Explore One of South Carolina’s Deepest, Cleanest Lakes at Devils Fork State Park

There are so many bucket-list-worthy South Carolina State Parks that one could easily spend a lifetime experiencing each of them. From the Lowcountry to the rugged mountains, South Carolina's diverse terrain lends itself to an impressive collection of parks. You could easily be forgiven for feeling a bit overwhelmed, wondering "What is the best state park in South Carolina?" There's truly no wrong answer, but one that impresses us time and time again is Devils Fork State Park.

Located in Oconee County, this magnificent park is a treasure trove of natural beauty. Perhaps most notably, it offers access to the crown jewel of South Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, the 7,565-acre Lake Jocassee. The water is deep, with an average depth of 154 feet and a maximum depth of 351 feet. It's also notoriously clean, thanks to the four mountain streams and waterfalls that flow into it. For this reason, it's often considerably cooler than other South Carolina lakes, and it's also an ideal habitat for trout.

For a bit of historical context, the lake was created in 1973 by the state of South Carolina in partnership with Duke Energy. The Jocassee Dam forms the lake, measuring an impressive 385 feet high and 1,750 feet long. Long before, the area was inhabited by the Cherokee Nation, and the name Jocassee means "Place of the Lost One." After the Revolutionary War, the Cherokee were forced to give up their land to the U.S. Government.

Today, most of the land is owned by Duke Power or the State of South Carolina. Visiting Devils Fork State Park is one of the best ways to experience the lake. If you've never visited before, you'll quickly become enchanted by the crystal-clear water and rugged mountains. One of the best ways to experience the park is to hike through it. There are two main trails within the park: the Oconee Bell Trail, which is currently closed for repair, and the Laurel Fork Trail, accessible only by boat.

When was the last time you visited Devils Fork State Park? Be sure to share this article with someone you'd like to adventure there with! And, to make sure you've got everything you need, take a look at our ultimate hiking essentials packing list. Curious to learn more? Head on over to the official Devils Fork State Park for additional details about planning your visit.