This Secluded Lake Has Caribbean-clear water and a Submerged Ghost Town

The South might not be world-renowned for its water clarity—especially compared to destinations in the Caribbean—but don’t let its lack of a reputation fool you. You can find water that is as clear as glass in rivers, lakes and along the coast. Lake Jocassee in South Carolina is a perfect example of the second category. 

Built in 1973, this 7,500-acre lake is located in the northwest of the state. The lake has remained untouched and wild because of the 43,000-acre forest surrounding it. The only way to access the lake is via neighboring municipalities. Devils Fork State Park. 

Devils Fork State Park is located in the Jocassee Gorges. This area has steep rock walls and valleys. breathtaking waterfalls. The water in Lake Jocassee is cooler and more clear than you would expect, thanks to the waterfalls as well as the four mountain streams. Lake Jocassee has water so clear, it’s a popular diving spot. 

The area used to be called Jocassee Valley before Duke Energy inundated the region and created the reservoir. The mountain rivers were diverted to create the lake. This covered up hundreds of homes, towns, and camps. Attakulla Lodge is an old hotel that’s still standing. mostly intact. Mount Carmel Cemetery is also below the surface. Typically, visibility is over 15 feet—and even over 50 feet in some parts. The park suggests a few dive sites, such as Big Wall/Small Wall and Jenny’s Drift. It also recommends Junk, which is a sunken ship at 60 feet below the surface. Your gear can be picked up at Lake Jocassee Dive Shop. 

Lake Jocassee: What to do?

Lake Jocassee offers a lot to those who don’t possess a scuba-diving certification. You can get a good introduction to the area by taking a boat ride if this is your first visit. Jocassee Lake Tours has a range of tours, including sunset tours Then, there is the “All the Falls” Tour. This is a six-hour monthly outing which introduces passengers only to the waterfalls they can discover by boat. 

Lake Jocassee is also a popular place for fishing. The trout fishing is particularly good—thanks to those cooler waters—but anglers also have the chance to catch smallmouth and largemouth bass, black crappie, and bluegill. It’s important to have your South Carolina license before you go. 

Swimming is a great way to cool off during the South Carolina summer. Swim with caution, as there are neither lifeguards nor a swimming pool. You can canoe around the lake, kayak or paddleboard. Jocassee Lake Tours Kayaks are available for rent at the store. Electric Sun There are also kayaks, canoes and paddleboards. Jocassee Outdoor Center Another option is to use tritoons or pontoons. 

When to Go

If you’re most interested in swimming in Lake Jocassee, you’ll want to plan a trip over the summer—but July and August aren’t necessarily the best months to visit. Spring months (March andApril) are especially exciting for visitors because they can see the endangered Oconee Bell wildflower. Stroll down the Oconee Bell Nature Trail, a one-mile trail, to catch a glimpse at the wildflower, which is only found in the Appalachian mountain ranges of North Carolina. South Carolina. and Georgia.

You won’t see the Carolina parakeet no matter where you go. The bird, which is the only parrot native to North America, has been extinct since 1904. It was last seen in the Jocassee Gorges.

Where to Stay

Lake Jocassee might not have many luxury hotels, but Devils Fork Rent 15 two-bedroom and five three bedroom villas. Two campgrounds are available in the region, and reservations for campsites can be made. online. One option is to set up your base camp at Highlands, North CarolinaThe home of Old Edwards Inn & Spa The following are some examples of how to get started: Outpost InnPlan a day trip for Lake Jocassee. The trip between the two places will take about an hour-and-a-half.