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.
Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park
Dual-use hiking & biking trails in Stumphouse Park ($5 entry fee per vehicle). 22 trails suitable for different experience levels. The Mountain Bike Park can be accessed from trailheads at both ends of Stumphouse Passage, but the easiest access is via the parking lot for Issaqueena Falls. Bike trail is closed on rainy days. Users are cautioned to follow trail direction signs.
Stumphouse Park
The Park includes: Stumphouse Tunnel, Issaqueena Falls, the Stumphouse Passage of the Palmetto Trail, Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park and Blue Ridge Railroad hiking trail. Picnic tables, rental event pavilion, portable restrooms. There is a park entrance fee of $5 per vehicle/$10 per bus. (Annual passes may be purchased online or in person from the City of Walhalla.)
Stumphouse Passage of the Palmetto Trail
The Stumphouse Passage is accessible from the center of Stumphouse Park ($5 entry fee per vehicle). Stumphouse Passage is dual-use with a 1.5 mile hiking trail and 9.34 miles of mountain bike trails. This is one of three Passages of the Palmetto Trail that are located in Oconee County. The Palmetto Trail stretches over 500 miles across SC from the upstate to the coast near Charleston.
Stumphouse Tunnel
Located within Stumphouse Park ($5 entry fee per vehicle). The Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel was part of the Blue Ridge Railroad project, an 1850s attempt to link the port of Charleston to the cities of the Midwest by rail. The Civil War and subsequent collapse of the state’s economy brought construction to an end and the tunnel was never completed. Family-friendly 1/4 mile walk into the tunnel (flashlight recommended), park picnic shelter and outdoor bathrooms nearby.
The Briar Patch of Oconee
The Briar Patch is a world class dual slalom mountain biking course with a straight shot view of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The Grill at Clemson Marina
Seneca, SC
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Offering fast casual food and drinks in an open air, relaxed environment, The Grill at Clemson Marina is the answer to many boaters’ requests for food accessible by boat on the Clemson end of Lake Hartwell. Open Friday-Sunday for lunch and dinner.
The Scuba Shop
Spartanburg, SC
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PADI 5 Star Dive Center offering: retail, scuba charters on Lake Jocassee, beginner classes, and advanced classes.
Traditions on the Lake
Restaurant located inside Lakeside Lodge Clemson. Traditions on the Lake offers classic American cuisine including burgers, salads, sandwiches and entrees. Open Tuesday – Sunday for lunch and dinner; brunch served Saturday and Sunday (closed Monday.)
Tru By Hilton
Hotel on Hwy. 123 in the Hartwell Village retail center. Minutes from Clemson University, Lake Hartwell, SC Botanical Gardens, and all sorts of recreational opportunities in Oconee and Pickens Counties.
Unlimited Outfitters
(Formerly Hartwell-Keowee Paddleboard & Kayak Co.)
Board, boat and kayak rentals. Serving Lake Keowee and Lake Hartwell. Rentals available from South Cove County Park or High Falls County Park. Luxury pontoon boat rentals (launch from South Cove County Park). Contact them about kayak or paddleboard delivery on Lake Hartwell.
Upper Whitewater Falls
Beginning in North Carolina and ending in South Carolina, these falls are the highest in eastern America. Easy 10 minute walk to a viewing platform at the end of an asphalt path. Stairs lead to a better viewing platform. However, it is a difficult climb back up. DIRECTIONS: From Hwy 11 in Salem, go North on Hwy 130 ten miles and follow signs to Whitewater Falls.
