Get Away From It All At This Crystal Clear Lake In South Carolina
Few things compare to the unspoiled beauty found in the Jocassee Gorges at South Carolina’s Lake Jocassee. At 7,500 acres and boasting a mere 75 miles of shoreline, in comparison to South Carolina’s other man-made lakes it’s a long way from being the biggest of them all, but it is definitely the most crystal clear lake in the state. Ask anyone who has spent a day at, on, or in Lake Jocassee, and they’ll tell you it’s paradise.
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Jocassee's clear waters trickle and sometimes pour down the steep faces of her surrounding mountains.
Among the largest of the contributing rivers is the Whitewater River, known for its two-part waterfall where the Upper Falls are in North Carolina and by the time the water gets to the Lower Falls it's in South Carolina territory.
Among the other large rivers that contribute to the lake are the Toxaway, the Horsepasture, and the Thompson.
Bring your canoe or kayak, or rent one, and paddle up one of the river pathways to your own little shady spot in paradise. The Toxaway is a good one for this.
On the other hand, some rivers and creeks don't simply meander into the lake.
Those with a dive certification can explore the great depths of this crystal clear underwater playground to discover the legendary town at the bottom of the lake. Lake Jocassee Dive Shop, located a few miles away in Salem, can provide all the necessary info, equipment, and dive tours, if you're interested. More info is available here. Or, call them at 864-944-9255.
Prefer to see things on TOP of the lake and along the shore instead?
If you don't happen to own a boat, a lake tour is an excellent way to see the best sights. We suggest booking through Jocassee Lake Tours. Learn more about their tours here or by calling (864) 280-5501. The tours depart from the main dock at Devils Fork State Park.
At Devils Fork State Park, a third-party rents kayaks and canoes at reasonable rates.
Whether you're spotting prey on top of the water, or the fish swimming around underneath your kayak or boat, it's fun to witness how much the wildlife, too, love this crystal clear lake!
Unless you own a house on the lake, your best option for an overnight stay is at Devils Fork State Park.
The park offers a number of well-appointed cabins (most with views of the lake) that have everything you'll need for a peaceful getaway; just bring linens and food!
Prefer a more rustic experience? Bring the camper and enjoy the two campgrounds at the state park; one of them even has designated walk-in tent sites that aren't too far from the parking area.
The Jocassee Gorges was designated as One of the World’s Last Great Places in 2012 by National Geographic. Once you experience this fantastic lake within the gorges, you’ll see why. The best public access to the lake is via Devils Fork State Park, read more about it here. The park is open year-round beginning at 7 a.m. Closing times depend upon the season. Visit the park’s website here for current hours of operation.
Address: 161 Holcombe Circle, Salem, SC 29676
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Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
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