“I’ve lived here my whole life, and I’ve never seen half the waterfalls that are here,” says Trey Barnett, owner of Humble Pie pizza shop, The Gauge Coffee House, and Chattooga Whitewater Shop in Long Creek, South Carolina.
He says that repeat visitors are common. Within the span of a few hours, they can discover multiple waterfalls, stop for a dip in the Chattooga River, watch a sunrise or sunset around Lake Jocassee, and never have the same experience twice.
Oconee County, South Carolina invites you to experience scenic mountain views, lakes, and waterfalls alongside friendly small-town charm. Enjoy great county & state parks, comfortable places to stay, with festivals and events that bring the community and visitors together year-round.
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“People can come for three days and unplug and have a chance to breathe again,” Barnett says. “That’s something special that you don’t just get anywhere.”
Whether you chase waterfalls, fly-fish, kayak, or hike along the hundreds of miles of trails, first-time visitors discover Oconee County has more than could ever be experienced in just one weekend.
As you plan your adventures — whether for your first trip or fifth — read on for seven experiences for the top of your list.
Formed by headwaters from the top of Station Mountain, Station Cove Falls is easy to reach on a relatively short, flat trail. Photography courtesy of Visit Oconee
Hit the trail for an immediate immersion into Oconee County’s sweeping greenspace. For a gentle start, begin at Oconee Station, an old trading post and military barracks site. A 30-minute hike through the forest leads to Station Cove Falls, a 60-foot stepped waterfall.
Before beginning your hike, check out the stone blockhouse once used by the South Carolina militia at Oconee Station State Historic Site. Photography courtesy of Visit Oconee
To spend a full afternoon under the canopy, head to Oconee State Park, where seven trails wind past mountain lakes and through forests lush with mountain laurel and rhododendron. One of Barnett’s favorites, Opossum Creek Falls Trail in Sumter National Forest, is well worth the four-mile roundtrip hike to view a four-stage waterfall. The area’s greenhouse effect also causes earlier blooms for flowers like trillium and jack-in-the-pulpits.
For the true trekking enthusiast, Oconee serves as a gateway to the state’s most extraordinary backpacking experience, Foothills Trail. Depending on where you start, it’s either 80 or 85 miles long and offers hikers the chance to retreat into the woods for multiple days.
Mountain bike along the trails through Stumphouse Park’s 440-acres. Photography courtesy of Visit Oconee
Refuel after a bike ride with lunch at Stumphaus Taproom. Photography courtesy of Visit Oconee
Trade two feet for two wheels at the 440-acre Stumphouse Park, which includes Stumphouse Tunnel, Issaqueena Falls, Stumphouse Passage along the Palmetto Trail, Blue Ridge Railroad hiking trail, and Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park.
Designed for all skill levels, this state-of-the-art mountain biking facility conveniently connects to the statewide Palmetto Trail and is the only recreational facility of its kind open to the public in upstate South Carolina. After working up an appetite on the mountain, take a short drive to the nearby town of Walhalla where the local cycling culture thrives. Refuel with a craft beer and a hearty bite at Stumphaus Taproom or enjoy the local brews at Freehouse Brewery.
Lake Jocassee is a 7,500-acre, 300-foot-deep reservoir fed by clean, cold mountain rivers. Explore the jagged shoreline and hidden coves via kayak or paddleboard with rentals from Eclectic Sun, located within Devils Fork State Park. For a guided tour, Jocassee Lake Tours focuses on the ecology and history of the Jocassee Gorges. Southern Outlaw Adventures offers captained private tours for groups up to 10.
If you prefer to set sail on your own, various motorized and non-motorized options from Jocassee Keowee Rentals give you a memorable day on the water. If fishing’s your fancy, bring your own gear or rent from Jocassee Outdoor Center. You might get lucky and reel in a smallmouth bass or even a trophy trout.
Cast your line for smallmouth bass and trout in the Chauga River. Photography courtesy of Visit Oconee
For those who’d rather catch the current, the rivers of Oconee are legendary, attracting international watersports enthusiasts. Anglers should head to the Chauga River for some of the best fly-fishing in the region. Chattooga River Fly Shop offers guided fly-fishing wade trips and carries a wide variety of flies, from the smallest of the midges to the largest stone flies necessary.
Navigate the Chattooga River’s whitewater rapids alongside an experienced guide. Photography courtesy of Visit Oconee
Meanwhile, the wild and scenic Chattooga River offers premier whitewater rafting on one of the few remaining free-flowing streams in the Southeast, bordered by dense forests and undeveloped shorelines. You can book guided experiences to brave family-friendly Class III or the high-adventure Class IV rapids through nearby outfitters like Wildwater Chattooga and Nantahala Outdoor Center. For in-depth recommendations, pick up supplies at the Chattooga Whitewater Shop, where Barnett and his staff are ready to advise on just about any activity available.
Settle into a woodsy cabin at Wildwater Chattooga. Photography courtesy of Visit Oconee
Unwind after a day of outdoor play with assorted pizzas at Humble Pie. Photography courtesy of Visit Oconee
After a day of adrenaline, there is no better place to decompress than the Long Creek community Barnett and his family call home. A variety of accommodations — like luxury houses with all the amenities of deluxe lodging, a cozy treehouse, fully furnished duplex cottages, and simple bunkhouse yurts perfect for families — at Wildwater Chattooga provide a place to unwind.
The Chattooga River Lodge and Campground provide additional options with nine rooms and full RV hook-ups.
As far as dining, everything you need is right here. Start your morning at The Gauge Coffeehouse, grab lunch at the Chattooga Belle Farm’s on-site bistro, and finish the day with a to-go pizza from Humble Pie to enjoy during a sunset-view picnic at Chattooga Belle. Afterward, stop in at Willie’s Tavern for a lively night cap.
Explore downtown Seneca on foot so that you can easily wander between shops, restaurants, and community events. Photography courtesy of Visit Oconee
Transition out of the Oconee’s wilderness by exploring charming Seneca’s restaurants, shops, and lively social scene.
Life-long resident Riley Johnson has watched his hometown evolve from a summer pit-stop on the way to Lake Jocassee into the actual destination, drawing thousands to events like the popular weekly Jazz on the Alley or the annual St. Patrick’s Day Race for the Green.
Sip a Lakecation IPA at Keowee Brewing Company. Photography courtesy of Visit Oconee
Johnson has served as the city of Seneca’s event coordinator since 2010 and says people are finding out how much fun it is to enjoy Oconee’s huge variety of activities year-round.
“We are in season all seasons,” he says.
Grab a pint at local favorite Keowee Brewing Company or enjoy a glass of wine at self-serve Ram Cat Cellars. Townville 103 is a top spot for casual dining with a cozy dining room, sunny patio, and spacious courtyard called The Yard. For a fine dining experience, Vangeli’s Bistro offers a rotating menu and live music. To fully immerse yourself, book a stay at the Lofts on Townville for updated accommodations in the heart of the action.
Held on Thursday evenings, Jazz on the Alley transforms Ram Cat Alley into a long, walkable music venue in the heart of Seneca. Photography courtesy of Visit Oconee
Oconee’s soul is found in its arts. If you visit Seneca from April to October, Jazz on the Alley is a weekly staple where the community gathers for live music.
A short drive away in Walhalla, the Walhalla Performing Arts Center hosts a range of national acts and even offers two unique on-site suites on the second floor that are available to book Thursday through Sunday nights. For those who want to understand the roots of the region, the Oconee History Museum provides a fascinating look at the heritage that shaped these mountains.
Catch shows at the Walhalla Performing Arts Center. Photography courtesy of Visit Oconee
Throughout the year, Oconee hosts vibrant events from apple festivals to holiday parades. Check out the official event page to see what’s coming up during your stay. “We want to create excitement to get people out of their houses to spend the weekend with us,” Johnson says.
Ready to plan your visit? Whether you want to dive into the arts or play outside, click here to learn more.
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