Salem, SC
The gateway to the Blue Ridge Mountains, Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee.
Originally a lumber town with six sawmills, Salem became an agricultural town latching onto cotton production.
Today the area is well known for outdoor activities and mountain adventures. Lake Jocassee is one of the most pristine lakes in South Carolina with several waterfalls that can best be reached by boat.
Check out the Salem’s town website here.
Salem Points of Interest
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.
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
Black Bear Lodge
Salem, SC
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This rustic, charming home is one of a handful of short term rentals on Lake Jocassee. Nestled high in the trees, this home is perfect for spreading out and relaxing, hiking, or enjoying the lake with your group. The views from this home are unbeatable and breathtaking. This home offers the highest measure of privacy and seclusion you can find.
BnBeached Houseboat
Salem, SC
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Welcome aboard! A restored, rustic yet modern, space for guests to stay near Lake Jocassee and Lake Keowee. 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom accommodates up to 4 guests.
Butterfly Ridge Mountain Retreat
It’s the perfect destination for a getaway to the beautiful upstate South Carolina foothills. This is a pet-friendly and plant-based vacation rental for couples who want to relax in a peaceful setting. Three suites and one cottage have private entrances. Each can accommodate 2 guests and offers either a balcony or patio, access to the lodge, deck and gazebo. Stays include a healthy and delicious breakfast.
California’s Mexican Grill
Mexican grill and bar. What started as a food truck has expanded to a covered patio, with walls, giant fans and heaters.
Events in Salem
Sat May 3
Mother’s Afternoon Tea
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Kayla Lusk hosts an afternoon tea party with delicious goodies and guest speaker. At Eagles Nest Art Center in Salem.
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Sat May 17
Oconee Mountain Opry
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Eagles Nest Arts Center presents a night of regional musicians. Featured this month: The Dacus Villains, Justyn Fox and Dick Wells.
Sat October 4
Paddle Splash
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A race for kayaks, surfskis, canoes, paddleboards, and self-powered craft. Racers grouped by age/boat type. 7:30am-12pm at Devils Fork State Park.
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