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.
Lee Falls
A bit hard to find, but one of Oconee’s most picturesque falls is on Tamassee Creek. No official trail makes this a challenging hike. Best visibility in wintertime. No swimming. Last 1/4 mile is difficult with lots of boulder climbing. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.89344 W 83.08131. Waterfall coordinates: N 34.89428 W 83.10191
Lighthouse Lake Keowee
Located on a quiet cove on Lake Keowee. Perfect for a special occasion or for grabbing a bite to eat off the lake. Fireside dining, a wrap-around covered patio, and upstairs seating. The Lighthouse Event Center is the perfect destination for gatherings. Whether you’re looking to host a business meeting, birthday party, wedding, anniversary or social event, The Event Center can comfortably hold up to 250 guests.
Long Creek Falls
A 50-foot waterfall on its namesake creek just before it flows into the Chattooga River. The 1.6 mile unofficial trail is moderately difficult and not well-marked. The last 150 ft. is very steep making it a challenge to climb out. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.77767 W 083.31212. Paddlers and rafters going down the Chattooga River can view this waterfall from the water.
Longnose Falls
Westminster, SC
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Only a few ruins of an old mill remain at the base of this beautiful waterfall. Best accessed by canoe or small boat from Lake Hartwell. Located Near Hwy. 123 at the GA/SC line. On the SC side follow River road north to the third bridge. Paddle up the creek until you reach the falls.
Lost Treehouse on Lake Jocassee
Salem, SC
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The perfect hideout near Lake Jocassee. This treehouse has a small fridge, eating utensils, a coffee pot, and small burner.
It’s everything you’ll need for a cozy stay. A four-burner grill is available for those who want to cook a full meal. Sleeps 2, bathroom and air conditioning. There are no hotels and very limited rentals available on Lake Jocassee, so this is a real find!
Lower Whitewater Falls
A dramatic 200 ft. drop, these falls are the highest in eastern America. The Lower Falls (in South Carolina) is about half-mile down the Whitewater River from the Upper Falls (in North Carolina). The trail to the overlook is a dangerous 1.7 mile trek. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 35.01246 W 082.99911
Maplecrest at Lake Jocassee
A wonderful country charmer on 2 wooded acres just 1 mile from Devils Fork State Park and Lake Jocassee. Comfortably furnished with 4 private bedrooms and 2 full baths accommodating 8 guests. Amenities include: all linens, activity field, boat parking, campfire ring, fenced yard, full kitchen, gas grill, pet friendly, screen porch, sundeck, WIFI, Satellite TV.
Mill Creek Falls
Located on Lake Jocassee, this waterfall is only accessible by boat. Launch from Devils Fork State Park. For exact location of the falls, stop by the Devils Fork Ranger Station for map and detailed directions. GPS coordinates for Devils Fork State Park: N 34.952139 W 82.946134
Morning Glory at Jocassee Ridge
Salem, SC
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Vacation rental home in Jocassee Ridge gated community just 2 miles from Devils Fork State Park. Pond stocked with fish and outdoor amenities to enjoy. 2,800 sq. ft home with 4 bedrooms/3 baths (sleeps 8-10) overlooks beautiful mountains and Jocassee Dam.
Oconee Bells Nature Trail
This easy, 1-mile loop within Devils Fork State Park gets its name from a rare wildflower that has gorgeous white blooms in the early spring. Many native plant species are identified with markers along the trail. The trailhead is behind the bark office and has an informative kiosk at the beginning of the trail.
Oconee Point Campground
Located at the northern end of Lake Hartwell on the Seneca River and close to Clemson, SC. This campground has 60 sites equipped with electric (50-amp) and water hook-ups. Private sites are spacious and located near or close to the water. Attractions: Shower/restroom facilities, dump station, playground, swim beach, boat access.
Oconee State Park
The joys of a mountain retreat without the work. The historic park rests deep in the Blue Ridge foothills, with several picturesque but non-demanding hiking trails and well-kept cabins and campgrounds that have welcomed families for annual trips since the days the park was first built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. Small retail store. (Pets on leash are allowed in outdoor areas and they are allowed in cabins 14-20.)
