Discover Oconee County
- Lake Hartwell Country
- Jan 21
- 3 min read
Did you know that our region, Lake Hartwell Country, extends beyond the shores of Lake Hartwell itself? We’re the regional tourism office for Anderson, Oconee, and Pickens counties, the beautiful corner of Upstate South Carolina that spans from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the southern shores of our namesake lake. One of our favorite off-the-beaten-path adventures is a day-long road trip through Oconee County, the most northwestern county in the state. Grab a copy of the all-new 2026 Discover SC Vacation Guide magazine, coming soon in February, and follow along with your own day out in Oconee.
Wake Up in Walhalla
Begin your day in Walhalla, nicknamed the “Main Street to the Mountains.” Founded by a group of German immigrants in the mid-1800s, this charming city is a great starting point for a drive through the mountains. Grab a beverage and pastry at a local café to fuel up first – we’re partial to the craft coffee drinks at Alexander’s Coffee House & Café named after nearby landmarks, like the Runaway Issaqueena, Snowing at the Fish Hatchery, or Oconee Bell lattes.
Visit Yellow Branch Falls
Once you’re suitably caffeinated, drive up about 6 miles north of town to the Yellow Branch Falls trailhead. Experienced hikers will enjoy this moderately difficult 1.5-mile-long trail out to a stunning, 50-foot cascade. The falls are dramatic and photogenic, even in drier times of year: the tiered rock face shows what eons of erosion can do in this scenic slice of the Appalachian Mountains.
Investigate Stumphouse Tunnel
Almost directly across the main road from the Yellow Branch Falls trailhead is Stumphouse Tunnel Road. After paying a small entry fee, you can choose your own adventure: climb down Issaqueena Falls, take a walk past the Blue Ridge Railroad Trailhead, hit the trails at Stumphouse Mountain Bike Park, or brave the darkness of Stumphouse Tunnel. The tunnel began construction, originally intended as a railroad passage, before the Civil War; in the years since, it was used by Clemson University to store blue cheese and is now a tourist attraction.
Soak in the Views at Wigington Overlook
A scenic half-hour drive will take you to Wigington Overlook, nearly at the North Carolina border. A large pull-off on the side of the road allows you to gaze over the rolling blue ridge and tranquil waters in safety and serenity. On clear days, you can see sweeping views for miles around!
Dip Your Toes in Lake Jocassee
Lake Jocassee is the northernmost of the three major lakes in Lake Hartwell Country, and thanks to its mountainous location, it’s also the most isolated. That’s not to say it’s not the perfect destination for a fun afternoon, though – you just might have the lake to yourself! The only public access point to the lake is through Devils Fork State Park in Salem, so make sure to grab a park map to see the best trails and public access points to the lake. This is the perfect place to have a picnic lunch and lounge around all afternoon, right next to the beautiful 7,565-acre lake.
Wet Your Whistle at Jocassee Valley Brewing
End the day with a cold pint and live music at this Salem-based taproom, less than 10 minutes away from the state park entrance. You’ll want to check out their event calendar ahead of time, so you know who’s playing and which food truck is on-site. Jocassee Valley Brewing Company offers both their own craft beers as well as a selection from other regional brewers, so there’s sure to be something on tap you’ll love. You’ve earned it after a long, exhilarating day exploring the mountains!
We hope you enjoy a day in Oconee County as much as we do. For more adventures in Lake Hartwell Country and beyond, pick up the latest copy of Discover SC Vacation Guide at your closest visitor’s bureau or rest stop.
