Jan's Guide to the Lakes & Mountain Region of the "Golden Corner"

Roy & Janet
Roy & Janet
Jan's Guide to the Lakes & Mountain Region of the "Golden Corner"

Nature, Views, Hiking, Relaxing Outing

A short 20 minute drive from your campsite, up the base of the blue ridge mouintains will take you to the falls and picnic area. Nestled in a cool valley, you are also just a short walk from the historic Stumphouse Tunnel.
54 locals recommend
Issaqueena Falls
Stumphouse Tunnel Road
54 locals recommend
A short 20 minute drive from your campsite, up the base of the blue ridge mouintains will take you to the falls and picnic area. Nestled in a cool valley, you are also just a short walk from the historic Stumphouse Tunnel.
On the same property as Isaqueena falls, this tunnel was part of an effort to construct a rail line between Charleston and points West. Looking for an eerie moment, take a short hike in this dark, damp and sometimes bat ridden feature.
73 locals recommend
Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel
Stumphouse Tunnel Road
73 locals recommend
On the same property as Isaqueena falls, this tunnel was part of an effort to construct a rail line between Charleston and points West. Looking for an eerie moment, take a short hike in this dark, damp and sometimes bat ridden feature.
Just a 20 minute drive will take you to this historic site of a late 1700s military block house at the edge of the frontier and the home of a trading post that dealt in goods with the Cherokee inhabitants of that time. A nice hiking area that will lead you to a waterfall.
17 locals recommend
Oconee Station State Historic Site
500 Oconee Station Rd
17 locals recommend
Just a 20 minute drive will take you to this historic site of a late 1700s military block house at the edge of the frontier and the home of a trading post that dealt in goods with the Cherokee inhabitants of that time. A nice hiking area that will lead you to a waterfall.
A 25 minute drive up HY 11 (Cherokee Scenic Highway) will take you to this Lake Jocassee State Park. Nested into the mountain backdrop, this lake has exceptionally clean water, a nice beach, canoe and kayak rentals and picnic area, and a boat ramp as well. State Permit or daily fee.
53 locals recommend
Devil's Fork State Park
161 Holcombe Cir
53 locals recommend
A 25 minute drive up HY 11 (Cherokee Scenic Highway) will take you to this Lake Jocassee State Park. Nested into the mountain backdrop, this lake has exceptionally clean water, a nice beach, canoe and kayak rentals and picnic area, and a boat ramp as well. State Permit or daily fee.
A short distance beyond Devil's Fork into neighboring Pickens County is a magnificant view and overlook of several States. the highest point in SC, Sassafras Mountain has a steep approach, - winding road that takes you to the elevation where Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel are abundant. The newly completed lookout area is noted for Eagle and other bird watchers and incredible vistas.
35 locals recommend
Sassafras Mountain Trailhead
1391 F Van Clayton Memorial Hwy
35 locals recommend
A short distance beyond Devil's Fork into neighboring Pickens County is a magnificant view and overlook of several States. the highest point in SC, Sassafras Mountain has a steep approach, - winding road that takes you to the elevation where Rhododendron and Mountain Laurel are abundant. The newly completed lookout area is noted for Eagle and other bird watchers and incredible vistas.
Just 45 minutes from here, and just a bit further beyond your HY 11 visit to Sassafras Tower, is the well known Table Rock Nature Center, Lodge, ark and Lake. Here you will find some of the best mountain hiking (easy to challenging choices), in the Southeast, as well as a pristine lake where you can rent paddle boats, canoes, or kayaks. Fun fishing piers and weekly traditional music performances at the lodge. State Permit or Daily Fee.
66 locals recommend
Table Rock State Park
158 East Ellison Lane
66 locals recommend
Just 45 minutes from here, and just a bit further beyond your HY 11 visit to Sassafras Tower, is the well known Table Rock Nature Center, Lodge, ark and Lake. Here you will find some of the best mountain hiking (easy to challenging choices), in the Southeast, as well as a pristine lake where you can rent paddle boats, canoes, or kayaks. Fun fishing piers and weekly traditional music performances at the lodge. State Permit or Daily Fee.

Lake Access, Boating, Canoe, Kayak, Paddle Board

Just 5 minutes from your campsite is the closest free boat access to Lake Keowee. A modern boat ramp with load / offload pier that is also suitable for launching canoes and Kayaks. There is plenty of parking for you trailer and vehicle. Also just around the corner is a free access park with picnic tables, toilets and shore fishing locations.
Cane Creek Landing Boat Ramp
436 Cane Creek Landing Rd
Just 5 minutes from your campsite is the closest free boat access to Lake Keowee. A modern boat ramp with load / offload pier that is also suitable for launching canoes and Kayaks. There is plenty of parking for you trailer and vehicle. Also just around the corner is a free access park with picnic tables, toilets and shore fishing locations.
A 15 minute drive will take you to a nice County Park (daily fee) on Lake Keowee. The park includes a somewhat sandy beach and designated swimming area, and fishing piers, boat launch and short term boat docking.
8 locals recommend
High Falls County Park
671 High Falls Rd
8 locals recommend
A 15 minute drive will take you to a nice County Park (daily fee) on Lake Keowee. The park includes a somewhat sandy beach and designated swimming area, and fishing piers, boat launch and short term boat docking.
10 minute drive to this lakeside park with areas suitable for bike riding, kayak rentals and beach.
26 locals recommend
South Cove County Park
1099 S Cove Rd
26 locals recommend
10 minute drive to this lakeside park with areas suitable for bike riding, kayak rentals and beach.

Antiquing, Resale, and locally owned shops

The city of Walhalla is among other things, historically significant as a mid 19th century settlement of German Lutherans that migrated up from the low country. Today it is known for the numerous antique shops and nearby resale shops. October Fest is the main event of the year and well worth your fall planning. Traditional "Main Street" typical of the late 1800s.
15 locals recommend
Walhalla
15 locals recommend
The city of Walhalla is among other things, historically significant as a mid 19th century settlement of German Lutherans that migrated up from the low country. Today it is known for the numerous antique shops and nearby resale shops. October Fest is the main event of the year and well worth your fall planning. Traditional "Main Street" typical of the late 1800s.
Just over an hour drive up HY 28 is what has been purported to be the hideaway for the "rich and famous". Highlands, NC is a nice day outing from your campsite. Many quaint shops, a range of restaurants, and many scenic and interesting sites along the way. The drive includes a considerable amount of steep grades and curves, some are not for the timid, or those that are inclined to get car sick as passengers.
228 locals recommend
Highlands
228 locals recommend
Just over an hour drive up HY 28 is what has been purported to be the hideaway for the "rich and famous". Highlands, NC is a nice day outing from your campsite. Many quaint shops, a range of restaurants, and many scenic and interesting sites along the way. The drive includes a considerable amount of steep grades and curves, some are not for the timid, or those that are inclined to get car sick as passengers.

Sightseeing

Excellent Educational Center describing the nuclear electric power plant. Free admission. Check hours.
7 locals recommend
Oconee Nuclear Station
7812 Rochester Hwy
7 locals recommend
Excellent Educational Center describing the nuclear electric power plant. Free admission. Check hours.
Walhalla is the County Seat and home of Oconee HIstory Museum. Just a 10 minute drive, the museum offers a nice presentation of both the Native American history of the region, the early settlement and cultural perspectives.
9 locals recommend
Oconee History Museum
123 Browns Square Dr
9 locals recommend
Walhalla is the County Seat and home of Oconee HIstory Museum. Just a 10 minute drive, the museum offers a nice presentation of both the Native American history of the region, the early settlement and cultural perspectives.

Food scene

Very close to the Oconee Station Power plant, this lakeside restaurant offers a nice selection of menu items and has outdoor seating on a terrace overlooking Lake Keowee. The restaurant is also accessible by boat, and includes docking while dining.
49 locals recommend
The Lighthouse Restaurant & Event Center
1290 State Rd S-37-15
49 locals recommend
Very close to the Oconee Station Power plant, this lakeside restaurant offers a nice selection of menu items and has outdoor seating on a terrace overlooking Lake Keowee. The restaurant is also accessible by boat, and includes docking while dining.
Delightful locally owned restaurant with huge all day breakfast/brunch menu and a taste of local culture/cuisine.
10 locals recommend
Dimas Brothers Cafe
400 S Fairplay St
10 locals recommend
Delightful locally owned restaurant with huge all day breakfast/brunch menu and a taste of local culture/cuisine.