Lake Jocassee in South Carolina

by  guest-paddler

A self-supported trip created by guest-paddler

Trip Overview

Lake Jocassee is 7,565-acre mountain lake owned by Duke Power Corporation. It is a clear deep lake {max depth 326ft. mean depth 157 ft.} and known for its state record brown and rainbow trout, spotted and smallmouth bass. It is also a favorite of scuba divers and the area surrounding the lake is popular with backpackers and hikers as the Jocassee Gorge Wilderness Area surrounds much of the lake.

For the paddler the real interest is the waterfalls that empty into the lake. Large and small waterfalls dump cold mountain water into the lake. Many are hidden in the craggy coves and are only found by their sound, many of which are missed by motorboats.

Leaving from the remote campground boat access of Devil's Fork State Park campground is the nearest launch to these falls. Finding and viewing these falls requires padding across a large expanse of open water on a large lake but the boat traffic is minimal especially during the week. The sounds and views are breathtaking and worth the hour or so of open water paddling. We are a 50+ couple who left the boat ramp at 1:00pm on an overcast warm summer day with the water moderately choppy and we were able to view 5 waterfalls and return to the ramp by 6:00pm. The ranger scoffed at our chances to view any waterfall before the park closed at 9:00pm. Either we are in great shape and paddle really well {not} or it not as difficult as the ranger seemed to think. A tip to Hoyettes store should be included, they can supply maps and good info and are nice people

Directions:

Lake Jocasse is located off South Carolina highway 11. Follow the signs to Devil's Fork State Park. Highway 11 is accessed from interstate 85 at various exits.

Trip Details

  • Trip Duration: Day Trip
  • Sport/Activity: Kayaking
  • Skill Level: Beginner
  • Water Type: Flat/Sheltered Water

Trip Location