A Guide to Exploring Our Local Waters

Pickens and Oconee Counties are home to the "Triple Crown" of Southern lakes: Hartwell, Keowee, and Jocassee. While they sit just miles apart, each offers a completely different world to explore. If you’ve already hiked to the Upstate's waterfalls, it’s time to see them (and everything else) from the deck of a boat.

1. Lake Jocassee: The "Wilderness Wonder"

Jocassee is often called the "Lake Tahoe of the East," and for good reason. Tucked into the Gorges and surrounded by protected mountains, it is remarkably clear and remarkably cold.

• Best Way to Explore: Take a waterfall boat tour. Many of Jocassee’s falls, like Wright Creek and Laurel Fork, are only accessible by water. In the spring, these falls are roaring thanks to seasonal rains.

• Pro Tip: There is only one public access point (Devils Fork State Park). It fills up fast on weekends, so aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday to have the waterfalls all to yourself.

2. Lake Keowee: The "Emerald Escape"

If Jocassee is a wild forest, Keowee is the pristine park. Known for its vibrant emerald-blue water and stunning shoreline homes, it’s the perfect middle ground for a day of recreation.

• Best Way to Explore: Head to South Cove County Park or High Falls. Both offer fantastic picnic spots and boat ramps. If you don't have a boat, rent a kayak and explore the fingers of the lake—the water is usually calm enough for a peaceful morning paddle.

• Pro Tip: Pack a picnic and find a quiet cove. Keowee is famous for its "nooks and crannies," making it easy to find a private spot even on a busy Saturday.

  
  

3. Lake Hartwell: The "Social Hub"

Hartwell is the giant of the Upstate. With nearly 1,000 miles of shoreline, it is the heart of the local boating and fishing community.

• Best Way to Explore: Use Twelve Mile Park in Clemson as your home base. It offers a massive beach area, playgrounds, and plenty of shade. It’s the best "hang out" lake where you can spend all day grilling and watching the boats go by.

• Pro Tip: If you're looking for a sunset view, Hartwell’s wide-open horizon is hard to beat. The sky turns a deep violet over the water, providing the perfect end to a spring day.