3 minute read
Water World: Lakes & Waterfalls
Water World
LAKES & WATERFALLS
WHEN SUMMER FUN WARMS THINGS UP around Greenville County, you’ll find plenty of great places to cool back down. Home to dozens of sparkling lakes, tumbling waterfalls, and winding rivers, the Upstate region of South Carolina is a great place to chill out and enjoy good times!
Known for its deep, blue waters, Lake Jocassee is the perfect place to cool off and explore. Created in 1973 through a state partnership with Duke Power, this 300-foot-deep, man-made lake is a 7,500-acre playground—an absolute gem nestled into a pristine mountain environment. Hop in the lake for a swim, or go ahead and rent a powerboat, stand-up paddleboard, or kayak from Jocassee Outdoor Center or Jocassee Lake Tours; better yet, try out a guided boat tour! If you’re into scuba diving, bring your gear because the dives here are as good as they get; divers can explore now-submerged towns, cemeteries, and the like, as featured in the movie Deliverance. Be sure to make time to visit Lower Whitewater Falls. After a moderate two-mile hike (one-way) to the overlook, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the falls plummeting 200 feet and emptying into the northwest corner of Lake Jocassee.
Nearby State Park: Devils Fork State Park
With 380+ miles of shoreline and 71 islands, family-favorite Lake Keowee is a real stunner, offering crystal-clear waters and gorgeous mountain views. Perfect for fishing, boating, swimming, camping, and picnicking, Party Cove/Falls is accessible via boat. There you can anchor your boat, take a refreshing dip, and climb to the top of the falls. Great lunch options you can boat to and dock at include the Tiki Hut Lakeside Grill, The Lighthouse Restaurant, and The Cabana. To the northeast of Lake Keowee is Twin Falls, two 75-foot waterfalls that flow into Reedy Cove Creek (which feeds into the lake.) It’s a short, easy hike with beautiful views—perfect for both kids and adults. For an exciting twist, visit the natural waterslide at Long Shoals Wayside Park on the way to go hiking. Everybody loves the waterfall’s smooth rock surface, and the shallow pool at the end provides a fun way to play in the water. It’s a unique attraction, and safe for children of all ages!
Nearby State Park: Keowee-Toxaway State Park
If you’re into fishing, the largemouth bass are legendary and almost always biting at Lake Hartwell, which has hosted numerous Bassmaster Classic tournaments. First opened for recreational purposes in 1968, Lake Hartwell (which Lake Keowee feeds directly into) is one of the largest lakes in the Southeast with more than 950 miles of shoreline; it also forms part of the border between South Carolina and Georgia. When you’re ready to bump up the fun factor, visit Lake Hartwell’s The Shores of Asbury, where you’ll enjoy water adventures for hours on end. Situated just a few minutes from I-85 in Anderson, they have an RV resort and Waterfront Grill, but the chief attraction here is the Aqua Zone, a seasonal inflatable obstacle course that floats on the water. There’s even a Kid Zone obstacle course for the little ones.
