The Jocassee Gorges

Named by National Geographic as one of the “World’s Last Great Places,” this protected 50,000-acre wilderness of waterfalls, rare plants and pristine mountain landscapes remains one of South Carolina’s most extraordinary natural treasures.

Lake Jocassee, Devils Fork State Park

Experience the Wild Beauty of the Jocassee Gorges

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, kayaking beneath mountain cliffs or simply enjoying a quiet hike, the Jocassee Gorges offers limitless adventures and new ways to reconnect with nature—and yourself.

The “Destination of a Lifetime”

The Jocassee Gorges offers unmatched natural beauty with crystal-clear waters, rugged trails and views from South Carolina’s highest peak.

5 Days Exploring Devils Fork State Park and the Upstate

Situated along SC Scenic Highway 11, Devils Fork State Park is the perfect launchpad for exploring the Upcountry.

10 Things You Might Not Know about the Jocassee Gorges

From star-crossed lovers and extinct parakeets to submerged towns beneath Lake Jocassee, the Jocassee Gorges is full of fascinating stories.

Jumping Off Rock Offers Breathtaking Views of Lake Jocassee

Overlooking Lake Jocassee and the Blue Ridge Mountains, Jumping Off Rock offers one of the most breathtaking views in South Carolina.

Salem Serves as Gateway to the Stunning Lake Jocassee

The crystal-clear waters of Lake Jocassee and the rare Oconee Bells await at Devils Fork State Park in the quiet town of Salem.

A Rugged Hike Through Unspoiled Wilderness

Roundtop Mountain Passage takes hikers deep into the Jocassee Gorges with rugged climbs, old-growth forests and stunning mountain views.

Discover an Underwater World

From weightless dives to whimsical underwater treasures, Lake Jocassee is the perfect place to earn your scuba certification.

10 Fun Adventures in the Jocassee Gorges

From paddling beneath waterfalls to standing atop Sassafras Mountain, here are 10 ways to experience the wild beauty of the Jocassee Gorges.

Hike to Twin Falls

Explore remnants of an old railroad and forested paths on the way to Twin Falls, one of Pickens County’s most striking waterfalls.

A Hike Through Laurel Valley Offers Stunning View of Falls

From handcrafted bridges to hidden walnut groves, the trail to Laurel Fork Falls is as rewarding as the waterfall itself.

Explore South Carolina’s Mountain Wilderness on the Foothills Trail

With more than a dozen access points, the Foothills Trail makes South Carolina’s most rugged landscapes accessible to both backpackers and day hikers.

Enjoy Spectacular Views from the Sassafras Mountain Observation Tower

Visitors to Sassafras Mountain can stand in both Carolinas at once while enjoying 360-degree views from the new observation tower.

Water Sports Abound at Lake Jocassee

Whether you rent a kayak for a quiet paddle, rev up a jet ski for some thrills or dive beneath the surface to uncover hidden treasures, Lake Jocassee delivers an unforgettable day on the water.

Explore the Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve

Tucked inside the Jocassee Gorges, Eastatoe Creek Heritage Preserve is a 374-acre wilderness where hikers can explore humid gorges, rare plants and the dramatic rock channels of The Narrows.

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