassee. Matt McCreery has been fishing on Lake Jocassee since the mid 1970s. He’ll be your guide for trout fishing trips and scenic waterfall tours. He’ll provide the boat as well as all the tackle and equipment necessary. (Guests are required to have a valid SC Fishing License). You’ll explore the lake on a pontoon boat that has an optional full enclosure to keep everyone warm on cold days.
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 2-7pm.
