Page 30 - 2022 Clemson Guide

PARKS Surrounding the shoreline of Lake Jocassee are
the breathtaking Jocassee Gorges, steep rocky
walls of the Blue Ridge Mountains that carry TRAILS

There are many places to play at Lake Hartwell, stream water from the various mountain rivers The Town of Central and Southern
including Abernathy Waterfront Park and down to the lake. National Geographic has called Wesleyan University keep up seven
Twelve Mile Recreation Area. Just over a the Jocassee Gorges one of "50 of the World's miles of well-maintained trails
half-mile long, Abernathy Waterfront Park Last Great Places—Destinations of a Lifetime." that are open free to the public.
is a great place to explore on a summer day or Some of the waterfalls are accessible only by Ride events are held throughout
watch a picture-perfect sunset. This waterfront boat on Lake Jocassee. The mountain streams are the year and the Central Parks
park also has picnic areas and lake access. excellent for trout fishing. Trails throughout the and Recreation Department is
Twelve Mile Recreation Area sits at the Jocassee Gorges and along the lakeshore provide partnering in 2022 with the trail
confluence of the Seneca and Twelve Mile moderate to strenuous hikes that are well worth designer and mountain bike
rivers, forming Lake Hartwell. This park has the remarkable views. instructor to offer “introduction to trail riding’’ lessons.
a boat launch, playground, picnic shelters, and The Doodle Trail is a popular 7.5-mile, paved walking,
restrooms. Swimming is allowed (at your own Long Shoals Wayside Park is a 10-acre hidden biking, and running trail that runs between Pickens
risk) and fishing is permitted. gem of a park that overlooks the Little Eastatoee and Easley as the railroad did in the 1800s.
Creek. Part of the Poe Creek State Forest, it is a
On Lake Keowee, Keowee-Toxaway State Park favorite trout fishing spot and a destination for Glassy Mountain can be explored by a 1-mile
has some of the most stunning views of the Blue locals and visitors looking to beat the heat by unmarked footpath with breathtaking views of
the Piedmont Escarpment including Table Rock
Ridge Mountains. The park has 5.5 miles of sliding down the flat, gently sloping shoals into and Caesars Head mountains.
walking and hiking trails through the foothills the cool creek waters.
and a natural bridge. A short, half-mile trail Following the perimeter of one the Clemson
leads to Lake Keowee, where visitors enjoy Table Rock Mountain provides a towering Experimental Forest lakes, the Issaqueena Lake
fishing for bass, bream, crappie, and catfish. backdrop for an upcountry retreat at the edge Trail crosses creeks, includes breathtaking views
of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Table Rock State and, when the weather is right, presents swimming
Not far from the state park, on the eastern shores and sunbathing opportunities.
of Lake Keowee, a large peninsula known as Park features two lakes, a campground, mountain The trails of Keowee-Toxaway State Park cut through
Mile Creek Park offers more than seven miles cabins, meeting facilities, and a historic, renovated land that was once traveled by the Cherokee people
of lakefront water views and access, boat ramps, lodge. The park has been one of South Carolina’s and includes a natural bridge.
a large dock, a sandy-beach swimming area, and most popular since it was built by the Civilian
hiking trails. Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Many of its Table Rock State Park is home to
structures are now on the National Register of several trails and serves as a trailhead
Devils Fork State Park is the only public access Historic Places. for the 80-mile Foothills Trail.
point for Lake Jocassee. Lake Jocassee is fed by
mountain springs and surrounded by 7,500 acres Other nearby parks include Chau Ram County
of mostly undeveloped land. Unusually cool and Park, High Falls County Park, Lake Hartwell
clear, the water of Lake Jocassee has some of the State Park, South Cove County Park, W.C.
best trout fishing in the state. It is also great for Nettles Park, and others. For a complete list
scuba divers and swimmers. go to VisitClemson.com.

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