Adventures on Lake Jocassee

 It is rare to find such pristine wilderness these days – especially when it is so accessible via Devil’s Fork State Park in SC in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

 Lake Jocassee is a boater and paddler’s paradise with about 90 miles of UNDEVELOPED coastline to explore.  In fact, there are less than forty homes on the lake and the lake is accessible only via the state park entrance and by boat! 

On today’s show, I interviewed co-owner of Jocassee Lake Tours, Brooks Wade, plus my boat tour guide, Sheryl White and two more knowledgeable locals, Zach Maddox and Dan Whitten.  They disclosed their favorite place on the lake that you won’t find in any brochure, and I don’t want to spoil it, so you’ll have to listen to the show to find out where it is:)  Check out the player above, listen on any podcast app, or subscribe here.

What to do at Lake Jocassee

Your first stop should be at the Visitor’s Center at Devil’s Fork State Park.  In addition to learning about the lake and park, you can pick up some souvenirs and get updates on the weather and other important information.

It’s a good idea to take the half day boat tour of the lake with Jocassee Lake Tours.  This will give you a good overview of the lake and it’s history and you will see how massive it is!  The lake is formed by four converging rivers that were dammed in 1973 and now covers over 7500 acres.  The lake can be over 300′ deep in parts.

Jocassee Lake Tours also offers guided kayak tours where they TOW your kayak to the cool spots for you to then kayak and explore, so you end up paddling about three hours and riding in the boat about three hours.  They also rent kayaks or can transport you to different spots and then you either kayak back or have them pick you up later.

Sign up for their helpful Sunday email newsletter to get the scoop on pop-up tours, such as the Frozen Waterfall Tours in the winter whenever this relatively mild foothill climate freezes long enough for the many, many waterfalls to freeze over.  The newsletter also lets you know which of the vast array of wildflowers are blooming, including the rare Oconee Bell, or when they have special programs like the first Sunday of the month naturalist-led tour, First Sunday Expeditions.

When to Visit Lake Jocassee

Because the elevation is not too high, being in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, you can visit Lake Jocassee year ’round!  Each season has it’s advantages.  To check current conditions, visit the Devil’s Fork State Park website.

Spring:

There is an abundance of wildflowers, some found only in this region such as the Oconee Bell, a beautiful creamy white flower with sassy fringe on the edges that has galaxies-like leaves and prefers to hug the banks of the creeks.

Summer:

NO MOSQUITOS and low humidity!  The terrain is too steep to allow for puddled water, so there aren’t any breeding grounds for mosquitos!  Once you get out over the water away from the docks, you cool right off, even in the heat of summer. Summer is obviously the most crowded, but since the lake is so large, the dock area plus a handful of the most popular waterfalls is the only place you won’t feel alone.

Fall:

The Jocassee Gorges area boasts some of the United States most diverse hardwood forests which makes for spectacular fall color!  Temperatures are delightful and the landscape breathtaking!

Winter:

The leaves are down allowing you to fully enjoy the foothills.  If you are lucky, and this relatively mild winter climate freezes for a few days, then you might be lucky enough to snag a spot on the Jocassee Lake Tours’ pop-up Frozen Waterfall Boat Tour!  Hiking is pleasant in the winter as well.  Just check the weather and make sure you are wearing the proper gear.

Hiking Jocassee Gorge

 Short Hikes at Lake Jocassee

 There is a short but beautiful and well maintained hike right off the Visitor’s Center at Devil’s Fork State Park. This trail gives you a good feel for this beautiful area!

The Foothills Trail 

 The Foothills Trail is a beautiful and at times challenging trail that run between Oconee State Park in South Carolina to Table Rock State Park in North Carolina.

 This 77 mile trail can be done as a through hike or you can make arrangements to hike sections of it.  Jocassee Lake Tours can help you arrange pick ups and drop offs.  If you are through hiking, the Foothills Conservancy offers FREE shuttles.  Be sure to register and arrange your parking!

Click for more info about Jocassee Lake Tours.

Lodging at Devil’s Fork State Park:

Lake Cabins:

 The Park has twenty REALLY NICE cabins by the lake.  They can be reserved up to 13 months in advance and have either 2-3 bedrooms.  I rented Villa 8, which states it is handicap accessible, and while someone in a wheelchair could access the house, they couldn’t access the tub, so if that is an issue, check with Reservations before you book.  I was really impressed with the cabin:  we have a great view, granite countertops, a fireplace, and a large screened in porch.

 The cabins come fully furnished and have basic kitchen needs, linens, heat and air, satellite TV and wifi (which was at times dicey though), a charcoal grill and a picnic table.

 No pets are allowed in the cabins.  From Memorial Day to Labor Day there is a one week minimum.  If you want a cabin and it’s less than three days away, you’ll need to call directly to make arrangements:  1-866-345-PARK(7275).

RV Hookups:

 Bring your RV as they have hookups for you!  Be sure to reserve, especially in the summer.  Some of the 59 sites can accommodate an RV as large as 40′.  Rates are variable.  Click to make a reservation or for more info. A dump station is available.  Pet allowed if on less than 6′ leash and are not a nuisance.

Camp sites:

Tent campers CAN use the RV sites which have water and electric, or they can book a standard campsite that comes with a 12′ x 12′ pad (no tents on the ground).  These sites come with a picnic table and fire ring (buy your wood locally!).  Water spigots and restrooms nearby. Pet allowed if on less than 6′ leash and are not a nuisance.

Island Camp Site:

Accessible only by boat, there is a truly rustic campground on a nearby island. The only ‘facility’ is a privy.  Jocassee Lake Tours can shuttle you if you don’t have a boat.

Wildlife on Lake Jocassee

Because the water and woods are in such pristine condition, and of such biodiversity, there is an abundance of wildlife.

150 Loons overwinter on the lake and it is not uncommon to see Bald Eagles hunting.

Wildflowers at Devil’s Fork State Park

In early spring, you might find the Oconee Bell wildflower, found only in this region.  This delightful ground hugging flower is found along creek banks.  The ecosystem diversity allows for an abundant variety of wildflowers.

Jocassee Gorge one of the Last Great Places!

In 2012, National Geographic ranked Jocassee Gorge as the ninth out of the TOP 50 Last Great Destinations to see!

Rich biodiversity, gloriously undeveloped and massive in scale.

Pisgah National Forest

From Devil’s Fork State Park, you are very close to one of my very favorite spots, so if you have time and a car, it is worth the drive to Brevard, NC to explore Pisgah National Forest. There are miles of trails to hike and mountain bike in Pisgah.  I did a podcast episode on the area that you can listen to and visit my webpage HERE.