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Oconee County, SC is packed with activities for every type of adventurer. Explore miles of hiking and biking trails through lush forests, paddle the sparkling lakes and rivers, or cast a line at one of the area’s prime fishing spots. From family-friendly attractions and golf courses to thrilling outdoor adventures like ziplining, kayaking, and mountain climbing, there’s no shortage of ways to play in Oconee County.
313 Cafe
Serving locally sourced ingredients, cocktails, coffee, smoothies, juices, craft beers, select wines and pre-prohibition style cocktails. Open for breakfast and lunch Monday – Saturday.
Alexander-Cannon-Hill House
Currently serves as the office for High Falls County Park. This house is the strongest existing architectural link between the present and Old Pickens. It was built by Pleasant Alexander in 1831, it was located on a plantation at the edge of Old Pickens. From 1828-1868 Old Pickens was the center of government for Pickens District which in 1868 was subdivided into Pickens and Oconee counties.
Andrew Pickens Ranger District
Headquartered at Stumphouse Ranger Station. Andrew Pickens Ranger District is located in Oconee County on more than 85,000 acres in Sumter National Forest. Popular attractions on the district include: hunting, fishing, hiking, fall color sightseeing, camping, horseback riding, and whitewater activities on the wild and scenic Chattooga River.
Bad Creek Spur Trail
Salem, SC
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This easy 0.8-mile spur trail provides a connection to the Whitewater River, the Foothills Trail, Coon Branch Trail, and to Lower Whitewater Falls (via the Foothills Trail). Enter the gate to Duke Energy’s Bad Creek Hydro Station on SC 130, and proceed two miles down to the marked entrance to the large trailhead parking area. Fishing, but no camping, is allowed along the Whitewater River. A designated campsite is 0.5 miles past junction with the river.
Bauknight House
This historic 115-year old home, known as The Jewel of Walhalla, is ideal for weddings and special occasions. The house was a private residence for decades. New owners have updated the home and made it available for events and lodging. Five bedrooms, two bathrooms, three living rooms and a full kitchen, the house accommodates 10 overnight guests. The Main Street location is walking distance to shops, restaurants and the Walhalla Performing Arts Center.
Bee Cove Falls
Salem, SC
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Remote multi-tiered falls is a difficult 2-3 hour hike, but worth the effort!
Directions/GPS N 34.98149 W 083.06280
–NORTH from Walhalla on Hwy. 28.
–BEAR RIGHT Hwy. 107
–12.5 miles PARK on left.
–WALK 150 yards on right to FS 702
–Roadbed goes along creekside.
–BEAR RIGHT at 3-way intersection.
–FOLLOW less defined path & sounds to waterfalls.
GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.98149 W 083.062800
Belle’s Bistro
Located at Chattooga Belle Farm. Appetizers, soups, salads, specialty sandwiches and homemade desserts. HOURS: Wednesday – Sunday from 11am-2pm.
Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum
Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum is a cultural exhibit museum focusing on the rich, sometimes turbulent history, culture, and contributions of local African-Americans The museum’s exhibits and events blend technology and tradition to create a meaningful and educational experience for all ages.
Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum is about people of the past and present whose stories will impact generations.
Big Bend Falls
Largest vertical drop of the Chattooga River is a sight to see with a 30 ft. drop. It is a difficult 3 hour walk that we recommend for adventurous, expert hikers.
GPS Coordinates to parking area: N 34.97128 W 083.11465
Big Bend Trail
This 2.7-mile, out-and-back trail begins a the Cherry Hill Recreation Area and eventually ends at a junction with the Foothills Trail along the Chattooga River. An adventurous scramble on an unmaintained trail along the river affords views of 30-ft. Big Bend Falls, the largest drop on the Chattooga River.
Blue Ridge Guide Service
Lake Jocassee
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Owned and operated by Keith Courtney. He has been fishing Lake Jocassee since 1986 and guiding since 1990. Whether you request a touring trip or a trophy trout fishing trip, Blue Ridge Guide Service has the equipment and experience to make your trip memorable.
Blue Ridge Railroad Trail
Trail follows the railroad bed of an incomplete section of the 19th century Blue Ridge Railroad where you can see three abandoned tunnels. The moderate to strenuous trail is 2.5 miles one-way. Trail head is located in Stumphouse Park, at the top of the Issaqueena Falls parking lot, and takes you through the forest with amazing views of the upstate.
Brasstown Falls
Four falls ranging from 20ft. to 40ft. The trails have been updated and are more accessible. New steps along the trail have been added along with several viewing platforms. The left trail to the upper falls has a family friendly short hike with bridge over the creek. Good swimming holes at both ends of the trail. Brasstown Creek BBQ is a great place to eat Fri. or Sat. 4-9pm (cash only).
GPS Coordinates Parking Area: N 34.71908 W 083.30158
Brews on the Alley
Located on Ram Cat Alley. A craft beer and espresso bar with 20 rotating craft beers on draft and a coffee station serving pastries, lattes, frappes, smoothies, and more!
Bull Sluice
Bull Sluice is a Class Five rapid on Section III of the Chattooga River. This is a popular place to view rafting trips running the rapid. It’s a short .2 mile hike from the Hwy 76 Chattooga River Access parking lot. Follow the trail downhill to where it forks, and go right along the gravel trail to reach a viewing area. Depending on your mobility level, you can walk on huge rocks on the side of the river to get a better view. (The left fork takes you to a beach downstream of the rapid.)
Burrells Ford Campground
Campground offers campsites, pit toilet, picnic tables and fire rings (no electricity or water available). It’s a 1/4 mile walk for sites along the Chattooga River. From campsites it’s pretty easy to hike and see the impressive King Creek Falls. Burrells Ford is a good base camp location for day hiking and exploring the Ellicott Rock Wilderness. Campground is open year round and no charge.
Carolina Landing RV Campground
Fair Play, SC
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Located on the banks of Lake Hartwell, this pet-friendly campground has 227 sites suitable for RVs and tents. They also have 6 cabins, an outdoor pool, club house, ping pong, mini golf and more.
Carolina Pizza Company
Pizza, salads, sandwiches, beer. Open Wednesday – Sat 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Cassidy Bridge Hunt Camp
Located on the Chauga River, this campground is open and free to use during big game season (Oct. 1 – Dec. 31) and turkey season (April 1 -30). Other times of the year, the camp is open by reservation for $30/night. The campground has vault toilets and trash cans. It can accommodate groups of up to 100 people. Families like to reserve the camp for reunions, cookouts and camp outs. The Chattooga River and commercial outfitters are within 15 minutes of the campground.
Chattooga Belle Farm
Chattooga Belle Farm is a 200 acre working farm and event venue. The event barn is the ideal location for weddings, family reunions, and corporate retreats or any special occasion that calls for a setting like no other. Belle’s Bistro restaurant serves lunch. Farm Store sells food & gifts. On site Distillery makes small batch spirits.
Chattooga Belle Farm
Located high up on a water tower, this mural compliments the natural beauty of the farm while highlighting some of the fruits grown there. Aerosol, 2020.
Chattooga Ridge Canopy Tours
Ziplines over Wildwater’s Chattooga campus, deep into the peaceful Chattooga Ridge woods and 4 zips over a lake. Chattooga Ridge Canopy Tours takes you through multiple ecosystems and into grand old white oak and maple treetops. A perfect intro to the world of zipping ends with exciting zipline water crossings and the 1,200 ft. Bell Tower Express zip! Allow 3 hours for your experience.
Chattooga River
The Chattooga River is the boundary between GA & SC. It is nationally designated as Wild and Scenic and is protected from development. Known for whitewater rapids, and meandering, mountainous woodland passage. The lower sections of the Chattooga are considered among the best whitewater in the SE with heart-thumping Class III to Class VI rapids.
Chattooga River – Section 1
Section 1 is the West Fork of the Chattooga River. It’s a 6-mile stretch that is ideal for tubing and Class II float trips.
