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 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.
W.P. Anderson Park
Westminster, SC
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The park is near the Westminster Library. It features a playground, public restrooms and two covered picnic shelters. The Pavilion Shelter has picnic tables, electrical outlets, and a charcoal grill. Rental Fee: $35 for 3 hour rental. The Picnic Shelter is a covered picnic area with tables. Rental Fee: $25 for 3 hour rental. Call (864) 647-3200 or email sholbrooks@westminstersc.org to rent. {Melody Davis from Gateway Arts Center painted the vibrant mural on the public restroom building.}
Wanderweg Greenway – Mini Trail
This 1.0 mile section of Walhalla’s Wanderweg Trail is paved and easy to access. The trail connects neighborhoods and several of the city’s landmarks including: Kaufman Square Park, the Earle House, and the Walhalla library.
Waterfall View Vacation Rental
Very unique! 1,200 sq. feet great for couple get away with option to sleep 4. Enjoy nature with 90+ acres to roam. Paths for long walks or mountain bikes. Architect James Fox designed this cliff side home overlooking a beautiful fall. Feel like you are in the trees in an area much as it was when inhabited by Cherokee Indians. Stream feeds into Lake Hartwell. Boat slips are close by to provide big water access.
