Is there a public access to Lake Jocassee?
Fortunately, Duke Energy partnered with dozens of local, state and natural conservation organizations to forever preserve the 43,000 wild acres surrounding the lake, including Gorges State Park. Devil’s Fork State Park, the aptly dubbed “Gateway to the Gorges,” offers the only public access to Lake Jocassee.
How big is Lake Jocassee National Park?
The park is the only public access point for Lake Jocassee, a 7,500-acre reservoir lake. Boat ramps for public boat access to the lake; 20 lakeside villas; 59 standard sites for RV or tent camping; 25 tent camping sites; 1 boat-in campground; 2 picnic shelters; 2 playgrounds; 2 mile Bear Cove Trail; 1 mile Oconee Bell Nature Trail. Park store.
What is the meaning of the word Jocassee?
Jocassee means “Place of the Lost One”. The beauty of Lake Jocassee Waterfalls ensures that there are almost always several boats and kayaks on the lake. Expect company in the vicinity of the falls since it’s unlikely that you’ll spend much alone time with the waterfalls. Though parking restrictions limit visitor numbers.
Is there a falls on Lake Jocassee?
Though unnamed waterfalls exist around the lake, the bigger falls have been named. Laurel Fork Falls is acknowledged as the crown jewel of Lake Jocassee. You’ll need a boat to get to the falls to the north of the lake. The water from the falls tumbles down 80 feet of rock and has three distinct sections.
How many homes are there on Lake Jocassee?
With over 75 miles of lake shoreline, there’s so much to explore. And the best part: there’s very little human development around the lake, including only 37 homes on the lake—many of which are available for rental. You’ll also find Devils Fork State Park, the only park located on Lake Jocassee.
Where are the falls on Lake Jocassee?
Many of the falls on Lake Jocassee are unnamed—or unofficially named—smaller falls found at the end of coves on the northern half of the lake. Two of the more spectacular waterfalls with official names are Wright Creek Falls and Mill Creek Falls.
Why are the Jocassee Gorges so popular?
The Jocassee Gorges region is known for an abundance of waterfalls that can be reached on foot or by boat. This abundance is attributed to several factors, including the hardness of the local rock. Another factor is the presence of a plateau area between the highest part of the mountain range and the rapid decrease in elevation—the Blue Ridge Escarpment—around the South Carolina border. The plateau area allows the rivers to gain volume from the numerous creeks and streams that feed into them. This brings us to another factor: the unusually high local rainfall—80 inches per year—which feeds the creeks and streams, which feed the rivers, and so on and so forth.
Can you play in Mill Creek Falls?
Mill Creek Falls cascades over a sheer rock face, allowing you to pull your boat right up to the splashing water. If you have a pontoon, your kids are sure to love this waterfall. They can play in it from the front of the boat!
Description
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Parking Info & Fees
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How many fingers does Lake Jocassee have?
Either way, consider stopping by the park store to buy your own waterproof map of the lake. Lake Jocassee is shaped like a hand with three fingers extending outward. The boat launch facilities are located deep at the palm of the hand. All the options below outline routes to explore the fingers of the lake.
What is the Jocassee Valley?
It’s no wonder Jocassee Valley held a central place in Cherokee myths. Places like Jocassee inspire stories. Water tumbles off the sides of the mountains from rivers and countless unnamed creeks, all converging into a crystal clear lake. The lake’s surface reflects mile after mile of pristine shoreline steeped with jagged rock formations, fading into uninterrupted mountain vistas for as far as the eye can see. The area is also a hotspot for diversity. Some of the rarest plants and animals in the world make this lush gorge home.
How to get a sense of wilderness area?
To really get a sense of wilderness area, paddle past Fisher Knob toward Whitewater River and Thompson River. Stay left and paddle all the way to where Whitewater River flows into the lake. Pull your kayak well up onto shore and hike alongside the river.
When did the Jocassee Valley get submerged?
When Duke Energy Co. dammed the river in the 1970s, an entire valley became forever submerged. Duke Energy bought most the land in Jocassee Valley and razed all the buildings. But the owners of Attakulla Lodge Hotel refused to sell. Scuba divers report the hotel remains unscathed 300 feet below the lake’s surface.
Where to paddle in Wright Creek?
If you still have time, paddle toward Wright Creek Waterfall and Thompson River. When lake levels are high, the falls flows directly into the lake and kayakers can paddle behind the waterfall. Lower lake levels reveal golden sandy beaches around the falls that make ideal picnic spots.
How many houses are there at Fisher Knob?
Within a few minutes, you’ll see houses on the point of Fisher Knob, where about twenty massive summer homes provide the only reminder of development in this otherwise wilderness area. The homes disappear when the lush canopy provides a welcome disguise, and the docks remain the sole reminder of civilization.
What is the gateway to the gorges?
Gateway to the Gorges. Devil’s Fork State Park, the aptly dubbed “Gateway to the Gorges,” offers the only public access to Lake Jocassee. Lake Jocassee’s relatively remote location and small parking lots limit the number of visitors. Even on busy summer weekends when boaters, anglers, and swimmers fill other lakes to capacity, ...
How deep is Keowee Lake?
The views, the water, waterfalls, trails, gorges, etc. at 400+ feet deep it is very deep. It feeds Keowee Lake over a hydroelectric dam which the water from Keowee is fed back upstream to a holding pond above Jocassee each night to refill Jocassee and spill into Keowee generating net free and green energy.
What is the most serene lake in the USA?
Lake Jocassee is one of the most serene and beautiful lakes in the Southeast USA. The emerald green waters and white sand beaches are unbelivable. Waterfalls cascade in magnificent splendor all along the 75 miles of unspoiled shoreline. Enjoy a weeks stay in this area as there are dozens of waterfalls trails and fantastic day trips like whitewater rafting and horseback riding.
Is there public access to Lake Jocassee?
When planning your visit to Lake Jocassee keep in mind that there is limited public access at all times. This is to maintain the natural splendor of the Jocassee Gorges for future generations to enjoy forever. There are no restaurants, marinas, hotels on this pristine Lake. Lodging is always to be secured in advance of your trip if you plan to stay fir more than just the day. Same goes for boat rentals and tours. All the waterfalls on the Lake are accessed by boat or by strenuous hiking over miles of mountain trails.
Can you park by the lake?
Assuming you mean in the park by the lake, yes.
Is Jocassee in the Upstate?
Word of warning: know the weather report for the day if you plan to be on the water. Jocassee is in a valley between mointains so storms come up very quickly and the water becomes very violent. If using a small water craft, stay near the shoreline for quick exit. NO I am not joking or exaggerating. Its an honest to goodness warning.
How many acres are there in Lake Jocassee?
Lake Jocassee, a reservoir lake covers an area of 7,565 acres. It gathers water from four rivers that spring from the Appalachians. The result is cool and clear throughout the year.
When did Cherokee settle in Jocassee Valley?
In the early 1700s , Cherokee lower towns filled the Jocassee Valley. The names of many of the rivers and reserves around Jocassee Lake reflect this history.
What is the name of the valley in Cherokee?
A Cherokee legend lies behind the name of the valley and later the lake. Legend has it that the Jocassee valley was once home to rival tribes. Nagoochee, a young warrior would sometimes hunt in the land occupied by the enemy tribe.
How to get to Wright Creek Falls?
Wright Creek Falls lies to the west of the lake. When the water is high, you can get to the waterfall by boat. Though it will take you a couple of hours to get there.
Is there a boat on Lake Jocassee?
The beauty of Lake Jocassee Waterfalls ensures that there are almost always several boats and kayaks on the lake. Expect company in the vicinity of the falls since it’s unlikely that you’ll spend much alone time with the waterfalls. Though parking restrictions limit visitor numbers.
