Jocassee is seven hours from Tallahassee and less than two from Atlanta. It is a very deep crystal clear lake lying partly in South Carolina and partly in North Carolina with at least one of its more than 20 beautiful waterfalls originating in Georgia. Although at an altitude of only about 1200 feet, it is very much a mountain lake with correspondingly icy waters. Its banks are pristine and undeveloped in all but a few places. It is, to my way of thinking, the most beautiful flatwater paddling venue in the Southeastern United States. The selection of photos included herewith offer a glimpse.

There will be two 'official' group trips. On Friday we will start in early afternoon and paddle to Wright Creek Falls and Thompson River Falls, about a nine mile round trip. On Saturday we will launch in early morning, and paddle at a leisurly pace to Laurel Falls visiting several smaller coves and falls along the way. At Laurel Creek we will picnic, hike, take photos and for the hardy, maybe have a swim. The total paddling distance for the day will be about fourteen miles. For additional independent exploration, there are grottos and falls everywhere, trails to hike, mountains to climb and beaches to swim and lounge on. If there is interest, I will lead an optional trip on Sunday paddling to Lower Whitewater Falls with a very steep hike to the spectacular upper falls.

The only access to the lake is from the boat ramp at Devil's Fork State Park in South Carolina. There are several options for staying over:

1. The main campground at Devil's Fork State Park with hot showers and other amenities. $18 with electric, $13.50 walk-in tent with maximum of 6 persons per site.

2. A primitive boat-in only campground about a one and a half mile paddle from the park. This is smaller, quieter and nicer but has no facilities including no water. $4.00 per person. These sites must be reserved. (For showers one could paddle over to the main campground but a nice dip in the lake is equally refreshing if you dare).

3. State Park Villas. Pricier than camping but large enough to share and really luxurious. about $125 for two bedrooms, (6 person max) or $140 for three bedrooms, (10 person max). These usually require reservations months in advance.

5. Keowee-Toxaway State Park. This park is about five miles down the road from Devil's Fork. It is smaller, less used and peaceful. There is also one super large and private cabin, (three bedroom I think), in this park.

4. The rangers at Devils Fork will tell you there is no other camping on the lake. They lie. There are several remote campsites on the Foothills Trail where it meets the lake. The best of these is in North Carolina where the Toxaway River, Toxaway Creek and Lake Jocassee converge. It is about a ten mile paddle from Devils Fork. There is a small site, (no more than two tents), about twenty yards up the trail from Laurel Creek about seven miles from the park, another at the Horsepasture river about twelve miles distant and a third on Bearcamp Creek, also about twelve miles. It is also permissible to camp anywhere in the North Carolina part of the lake, (Jocassee Gorges State Park, NC). However, unless you want to paddle twenty or more miles a day to be with the group, none of these is very practical for this trip.

Note: This is a trip for paddlers of intermediate or better skill level and at least moderate endurance. Distances are subtantial and Jocassee is open water with broad exposure to prevailing winds. Although generally placid, it can become very choppy at times.

Contact:

Michael Lampman
mlampman@solitaireboats.com
850 228-3528 cell
850 893-5785 home

 

Click on images to view in larger size.

Lake and Surrounding mountains	Paddling behind Wright Falls
The Toxaway River where it meets the Lake	Boat-in Campsite
The lower part of Laurel Falls	A secret grotto
Colorful Lakefront

 

 

 

Spring Creek/Chipola River
Saturday, April 19

This paddle will take place on Spring Creek, the outflow from Merrit's Mill Pond and Jackson Blue Springs. We will launch at the Spring Creek Park and put-in on Highway 90 east of Marianna, and take out at Magnolia Bridge. There will be an organized shuttle so you can get your car down to the take-out. The purpose of the paddle is to raise money for the American Cancer Society. People who paddle will donate $20 or more to the ACS. You can give the money, or ask people to sponsor you as you paddle. Bring a lunch, expect to meet some really neat paddlers, and have a good time on the creek. Actually paddling takes between 1.5-2.0 hours, but there is plenty of places to stop and chat along the way. With shuttle time and lunch think more in the area of four hours.

Contact:

Sheila Hayes at 850-526-2124