Last Updated on June 21, 2023 by Nikole

Lake Jacossee is nestled within the town of Salem, South Carolina, and compliments the Blue Ridge mountains. Lake Keowee is only a few miles away. In other words, there are many things to do near Lake Jocassee. 

The area surrounding Lake Jocassee is fairly remote, but that doesn’t mean it’s hard to navigate.

Lake Jocassee and the Gorges Wilderness area are packed full of adventures including:

• Hidden waterfalls
• 50,000 acres of explorable forestland
• Two state parks
• Tons of hiking trails
• Several observation decks

1. Kayak or Paddle Board Lake Jocassee

The first thing I would recommend doing near Lake Jocassee is renting a kayak at Devil’s Fork State Park. You can also bring your kayak.

Once you embark on your journey, you may find several caves, cliffs, waterfalls, and pristine waters to snorkel in. 

2. Visit South Carolina’s Highest Point

South Carolina’s highest point, Sassafras Mountain, is located about 45 minutes from Lake Jocassee. You can see all three states (North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia) from an 11-foot-tall platform.

The mountain rises 3,553 feet in the Blue Ridge Mountains and is preferable that you hike on a clear sunny day.

3. Snorkel or Scuba Dive at Lake Jocassee

Snorkeling is a possible thing to do at Lake Jocassee because of how clear the water is. Anywhere you go on the lake is a perfect spot for snorkeling. There are, however, some snorkeling areas better than others.

If you are a licensed scuba diver, head to the Lake Jacossee Dive Shop for equipment and boat tours. There have been some that have found the underwater girl’s camp and old town that was buried. 

130 feet under Lake Jocassee, you will find the graveyard that was a part of Mount Carmel Church. The bodies were removed from the graveyard, but the headstones are still there. 

4. Drive and Find Hidden Treasures

Around every bend of Lake Jocassee, you will find something interesting and new to discover. Since this region is covered with rolling hills, views, and many roads, you will find it easy to explore. 

Stop by the visitor center for a map of Lake Jocassee so you can easily find hidden gems.

5. Hike the Many Trails Near Lake Jocassee

There are so many trails near Lake Jocassee that provide wonderful scenic destinations. 

As far as which trail is the best one to hike, a few come to mind;

1. Beech Bottom Falls- this trail is 1.7 miles long and brings you to a gorgeous waterfall at the end.
2. Virginia Hawkins Falls- you will find a wide waterfall at the end of this 2.6-mile hike.
3. Chimneytop Gap and Sassafras Mountain Via Foothill Trail- This trail will bring you to the top of Sassafrass Mountain after a 5.1-mile hike to see the three states.

5. Drive to Jump Off Rock

Driving to Jump off Rock may be a bit tricky to get to. If you have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, then you should be good. However, I have heard of people driving their minivans, and they still get to Jump Off Rock just fine. 

You will find this scenic view of Lake Jocassee Just off Horse Pasture Road. 

6. Hike to Waterfalls

Lake Jocassee and the surrounding area are littered with waterfalls. Most trails around the lake seem to lead to a waterfall.

By far, one of the most rewarding waterfalls is the Upper white waterfall experience. You can hike to the overlook through a paved trail. If you want to go to the top of the falls, you will veer to the left of that overlook. Trust me, it’s worth it! Just be careful and watch out because there have been several deaths on that trail.

Another easy trail is the 15-minute walk to Twin Falls. This hike will take you along Reedy Cove Creek and rewards you with the sounds of flowing water.

7. Take a Boating Waterfall Tour on Lake Jocassee

Waterfalls on the lake are the staple when it comes to things to do near Lake Jocassee. At times I forgot I was even at a lake. The water was so pristine and blue- I thought I was on a tropical vacation. 

If you have a boat or rent a boat looking for waterfalls on Lake Jocassee is a must!

There are 6 Waterfalls you can visit along Lake Jocassees 75- mile shoreline. The only way you can see them all is by boat. 

8. Trout Fishing

Fish on the East Fork Chattooga River for trout fish. The Walhalla Fish Hatchery hatches trout fish and releases them in the river. 

At the hatchery, you can learn how the fish are hatched, raised, and air-lifted into the river. You can also see the boxes the fish live in until release time. 

9. Estatoe Creek Heritage Preserve

If you are into forestry and rare plants, the Estatoe Creek Heritage Preserve is the place for you. This hike takes you along a moderate 1.7-mile hike through a forest dotted with hemlocks, rare ferns, and wildflowers. 

This area is mainly a preserve for 3 rare ferns, but you may spot other species of plants along this humid trail. 

10. Explore the Jacossee Gorges Wilderness Area

The Gorges wilderness is for those who love to hike, explore, and site see. You will find many waterfalls, overlooks, and river crossings.

A few of the best trails in this area are:

1. Foothills Trail to Lake Jocassee- this strenuous 15.5-mile hike will take you across rivers, waterfalls, and Lake Jocassee.
2. Virginia Hawkins Falls- a 2.6-mile hike to a beautiful waterfall.

11. Spend the Day at Devil’s Fork State Park

Devil’s Fork State Park is the only way you can get into Lake Jocassee unless you want to hike a strenuous 15-mile trail. 

There is a beach at Lake Jocassee at Devil’s Fork State Park. You need to climb down a small rock wall to get to it, but the beach has sand and clear waters. 

This state park has many other activities to offer, including:

• Kayak and paddle board rentals
• Gift shop
• 4 Boat launches
• Kayak area
• Information Center
• Campsite

12. Boat to the Cliff Jumping Areas

There are several areas you can cliff jump, or jump off a rock if you are too chicken for the higher jumps- like me.

If you are extreme, you can climb on the rocks at the Wall at Lake Jocassee, but I wouldn’t recommend it as it’s very dangerous. I’m not even sure it’s safe, but I did see some extremists doing it while we were boating. 

There is a rock in the same bay as the kayaking area. It’s located across the bay, and you will have to kayak to it. If you are staying at the campsite, you can walk to it through the woods. It’s probably a 10 to 15-foot drop, so nothing too extreme. 

13. Camp at one of the Many Camp Grounds

There are many places you can stay near Lake Jocassee, but one of the best ways to stay is at one of the campgrounds. 

Camping is also one of the cheapest ways to stay near this lake. You can also stay in a few other ways:

• Houseboat
• Airbnb
• Dome
• Cabin rental
• Rinkidink hotel

14. Find some of the Many Overlooks

There are several overlooks around the Lake-this is the perfect thing to do near Lake Jocasse, especially for those who can’t hike.

Check out the scenic overlook on State Rd S-37 for a faraway look at Lake Jocassee.

If you want a closer look at the lake, try the Visitor Overlook. At this point, you can even see a part of the Lower White Waterfalls. 

In Conclusion

There are so many things to do near Lake Jocassee for all ages, skill levels, and groups of people. If I could recommend one thing you do, it’s see the waterfalls- whether you boat, kayak, or hike to them.