Lake Jocassee and Gorges State Park

Type of Outing: Other
When: FRI 10/24/2025 1:00 PM
Signup Deadline: 10/17/2025 5:00 pm
Leader: Finn
Distance: 8.3 miles
Difficulty: R-20, Moderate
Elevation Gain: 1,140 ft.
Description: **PLEASE NOTE: WHEN REGISTERING, EMAIL ME IMMEDIATELY AT CTFINNEY@GMAIL.COM AND LET ME KNOW WHETHER YOU INTEND TO HIKE, PADDLE OR BOTH. THANK YOU!** Glimmering in the middle of the majestic mountains of northwestern South Carolina is the unearthly beautiful lake, Lake Jocassee. This magical lake has glistening tributaries that goes into the mountains and enchanting coves that end with unbelievable waterfalls. And not far north is the serenely beautiful Gorges State Park - nestled in the heart of North Carolina's rain forest. We did a version of this trip a few years ago (without the paddling) and I wanted to revitalize this year. Day 1: Arrive at Devil's Fork Campground, paddle into our campsite, set up camp and catch the sunset. Day 2: Paddle around Lake Jocassee - we will paddle up the shoreline from our campsite and make our way into Wright Creek Falls (one of the most popular waterfalls that drops straight off the mountain and right into the lake - you can paddle behind it!) Day 3: Pack up camp and head to Gorges State Park. Here we'll go on a moderate hike (8.3 miles, 1140ft of elevation gain [R-20] and see three awe-inspiring waterfalls on the way, all the while basking in the glow of the autumn leaves. We will camp at Gorges State Park, at the Family Campground that night and will return to our homes the following morning. Registrants are welcome to join for part or all of the outing! These campsites sell like crazy, so sites need to be booked ASAP. I will be looking into reserving the paddle-in campsites, but we will need to be flexible in the event that they are sold out.
Max Participants: 15