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Waterfall tracking is one of my favorite pastimes, so when the heat of summer rolls in, my family and I make our way to the stunning Lake Jocassee waterfalls.
Nestled in the heart of the Jocassee Gorges, the lake’s cool, crystal-clear waters draw boulder-hoppers, swimmers, and water sports enthusiasts from miles around. It’s the perfect escape from the summer heat and an ideal spot to reconnect with nature.
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In 2012, National Geographic named this destination one of the “50 of the World’s Last Great Places”—and it’s easy to see why.
Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the breathtaking Lake Jocassee is surrounded by rugged gorges where countless waterfalls tumble, cascade, and trickle down into its crystal-clear waters.
Come along as we journey to one of the world’s last great places and explore everything the Lake Jocassee waterfalls have to offer.
Lake Jocassee – One of the World’s Last Great Places
Lake Jocassee is a stunning reservoir covering 7,565 acres, fed by four pristine rivers that flow down from the Appalachian Mountains. Thanks to these mountain sources, the lake remains cool and crystal clear year-round.
With 75 miles of untouched shoreline, the lake is completely surrounded by wild, protected forest. In total, over 43,000 acres of undeveloped land encircle the lake, creating a haven for diverse plant and wildlife species. Remarkably, this region is home to one of the only temperate rainforests east of the Rockies.
Beyond the lake itself, the rivers that feed it offer their own adventures for hikers and paddlers alike:
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Whitewater River
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Thompson River
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Horsepasture River
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Toxaway River
One of the lake’s most impressive features is its depth—reaching up to 350 feet. The steep, rocky gorges funnel cool mountain water into the lake, creating the ideal conditions for the spectacular waterfalls you’ll find here.
Because of the rugged cliffs and terrain, many of these waterfalls are only accessible by boat. Your journey will begin and end at Devil’s Fork State Park, the only public access point to the lake.
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If you’d like, I can continue with the top waterfalls at Lake Jocassee (with descriptions, tips, and must-see highlights) to complete your article.Lake Jocassee History
In the early 1700s, Cherokee lower towns filled the Jocassee Valley. The names of many of the rivers and reserves around Jocassee Lake reflect this history.
Europeans and the Cherokees traded for years until they fell out and trading ceased. There was a war in 1759 and the land was annexed by US decree in 1785.
Over time, the Jocassee Valley became a favored family holiday destination and was settled by colonial farmers. In the 1960s the Duke Energy Company started buying the land and demolished the buildings.
They built the dam in partnership with the State of South Carolina and flooded the valley in 1973.
The remains of what used to be the Atakapa Lodge bear testimony to the people who once lived in the valley. The lodge was left there after the area was dammed and stands still intact beneath 300 feet of icy water.
Divers sometimes visit it and the Mount Carmel Baptist Church cemetery which is located on the south end of the lake beneath around 130 feet of water. This cemetery was made famous in the movie, Deliverance which was produced before the dam construction.
The Legend of Jocassee
A Cherokee legend lies behind the name of the valley and later the lake. Legend has it that the Jocassee valley was once home to rival tribes. Nagoochee, a young warrior would sometimes hunt in the land occupied by the enemy tribe.
One day he broke his leg. The beautiful Jocassee came across him and nursed him back to health, during which time they fell in love.
During a battle between the tribes, Jocassee’s brother killed Nagoochee, bringing his head back on his belt. When Jocassee saw this, it is said that though she tried to drown herself in the river, she floated upon the water to meet with the soul of Nagoochee. Jocassee means “Place of the Lost One”.
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Lake Jocassee Waterfalls
The beauty of Lake Jocassee Waterfalls ensures that there are almost always several boats and kayaks on the lake. Expect company in the vicinity of the falls since it’s unlikely that you’ll spend much alone time with the waterfalls. Though parking restrictions limit visitor numbers.
Make sure to look up all the Lake Jocassee waterfalls locations before you go or you’ll see a lot more of the lake than you’d planned to. Lake Jocassee has loads of nooks and crannies and unless you know where to look for the falls, it’s unlikely that you’ll find them all.
Hikers take to parts of the seventy-six-mile Foothills Trail to enjoy the waterfalls from a different vantage point. The trail traverses’ steep gorges via suspension bridges and then meanders along the shores of the Jocassee Lake.
If you’re at the lake from mid-March to April lookout for the rare and beautiful Oconee Bell. The lake forests host 90% of the world’s Oconee Bells.
Though unnamed waterfalls exist around the lake, the bigger falls have been named.
Laurel Fork Falls
Laurel Fork Falls is acknowledged as the crown jewel of Lake Jocassee. You’ll need a boat to get to the falls to the north of the lake. The water from the falls tumbles down 80 feet of rock and has three distinct sections.
Climb to the top for the great views. The round trip is about a mile. If you decide to hike to the falls (no boat trip) be prepared for a hike of 9.6 miles from Laurel Fork Road. This is not an easy hike as you will climb 1,112 feet over the distance.
If you’re a seasoned rower, you might attempt the trip by kayak. It is a long pull and unless you’re fit you might not make it across the lake. Laurel Fork Falls is on the northern shores of the lake.
Many visitors make use of the kayak shuttle service. The shuttle service will transfer you and your kayak via boat to the area, and return later to fetch you.
Swimmers enjoy the cool water in the mid-section of the fall, taking advantage of the hole at the base. Though it’s quite a climb to get there.
It is the bottom of Laurel Fork Falls that is the most spectacular since this is where the water tumbles into the lake. When there is enough water in the lake you can get to the falls by boat. You can even get your boat in behind the rock tower that hides the base of the falls.
When the water recedes, you’ll have to park your boat and take a walk.
The air temperature drops by up to 10 degrees in the vicinity of the waterfall, so take a jacket.
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Wright Creek Falls
Wright Creek Falls lies to the west of the lake. When the water is high, you can get to the waterfall by boat. Though it will take you a couple of hours to get there.
When the lake water is low, you may have to take a little walk to the falls. It’s a lovely fall, so it’s well worth the effort. The water tumbles down around 30-feet of slightly terraced rock.
It’s a two-tier waterfall surrounded by lush vegetation. When the water Is low the softy sandy beach is a great place to share a picnic. You can also walk behind the falls when the water level drops.
There is a large crevice behind the falls So, if you’re in a canoe or kayak take a view of the lake from behind the falls, a cool and unusual experience.
White Water Falls
You’ll find the White Water Falls where the White River flows into the northwest corner of the lake. The highest falls east of the Mississippi, it is impossible to see the full length of the falls from your boat.
Upper White-Water Falls starts in North Carolina on top of the Blue Ridge Escarpment. Lower White-Water Falls finish the journey in South Carolina. If you’d like to get a good look at these impressive falls you will have to take a drive and then a hike to one of two lookouts.
One of them is just off the Foothills Trail. The hike to the Lower White Waterfalls is a relatively easy 2-mile walk. The trail starts at Duke Energy’s Hydroelectric station.
The Lower White Water Falls cascade down a 400-foot drop, quite a spectacular sight so it is well worth the walk.
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Devil’s Hole Creek Falls
One of the smaller Lake Jocassee waterfalls located on the east side of the lake, Devil’s Hole Creek Falls is best seen after a fair amount of rain. If you don’t know where it is you may miss it. In the drier months, it dwindles to a slow trickle.
Mills Creek Falls
Mills Creek Falls come off a steep rock wall so you won’t get your boat to the fall, but if you’re a good swimmer you can park your boat and swim into the sparkling water as it tumbles into Lake Jocassee.
Kayak or Jocassee Waterfall Tours?
Since you’ll need a boat to get to most of the waterfalls on the lake, you have choices to make. Do you bring your own kayak or take a guided tour?
You can also rent a kayak or a SUP and get to the Jocassee waterfalls on your own steam. You’ll find everything you need for hire at the Jocassee Outdoor Center. The center is close to the entrance to the Devil’s Fork State Park.
A guided tour will take you to all the best waterfalls, so you won’t miss out. The expert tour guide will offer you interesting insights into the history of the area. They will also point out items of interest like the wildlife and some of the extraordinary plant life in the beautiful park.
Book day, sunset, and night tours of the lake. Private and public tours are both on offer. You’ll pay $55 per adult and $50 for children between the ages of 4 and 15. A Sunday afternoon trip is $45.
Tours leave at 10 am Tuesday to Sunday and return at 2 pm or you can take the Sunday afternoon option between 2.30 to 5.30 pm.
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Enjoy the Tranquility of Jocassee Lake
Fishing tours of the lake are also popular. The lake and surrounding rivers have an abundance of fish, holding state records for brown and white trout and spotted bass, smallmouth bass, and redeye bass.
The lake and the unspoiled surroundings ensure that there is always a wide variety of birds for avid bird watchers to enjoy. Pack a picnic lunch, there are picnic spots throughout the park
Devil’s Fork State Park
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Everyone visiting Lake Jocassee must enter through Devil’s Fork State Park. The park is open daily from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM during late spring through mid-fall, and until 6:00 PM for the rest of the year.
There is a small admission fee:
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Adults: $8
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Children (6–15): $4
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Children under 5: Free
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Seniors (65+): $5
Parking can be limited, so it’s best to arrive early to secure your spot.
If you’re planning to stay longer, Devil’s Fork State Park offers campsites for both tents and RVs, making it easy to turn your visit into a weekend getaway. For a bit more comfort, there are also fully furnished two- and three-bedroom cabins available, complete with shoreline views and screened porches. Some cabins are even pet-friendly, perfect for bringing the whole family along.
Be sure to pack your own food and essentials, as there are no restaurants or takeout options nearby. However, Wi-Fi is available in the camping area if you need to stay connected.
Take Time Out at Lake Jocassee
Glide through the tranquil waters of the Jocassee Gorges, where the calls of bald eagles echo along the shoreline, and discover the stunning waterfalls of Lake Jocassee hidden within this pristine landscape.
Here, emerald-green forests meet clear blue skies, and cool mountain streams cascade down rocky slopes—sometimes crashing dramatically, other times trickling softly. It’s a place where nature feels untouched and truly alive.
While you may come for the waterfalls, you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for just how special this region is. Lake Jocassee offers an unforgettable experience—one where you can truly connect with nature at its finest.
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