Camping and a Green Education in Upstate South Carolina

Along the North and South Carolina border is the Whitewater Falls Chain-six different waterfalls that are just one attraction in a unique part of the Blue Ridge Mountains. One writer of this wilderness area described it as a blue wall. For about 70 miles there is what’s called an escarpment. This is shear rock face lining deep gorges. The gorges are deep ravines that were created by the rushing waters. This area is called the Jocacee Gorges. For centuries, these pristine woodlands and waterways have been a source of sustenance to the local people, and wildlife, a source of inspiration to writers, dreamers and poets, and a source of recreation and relaxation to thousands of hikers, campers and explorers. The executive director of the South Carolina Wildlife Federation proclaimed that the area is a treasure trove of natural resources, and there are many unique species here that can only be found in this part of the country. It is an angler’s paradise. A variety of fish may be found in the clear, cold waters of the lakes and streams throughout the Gorges including brown and rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and sunfish. The Whitewater Falls is the highest series of falls in eastern North America. At the lower Whitewater Falls you can see a breathtaking dramatic 200-foot drop. A moderate 1-hour, two-mile hike along the Foothills Trail and a spur trail takes you to a spectacular overlook.

One of the other unique features of the area is that these falls, while beautiful, also provide a source of clean energy-hydroelectric power. And no trip to the area would be complete without a tour of the Bad Creek Hydroelectric Site operated by Duke Energy. For decades Duke Energy has partnered with many agencies and organizations to preserve and protect this fragile environment. Through one such program 30,000 acres of land owned by Duke have been sold back to the Carolinas creating an environmental sanctuary and recreational area larger than 25% of the nations national parks.

Camping in this area also affords one many other interesting attractions to visit. Here are just a few of them:
Hagood Mill, on the National Register of Historic Places, is a functioning 19th-century
water powered gristmill. Benjamin Hagood, an early settler of the Carolina Upcountry, built the original mill c. 1825. His son, James Hagood, built the mill at its present location in 1845 and it continued operations until the 1960s. Visitors are welcome during daylight hours to picnic and hike on the 13-acre tract. The mill is open for tours and corn-grinding demonstrations on the 3rd Saturday of every month. Stone ground cornmeal and grits are always available.

Laurel Fork Falls makes a spectacular 80-foot drop directly into Lake Jocacee and is best viewed from the lake. However, the falls can be viewed from either Lake Jocacee or from the Foothills Trail. From land: a 5-6 hour 8.1 mile hike over difficult terrain will require an overnight stay.

The Pickens Country Club is a classic old-style golf course that offers lots of challenges, especially on holes #2 and #16, both par 4’s, that require accuracy to hit to greens.

The Pickens County Museum of Art and History is housed in the old Pickens County “Gaol” (jail). This wonderful example of turn-of-the-century architecture is constructed of hand-rolled bricks and has a distinctive crenellated turret and copper-colored tin roof.

The Rock at Jocacee is a notable golf course of rolling terrain featuring a sliding rock waterfall. Walking allowed after 1pm on weekends.

Twin Falls, one of the spectacular waterfalls to see is also known as Reedy Cove Falls, Rock Falls, or Eastatoe Falls.

For camping facilities there are many choices in the large area. Numerous state parks in the surroundings have RV camping facilities. They include: Table Rock State Park, Devil’s Fork State Park, Oconee State Park and Cherry Hill Recreation Area. The camp area in Laurel Fork Creek meets walk-in camping needs.

The Oconee State Park Camping area has 140 sites with electricity and water and 15 tent sites.
The main campground, located near the park lake, offers gravel campsites with individual water and electrical hookups and picnic table and can accommodate RV’s up to 35 ft. While tent campers may use the sites with water and electrical hookups, a designated walk-in tent camping area, located 100 yards off the main campground, includes tent pads and centralized water. Each campground is convenient to restrooms with hot showers. A dump station is available for RV’s. While you’re there, ride a paddleboat on the mountain lake.

The Cherry Hill Recreation Area has a 29-acre campground. Spend afternoons visiting the nearby Chattanooga River Picnic Area, Wahalla State Fish Hatchery, or Ellicott Rock Wilderness Area. Hike part of the foothills Trail, or take a 30 minute drive northeast to Whitewater Falls, the highest waterfall in the east.

Whether you go for strictly camping, or for gaining a little knowledge, or taking in the beauty, Jocacee Gorges offers you a range of opportunities.