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.
Mayberry’s
Simply good food in a comfortable atmosphere. Menu features: sandwiches, wraps, soups, salads, vegetarian, homemade sides and yummy desserts. Open 7 days. Weekend breakfast served Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
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.
N the Midst Ice Cream
Fresh hand made ice cream frozen with liquid nitrogen and flavored to your liking. Open everyday.
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.)
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
Paesano’s Italian Restaurant
Italian dishes, steaks and fresh fish. Nightly features. Pizza and calzones. Covered patio dining. Open for dinner Tuesday – Saturday (closed Sunday & Monday).
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.
