Page 28 - Clemson NCG

Parks Along the shoreline of Lake Jocassee are
the breathtaking Jocassee Gorges, steep
The Clemson Area is full of a rich array of rocky walls of the Blue Ridge Mountains
beautiful parks. Just over a half-mile long, that carry stream water from the various
Abernathy Waterfront Park on Lake mountain rivers down to the lake. National
Hartwell is a great place to explore on a Geographic has called the Jocassee Gorges
summer day or watch a picture-perfect one of “50 of the World’s Last Great
sunset. This waterfront park also has Places—Destinations of a Lifetime.” Some
picnic areas and lake access. Twelve Mile of the waterfalls are accessible only by
Recreation Area sits at the confluence of boat on Lake Jocassee. The mountain
the Seneca and Twelve Mile rivers, forming streams are excellent for trout fishing.
Lake Hartwell. This park has a boat launch, Trails throughout the Jocassee Gorges and
playground, picnic shelters, and restrooms. along the lakeshore provide moderate to
Swimming is allowed (at your own risk) strenuous hikes that are well worth the
and fishing is permitted. remarkable views.

Keowee-Toxaway State Park on Lake Long Shoals Wayside Park is a 10-acre
Keowee has some of the most stunning hidden gem of a park that overlooks the
views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Little Eastatoee Creek. Part of the Poe
park has 5.5 miles of walking and hiking Creek State Forest, it is a favorite trout
trails through the foothills and a natural fishing spot and a destination for locals and
bridge. A short, half-mile trail leads to Lake visitors looking to beat the heat by sliding
Keowee, where visitors enjoy fishing for down the flat, gently sloping shoals into the
bass, bream, crappie, and catfish. cool creek waters.
Table Rock Mountain provides a towering
Not far from the state park, a large backdrop for an upcountry retreat at the
peninsula known as Mile Creek Park edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Table
on the eastern shores of Lake Keowee Rock State Park features two lakes, a
offers more than seven miles of lakefront campground, mountain cabins, meeting
water views and access, boat ramps, a large facilities, and a historic, renovated lodge.
dock, a sandy-beach swimming area, and The park has been one of South Carolina’s
hiking trails. most popular since it was built by the
Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s.
Devils Fork State Park is the only public
access point for Lake Jocassee. Lake Many of its structures are now on the
Jocassee is fed by mountain springs and National Register of Historic Places.
surrounded by 7,500 acres of mostly Other nearby parks include Chau Ram
undeveloped land. Unusually cool and clear, County Park, High Falls County Park, Lake
the water of Lake Jocassee has some of the Hartwell State Park, South Cove County
best trout fishing in the state. It is also great Park, W.C. Nettles Park, and others. For a
for scuba divers and swimmers. complete list go to visitclemson.org.

H Outdoor Recreation 864.654.3598 | VisitClemson.org