See the Natural Beauty and Historic Wonders of the Upstate on
The Southern Highroads Trail
The Southern Highroads is a scenic route across 13 counties in 4 states with something to offer for the entire family. Stretching across North Georgia, Western North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, Southern Highroads offers a wide variety of antique shops, arts, entertainment, dining, lodging, outdoor activities and fun for the entire family!
South Carolina’s portion of the trail runs through Oconee County and offers visitors the opportunity to experience the excitement of white-water rafting on the famous Chattooga River, hiking and horseback riding along mountain trails, numerous waterfalls, camping, fishing in crystal-clear waters and playing golf on championship courses.
You can also explore the Upstate’s unique cultural heritage and enjoy world-class art galleries, museums and performing arts centers – our area is home to more than 500 sites of historic significance. Some of the attractions you can see along the trail….
Marvel At The Sight of Stumphouse Tunnel
The tunnel was a project that was planned in the 1850’s to connect South Carolina to the Midwest with a direct rail line. Unfortunately, work on the project was abandoned during the War Between the States due to the lack of funds. 1,300 feet of the tunnel is open to the public. The park area features the beautiful Issaqueena Falls, picnic areas and hiking trail.
Enjoy White Water Rafting, Kayaking & The Natural Beauty of the Chattooga River
Designated the South’s first National Wild and Scenic River in 1974, the Chattooga is one of the premier whitewater rafting rivers in the Eastern United States, dropping an average of 49.3 feet per mile.
Have Fun With Your Family at Pristine Lake Jocassee
The lake has 7,500 acres of deep water and 75 miles of shoreline. The lake, named “Place of the Lost One” because of a Cherokee legend. Jocassee, an Indian maiden, was said to have drowned herself in grief over the murder of her lover. The popular recreation area is surrounded by mountains and waterfalls. The lake is located in Oconee and Pickens Counties.
Walk Hiking Trails and See Nature’s Artwork at Issaqueena Falls
This beautiful waterfall is named for a Greek maiden called Issaqueena. There are many legends about Issaqueena. The most popular story tells how as a girl Issaqueena was captured by the Cherokee and given the name Cateechee…
Family Fun at Oktoberfest
Celebrate Walhalla’s German heritage by enjoying wurst and kraut, strudel, crafts, lederhosen, German polkas, waltzes, authentic German music and dancers, and carnival rides.
Learn About History and View One of Our Prettiest Waterfalls at
Oconee Station State Historic Site
In the late 18th and early 19th century, a small plot of land along South Carolina’s western frontier served as a military compound against attack from Cherokees and later a trading post. Today that plot of land is Oconee Station State Historic Site.
Beyond the park’s historic significance, there’s a fishing pond and a 1.5 mile nature trail, the latter connecting to a half-mile trail that leads into Sumter National Forest and ends at Station Cove Falls, a 60 foot waterfall that’s considered one of the pretties in the state.
Enjoy A Hearty Hike and Refreshing Swim at Brasstown Falls
Tucked away in the southern edge of Sumter National Forest, Brasstown Falls tumbles for 120 feet in three consecutive and equally dramatic drops. Relatively secluded in a portion of a scenic vale known as Brasstown Valley, it’s a nice place to bring the family because of the moderate, 20-minute hike and calm swimming hole at the base of the upper falls.