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Photo by Russ Carlson Photography
Lake lovers know the truth: South Carolina’s shoreline doesn’t stop at the first row of sand dunes; it just looks a little different by the time you get to the Upcountry. Here, we trade palm trees for poplars and waves for waterfalls, but any chance we get, we’re on the water. In Oconee, the greatest lakes — Jocassee, Keowee, and Hartwell — provide beautiful views and year-round recreation. As you plan your Upcountry escape, listen for the lure of the lakes — they’ll lead you to your new favorite place.
Lake Jocassee, designated by National Geographic as a “destination of a lifetime,” shines, with 7,500 acres of crystal-clear water and plenty of wildlife watching and stunning waterfalls at your disposal. At Devils Fork State Park, you can rent a pontoon boat or a paddle-powered craft and explore at your leisure, or hire a guide to find waterfalls and scenery only the locals know. The fishing’s fine here, too, with smallmouth bass and trophy trout. Stay waterside in a shoreside cabin or a boat-in campsite at Devils Fork, and you’ll feel like this mountain lake is yours alone.
Not to be outdone, Lake Keowee cuts a fine figure with 300 miles of shoreline and 18,500 acres of lake to explore. Paddle out to one of the 71 islands to watch wildlife — blue herons and other shorebirds frequent the shallows — or scan the shorelines for deer, black bear, and other critters. Along the northern shoreline, Keowee-Toxaway State Park offers shoreside thrills with hiking and biking trails and an adrenaline-pumping 1.5-mile zipline. High Falls County Park and South Cove County Park both offer shoreside camping and RV sites with cabins.
There’s nearly a thousand miles of shoreline at Lake Hartwell, one of the largest lakes in the southeast at 56,000 acres. Lake Hartwell State Park and Sadlers Creek State Park offer cottages and campgrounds for your stay, but you’ll find the best viewpoints and vistas from a boat or shoreside trail. Anglers might want to try to reel in a record catfish; there are plenty of places to cast a line.
When you’re in the market for distractions of another sort, stay landside and hike to waterfalls. Favorites include Hidden Falls, King Creek Falls, and the family-friendly Pigpen Falls and Licklog Falls near Mountain Rest. Experienced hikers may want to set out for Secret Falls and Cheohee (or Miuka) Falls, along Winding Stairs Trail, north of Walhalla.
Visit Visit Oconee SC to learn more.
Visit Oconee
Explore Oconee’s Lakes—Jocassee, Keowee & Hartwell—for boating, fishing, waterfalls, hiking, camping and year-round Upcountry adventure.
