Joe and I arrived a couple of days early for our third annual visit to this fabulous SC state park to celebrate our 48th anniversary and explore the area.
We chose a super fancy restaurant ten minutes from this remote SP for our celebratory dinner – the kind where they dust the crumbs from the table between courses and hold their hand behind their back to refill your water glass. The Crave Kitchen specializes in elevated seasonally-focused cuisine sourced from specialty markets.
We had an appetizer of Wellington pop tart, mains of golden tile in mushrooms (a sweet buttery fish), a mouthwatering Duroc pork chop, cava, and a warm glazed carrot cake. Every bite was a delight.
In our previous visits to Devils Fork SP we have spent our time exploring the lake’s waterfalls and islands. This time we vowed to see more of the area around the park.
Jocassee Gorges
The next day we set out to explore the Jocassee Gorges – named by National Geographic as one of the top “50 of the World’s Last Great Places—Destinations of a Lifetime”. The area features stunning mountain scenery, the clear waters of Lake Jocassee, numerous waterfalls accessible by boat, and wild mountainous terrain.
Considered the only temperate rainforest in the United States east of the Cascade Mountains, the high diversity of plants includes ferns blanketing the rugged forested slopes.
Table Rock SP
The tiny pullout at Table Rock State Park affords stunning views of the 3,100 foot mountain.
Rugged Terrain
Our adventure to see Jumping-Off-Rock’s sweeping views of Lake Jocassee, was thwarted by the sketchy mountain roads when we hit a section of Horse Pasture Road that looked more like an ATV trail.
The video below doesn’t truly reflect my nervousness…
I was so proud our wilderness exploration bumping around narrow pot-holed roads clinging to the edges of mountains until I mentioned the adventure to our middle child. He was like “I know Mom. I solo hiked this area a couple of years ago.” Just wow.
Sassafras Mountain
At 3,554 feet, Sassafras Mountain is the tallest spot in South Carolina. The new observation tower offers panoramic views of four states and sits in the Continental Divide.
We took the opportunity to straddle two states at the summit. Joe is in North Carolina and Carol is in South Carolina.
360 Video
The top of the structure provided a panoramic view of the Blue Ridge mountains.
Boating on Lake Jocasee
We rented the largest pontoon boat we could find for our group of 18 – and spent two days on the water over a long Labor Day weekend.
Located in the NW corner of South Carolina, Lake Jocassee is known for its pristine undeveloped shoreline and deep clear water. The surrounding Blue Ridge mountains provide a backdrop of stunning scenery and natural beauty .
Our pontoon boat adventure included peaceful cruising and thrilling tubing – for three generations of fun and relaxation.
Captain of the Ship
Philip is usually the captain of our vessel, with help our navigator Matthew and some of the littles.
The Passengers
The rest of the crew is delighted to make merry and enjoy the ride.
Tubing
The older kids are getting more and more adventurous each year on the tubes. The littles are accompanied by a parent.
Docking at Deserted Island
By mid-day we usually pick a small island to pull off, eat lunch, and explore. This time we had a short detour when “nature called”.
Exploring Waterfalls and Banks
Each year we explore waterfalls.
Our approach is to pull into one of the coves, hop into the water to swim over for a closer look. You have to pull in slowly and watch out for other boats and logs. It is an adventure to wonder what might be around the next bend.
Have we seen all six of Lake Jocassee’s beautiful waterfalls in our three trips to this amazing lake? I don’t think so, and I can’t wait to continue the exploration next year.
Football and Fantasy Football
Propelled by one grandchild’s love of (or obsession for) pro football, our family went all in on Fantasy Football. The camping trip was perfectly timed to for the Fantasy Football Commissioner to conduct our draft.
Cousin Time
Camping provides quality time for cousin shenanigans.
With a bit more freedom in camping, cousins have the opportunity for creative play.
Our NuCamp Tab 400
I close with a heartfelt homage to Pearl, our tiny little camper that propels us on these adventures with our kids and grandkids to state parks and national parks. Thanks for the memories!
