Fall Foliage Road Trip
OnlyInYourState.com has mapped out a road trip that will take you to THE BEST FALL FOLIAGE in all of South Carolina!
N.O.C. Chattooga Outpost
NOC has been leading trips on the Chattooga river since their company’s inception in 1972. In fact, company founder Payson Kennedy was a stunt double in the movie Deliverance. NOC’s Chattooga guides are among the nation’s most elite whitewater guides. They receive industry-leading training and are equipped with the most modern river equipment.
Oscar Wigington Scenic Byway
Check out a suggested itinerary from South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism for scenic drives along one of South Carolina's prettiest mountain roads.
Southeastern Expeditions
Founded in 1972 as one of the first whitewater rafting outfitters in the southeast, Southeastern Expeditions was the pioneer in whitewater rafting in the Southern U.S. They offer guided whitewater rafting trips on Section III and Section IV of the Chattooga River.
Wildwater Ltd.
The Wildwater Team prides themselves on setting a high standard and working hard everyday to exceed expectations. They invest in the best equipment, staff, training and facilities. Their focus is to provide guests with their full attention and desire to make every trip down the river special. Guided rafting trips and zip line canopy tours.
Alexander-Hill House
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.
Arts Off the Alley
An artist cooperative offering locally hand-crafted art, paintings, mixed media, jewelry, wood carvings, vintage, & more. Located in historic downtown Seneca. You’ll find beautiful pieces for your home or office and access to incredible resources like classes, workshops, and events.
Bad Creek Spur Trail
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.
Bee Cove Falls
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
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 prea: 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
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.
Blueridge 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 trail to the right is a difficult and dangerous hike, not for novice hikers. Requires climbing down an unmarked but worn trail; crossing through a narrow, shallow stream; then short walk to falls. The left trail is a more family friendly short hike. Good swimming holes at both ends of the trail. Brasstown Creek BBQ is a great place to eat Fri. or Sat. 4-9pm. GPS Coordinates Parking Area: N 34.71908 W 083.30158
Bull Sluice Falls
An easy hike on a well marked trail leads to a 14ft. drop on the Chattooga River with whitewater in action. Fun for watching rafters and kayakers drop over a class IV falls. Family friendly, with restrooms and a beach area for swimming nearby. GPS Coordinates to parking area: N 34.81473 W 083.30512
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 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.
Chattooga River – Section 2
Section 2 is a good beginner whitewater section with class I and II rapids. This 7 mile run is a good day trip with opportunities to stop and picnic on large boulders, or stop to fish for trout. The Chattooga has excellent opportunities for fishing, camping, and hiking.
Chattooga River – Section 3
Section 3 is a 13-mile beautiful stretch of river with intermediate to advanced whitewater. Its a 4-6 hour trip down river. Section 3 put-in is at Earls Ford, and the take-out is the Highway 76 Bridge. There is 1/4 mile hike in and out of the river. The Chattooga River is under the jurisdiction of the US Forest Service. There is a self-permit system (no fee), where you fill out a form, drop a copy at the box near the put-in and carry the other copy with you down the river.
Chattooga River – Section 4
Section 4 is one of the most well-known sections of whitewater in the U.S. This 8-mile section includes major whitewater including Class IV-V rapids. It takes 4-5 hours to raft or paddle Section 4. Put-in at the Highway 76 Bridge, and take-out at Lake Tugalo. There is 1/4 mile hike to and from the river. The Chattooga River is under the jurisdiction of the US Forest Service. Anyone paddling on the river needs to fill out a permit (at the put-in) prior to getting on the river.
Chattooga River Fly Shop
Full service fly shop located just a few miles from the Chauga & Chattooga Rivers. They have “Hot Flies” and all your fly fishing needs. Guided fly fishing trips, both full & half day, casting lessons & fly tying instruction for the novice to the expert.
Chattooga River Lodge & Campground
New owners. This 9 room lodge, nestled in the middle of Sumter National Forest, is the perfect hideaway for travelers. Wooded campsites offer a peaceful retreat after a day of outdoor adventures. Chattooga River Lodge, Campground and Tavern is the perfect place for friends and family to gather for all occasions.
Chattooga Trail
15.5 mile trail that runs parallel to the famous Chattooga River, and shares 8.5 miles with the Foothills Trail. It passes through some of the finest wilderness in South Carolina. The northern terminus of the Chattooga Trail is Ellicott Rock, where Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina meet. Waterfall lovers shouldn’t miss this trail, since you can see King Creek, Spoonauger, Big Bend, Pigpen and Licklog Falls at points along the trail.
Chattooga Whitewater Outfitters
They offer a variety of accommodation options, whitewater equipment rentals and transportation shuttles. Humble Pie restaurant onsite. Services: Whitewater Paddling including rafting, canoeing, kayaking and sit-on-tops Flatwater paddling Fishing guides and equipment Hiking, camping and bird watching Transportation & logistical services
Chau Ram County Park
Over three miles of hiking trails and a mile of the Chauga River runs through the park. Tubing, hiking, fishing, picnicking, camping and sight-seeing are popular activities. The park has 26 campsites with water and electricity; four rental areas for parties and gatherings; a playground; and is a favorite spot for weddings.
Chau Ram 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 $2 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
Chauga Narrows
Located on the Chauga River, view of the narrow 25 ft. high falls. A moderate hike. Great picnic spot and swimming along the river. For best viewing of falls, some climbing over rocks is required. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.83332 W 083.17399
Chauga River
A 31 mile long tributary of the Tugaloo River that flows south to Lake Hartwell. The Chauga River offers much of the same scenic beauty and cool waters found nearby on the Chattooga River. Anglers like the Chauga River and often catch rainbow trout, brown trout, chubs, and redeye bass. Depending on the water level, sections of the Chauga are popular for whitewater kayaking. Good access and parking are available off Cassidy Bridge Road in Mountain Rest.
Cheohee or Miuka Falls
A 75 ft. waterfall on Townes Creek easily viewed with a 45-minute hike. This is one of two falls you can reach by hiking the Winding Stairs Trail, the other being Secret Falls. Go north from Walhalla on Hwy 28, bear right on Hwy 107 for 8 miles. Follow signs for Winding Stairs Trail which turns right in .2 miles, make a sharp left and continue 1/3 miles to clearing and hear the falls. Hike through foliage to creek. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.94220 W 083.08975
Chickasaw Point Golf Club
An 18-hole, par-72 public course designed by Parker Gibson. It is the centerpiece of the Chickasaw Point neighborhood. Numerous elevation changes, sheltered fairways and several beautiful ponds. Just minutes off 1-85 on Highway 11, Chickasaw Point’s location makes it an easy drive for golfers in Oconee, Anderson, Greenville and Pickens Counties as well as those from the Atlanta area.
Clemson Marina
A full-service marina located on Lake Hartwell directly across the lake from Clemson University. Service center with a Master Certified Mechanic on staff. They offer pontoon boat rentals, as well as wet and dry stack storage. The Grill at Clemson Marina features outdoor dining and a unique tailgating experience for the college football season.
Cross Creek Plantation
A private country club golf community designed by P.B. Dye. Eighteen holes of championship golf on an approximately 7,000-yard course from the back tees challenge the finest players. Five sets of tees makes this course enjoyable for players of every level.
Devils Fork State Park
Travel Tip: ARRIVE EARLY! If you are coming to enjoy a day on the lake, make sure you arrive by 9:30AM for the best chance of getting a parking space. The park is the only public access point for Lake Jocassee, a 7,500-acre reservoir lake. Boat ramps for public boat access to the lake; 20 lakeside villas; 59 standard sites for RV or tent camping; 25 tent camping sites; 1 boat-in campground; 2 picnic shelters; 2 playgrounds; 2 mile Bear Cove Trail; 1 mile Oconee Bell Nature Trail. Park store.
Disc Golf Course at Chau Ram County Park
Brand new course opened March 2019. 18-hole disc golf course is forested and hilly with combination of distances between holes ranging from 180 ft. - 600 ft. Course entrance off Horseshoe Bridge Road is not yet open; players must enter though main park and walk 1/4 mile to the first hole.
Durham Hall
Recently renovated event space with historical charm located on Main Street in downtown Walhalla. 2,500 square feet of interior space and 3,000 square feet in the courtyard. A great place to celebrate weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, bridal and baby showers, reunions, corporate parties, or host meetings.
East Fork Trail
Beginning at the picnic area adjacent to the Walhalla Fish Hatchery, this 2.5-mile trail is an easy hike along the bank of the scenic, fast moving east fork of the Chattooga River. The trail will take you down to the river. Beginning or ending the hike at Burrell's Ford adds and additional 2.1 miles.
Eclectic Sun, LLC
Located in the “Pavilion” of Devils Fork State Park in the day use picnic area. Provides everything you would ever need for a day of Fun on the lake. A genuine surf shop and snack bar combined.
Ellicott Rock
The rock is recognized as the place where the three states of South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia meet. Andrew Ellicott’s survey was made in 1811. This rock was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1973 and is located in the Ellicott Rock Wilderness.
Ellicott Rock Wilderness
Ellicott Rock Wilderness was established by Congress in 1975. Encompassing 8.296 acres, this wilderness spreads across the corners of SC, NC, and GA. It also straddles the 15,432-acre Chattooga River Wild and Scenic Corridor. The steep terrain of the Ellicott Rock Wilderness offers numerous mountains and waterfalls to explore. There are several access points where you can enter the wilderness area including Burrell's Ford Rd. & the Foothills Trail off Hwy. 107 in Mountain Rest, SC.
End of the Road Studios
Art studio, pottery and gallery for Robin Anne Cooper and Stan DuBose. Folk Art, ceramics, paintings, pottery, canvas collages, found object, up-cycled.
Falcon’s Lair Golf Course
Features 6,866 yards of golf, designed by Harry Bowers, from the longest tees for a par of 72 . The course rating is 74.4 and it has a slope rating of 135. James McCoy manages the course as the Golf Professional. PGA instruction available. The course is open year round.
Fall Creek Falls
Multiple falls range from 30 to 40 ft. within a 1-mile stretch. A long, steep, but not dangerous 2-mile hike made more difficult during spring and summer by foliage. Best viewing is in winter. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.82246 W 083.25079
Fishski Business, LLC
Guided fishing on Lake Hartwell and Lake Jocassee with Captain Steve Pietrykowski. Hartwell is a great choice for families or even a corporate outing. Multiple fishing boats for large groups can be arranged. Captain Steve offers day and night guided fishing on Lake Jocassee, which is the only major lake in South Carolina that has an abundant trout population.
Foothills Trail
This National Recreation Trail has its southern terminus in Oconee State Park and extends to the north and east for 77 miles. Sections very in length and difficulty. Day-hikers can access the trail from different points; thru-hikers can spend a week backcountry hiking on the trail. Maintained by the Foothills Trail Conservancy.
Fork Mountain Trail
6.4 mile trail, a spur of the Foothills Trail, starts in SC at the Sloan Bridge Picnic Area and ends in NC where it joins the Bad Creek Trail in the Ellicott Rock Wilderness Area. From there the trail eventually joins the Chattooga Trail and continues to Burrell's Ford. The trail weaves along the northern flanks of Fork Mountain through numerous coves and ravines. At the junction with Bad Creek Trail you can return, or extend your hike 1.3 miles to historic Ellicott Rock.
Gateway Arts Center
An all volunteer art exhibit and education organization that engages the community by offering: public participation, free events, formal exhibits and art classes. Their mission is to help open the doors of creativity to everyone!
General Store Museum
Housed in the Barrett-Jones building on Main Street in Westminster, SC, the General Store Museum displays a collection of historic artifacts from the original England’s General Merchandise store. OPEN Thursday, Friday & Saturday 11:00am – 4:00pm.
Golden Corner Lakes Sail & Power Squadron
A hardworking, award-winning, and fun-loving unit of the United States Power Squadrons®
Hartwell Keowee Paddleboard & Kayak Co.
Family owned business serving Lake Hartwell and Lake Keowee that provides paddleboard and kayak rentals.
Hidden Falls
Near the head of the Foothills Trail, this 50 ft. waterfall over granite ledges can be reached with a moderate, one-hour hike. Best show of waterfall occurs after a rain. GPS coordinates to parking area: N 34.863309 W 083.09820
High Falls Boat Rentals, LLC
Need a boat for a day or a week? High Falls Boat Rentals has pontoon and ski boats for rent on Lake Keowee. All boats are equipped with USCG required safety equipment, anchors, bimini tops, depth finders, fenders and dock lines. Tubes and water skis are also available for rent.
High Falls County Park
46 acre park located on the shores of beautiful Lake Keowee. There are 91 campsites with 10 being waterfront; two boat ramps; 3 rental buildings/shelters; playground; picnic tables with charcoal grills; swimming area; restroom; miniature golf; tennis and basketball courts; volleyball; fishing pier and more.
Historic Ballenger House
Historic Ballenger House is an ideal venue for weddings, receptions, meetings, showers, parties and reunions. The house was built circa 1925. It is a designated site on the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor. Located in historic downtown Seneca, the house was deeded to the Seneca Woman’s Club to honor three family members who belonged to the philanthropic “Once a Week Club” that originated in 1896 and still meets today.
Island Horses Pontoon Rental
Quality boat rentals on Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee. They offer 24 ft. pontoon boats or Sea Ray deck boat that can be towed to either Mile Creek or Warpath Landing. Lake Jocassee minimum 4-day rental.
Issaqueena Falls
Located in Stumphouse Park. It's an easy 5-minute walk to viewing platforms where you can view the beautiful waterfall named for a Creek maiden who hid on one of the falls' ledges to avoid capture during an Indian attack. There is a rough trail next to the lowest platform, which leads to the base of the falls. However, the path is quite dangerous and visitors are not encouraged to try it. GPS coordinates to the parking area: N 34.80740 W 083.12158
Jocassee Adventures
Specializing in Lake Jocassee adventures including: kayak rentals, kayak tours, waterfall tours, sunset tours, scuba tours and snorkeling. They have three covered boats to keep you out of the sun and offer dry areas in case of rain.
Jocassee Charters
Guided fishing trips for everyone from serious anglers to the first-time fishermen. Children of all ages are welcome. Deep water trolling for big brown and rainbow trout using downriggers. All tackle is furnished. All you will need is your food, drinks and a SC fishing license.
Jocassee Keowee Rentals
Boating services on Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee whether your interest is a day on the lake on a pontoon, kayak, canoe, or utilizing their boat/RV storage facilities.
Jocassee Lake Tours
Love Nature? Treat yourself to an exploration of Lake Jocassee with Brooks and Kay Wade, Upstate Master Naturalists and owners/operators of Jocassee Lake Tours. Love Waterfalls? Bring a camera…they have plenty to show you! From hidden mountain brooks spilling off the hillside to large, rambunctious, powerful waterfalls. Love Your Friends and Family? Treat them to a tour of Lake Jocassee. Bring a picnic lunch, kids and grandkids, and experience a relaxing day on Lake Jocassee!
