South Carolina's Serene Lake Boasts Turquoise, Caribbean-Like Water With Scenic Waterfalls

There's only one way to access peaceful Lake Jocassee, a deep, clear reservoir surrounded by about 43,000 acres of forest in the northwest corner of South Carolina. And that's through the recreational gem of Devil's Fork State Park in the rugged Blue Ridge Mountains.

Access is limited in part because the serene 7,500-acre lake is surrounded by the Jocassee Gorges – deep gashes carved by streams and rivers coursing down the Blue Ridge Escarpment, where the mountains plunge more than 2,000 feet in less than half a mile. These clean mountain streams contribute to surprising clarity for a southern lake. "Water is crystal clear," gushes Leeshajoy on Tripadvisor. "[It] almost looks like the Caribbean."

While the clarity and color are reminiscent of the Caribbean, the temperature is not – those same streams, along with more than a half-dozen scenic waterfalls, keep the lake cooler than others in the area, making for a refreshing summertime dip. Be aware — while swimming is welcome, there are no specific designated swimming areas at Devil's Fork. If you're looking for an official beach with a cordoned-off swimming area, visit High Falls County Park. Under a half-hour away, it has a scenic beach perfect for a summer getaway. 

Landlubbers may be disappointed when they arrive at Lake Jocassee — most of the spectacular waterfalls are only accessible by boat. While the popular Laurel Fork Falls can also be accessed by a strenuous 8-mile one-way hike, the view of the 80-foot-high falls from the water is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Fortunately, boats are available to rent — and if you'd prefer an expert guide, lake tours are available. 

Lake Jocassee is almost as popular for what is below the surface — it was formed in 1973 by a dam, flooding a once-populated valley to generate hydroelectric power. With visibility generally more than 15 feet, and more than 50 feet at some spots, divers can see the remains of a hotel, stone pillars, a white picket fence marking a former girl's camp, and even grave markers. Don't worry — while the gravestones stand at the bottom of the lake, the remains of the loved ones were moved to dry land. 

Much recreation is found on and under water, but there is one rare beauty that can only be spotted on land. The Oconee Bell is a flower found only in a few spots in the mountains of North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. Whole colonies of the delicate flowers, known for white and yellow blossoms on a red stem, burst into bloom along the Oconee Bell Trail from mid-March to early April.

For a luxe stay at this serene park, book one of 20 villas fully furnished with linens, kitchen appliances, heat, air conditioning, and even high-speed internet. Prefer roughing it? The park also offers camping, including 25 boat-in backcountry sites.

Those sites do book up, especially in the busy summer season, so if a day trip is in the cards, consider staying a little over an hour away in Anderson, known as the "friendliest city in South Carolina." Day-trippers should arrive by 9:30 a.m., especially on spring and summer weekends, because parking is limited and can fill up quickly.  

Devil's Fork is about an hour west of Greenville, South Carolina, a beautiful spot to enjoy the end of the fall season. You will want a car for your visit, as there are no public transit options in this remote area. Plan to stock up on food and drinks in Greenville, or stop in nearby Salem, North Carolina, as limited supplies are available at the Devil's Fork camp store.