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.
Oconee Station State Historic Site
Oconee Station was established as a military compound in 1792 during tensions between white settlers and Creek Indians. It served as a small frontier post until 1799. The William Richards House was built nearby in 1805. The house was a private residence and trading post for many years. These two buildings are the only ones still standing. The site is open for self-guided tours daily from 9am-5pm. The historic site features picnicking, fishing and trail access to Station Cove Falls.
Opossum Creek Falls
The two-hour hike to this 50-ft. cascade is not dangerous, but quite strenuous. Nice picnic area and swimming in the Chattooga River. Best views when leaves are off trees or from May-June when the Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel are in bloom. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.77332 W 083.30361
Palmetto Paradise Houseboat
Seneca, SC
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Palmetto Paradise Houseboat is a unique escape on Lake Keowee. The houseboat features two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and a spacious living room. Enjoy breathtaking lake and mountain views from the master bedroom to the upper deck. The houseboat is perfect for a romantic getaway or a family vacation.
Palmetto Trail – Oconee Passage
The Oconee Passage is a moderate to difficult 3.2 mile trail along an old roadbed that pinches into a path along the mountain ridge line. Once the Palmetto Trail is complete, this trail will end in Walhalla, but for now you can start from either Oconee State Park (Mountain Rest) or Oconee Station (Walhalla). The Oconee Passage is steeply uphill from Oconee Station. Mountain bikes are allowed on the Oconee Passage.
Pigpen Falls & Licklog Falls
Perfect falls for a young family. An easy one-hour hike to two sets of falls 1/4 mile apart. Pigpen will be the first falls on the left with a great swimming hole. Licklog is a short distance further on the right, and a little more difficult to view if leaves are out. Continue on the trail a few more minutes to the Chattooga River. Nice place to swim and picnic. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.91905 W 083.12020
Ramsey Creek Falls
Beautiful 40ft. cascade over large boulders where Ramsey Creek and Chauga River meet. The falls is located inside Chau Ram County Park where a $3 parking fee applies. Lower parking lot provides roadside viewing. Good wading pond at foot of falls. Excellent swimming just a short, easy walk from the falls on well-marked and partially paved trail. Great place to camp and picnic. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.68171 W 083.14542
Riley Moore Falls
Once the site of a gristmill, this waterfalls measures 12 ft. high, 100 ft. wide and is a great family destination. Moderate 15-minute walk to falls, a tunnel to the left brings you up to the middle of the falls. Good swimming spot. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.74106 W 083.18535
Robinson Lake Front Lodge on Lake Jocassee
Salem, SC
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This cozy mountain lodge sleeps 10-12 and is located directly on Lake Jocassee. House includes a dock with a newly extended ramp and tie up for boats. Amenities: 4 queen bedrooms, sofas, 3 baths, fireplace in living area, deck w/ gas grill, screened porch, covered patio, and boat dock.
Rocky Gap Horse Trails
19 miles of horse trails in the Sumter National Forest in South Carolina. Willis Knob Trail in Georgia combines to offer some of the most scenic horseback riding in the southern Blue Ridge Mountains. Winding across deeply dissected ridges, the trails descend into the beautiful Chattooga Wild & Scenic River corridor.
Secret Falls
A two-fer waterfall opportunity. A treacherous path for adventurous, physically fit hikers, Winding Stairs Trail leads to this waterfall off the beaten path. Continue past clearing to view Cheohee/Miuka Falls. GPS Coordinates to parking area: N 34.94110 W 083.08975
Shaver Rec Complex
Shaver Recreation Complex is a hub of area sports activities. Seven recreation fields, two gyms, walking trails, a climbing wall, playground, and the Seneca Disc Golf Course. An 18-hole disc golf course features tight fairways and a nice mix of elevation changes. Several holes have multiple pin placements. Course open year round is free to play. Random draw doubles Mondays in the summer at 6pm.
Sister’s Restaurant
A casual breakfast and lunch cafe near Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee. Take out available. (Closed Monday & Tuesday)
