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

Category
  • All
  • Food & Drinks
  • Play
  • Shop
  • Stay

Share

Bad Creek Spur Trail

Salem, SC
Get Directions >

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.

Share

Bee Cove Falls

Salem, SC
Get Directions >

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

Share

Black Bear Lodge

Salem, SC
Get Directions >

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.
image of bnbeached houseboat

Share

BnBeached Houseboat

Salem, SC
Get Directions >

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.

Share

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.
photo of entree from California's Mexican Grill

Share

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

image for live nativity event

Sat December 7

Live Nativity Scene

Share

The churches in the town of Salem come together to present a drive-thru event at Eagles Nest Art Center from 6-8PM (thru December 8th).

More Info: 

Christmas parade graphic

Sun December 8

Salem Parade

Share

Come out for the Annual Salem Christmas Parade starting at 4:00pm.

More Info: 

image for live nativity event

Sun December 8

Live Nativity Scene

Share

The churches in the town of Salem come together to present a drive-thru event at Eagles Nest Art Center from 6-8PM (12/8 is the final night).

More Info: 

graphic for talent showcase

Sat December 14

Christmas Talent Showcase

Share

Christmas themed talent show at Eagles Nest Art Center. Sign up by Dec. 7 via email: eaglesnestartcenter@gmail.com. Tickets $10 day of show.

More Info: 

Sign up to know what’s going on in our towns!

Before you leave, subscribe to our newsletter with monthly events and happenings in Oconee County, South Carolina.

Name
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.