
Local Info
LAKE KEOWEE
Lake Keowee's 18,500 acres of water and 300 miles of shoreline have been a valuable source of energy and recreation in northwestern South Carolina. Created in 1971, Keowee was the first lake developed as part of Duke Energy's Keowee-Toxaway Complex. Located just downstream from Lake Jocassee, the lake provides a dependable water supply for Greenville and Seneca, South Carolina. Lake Keowee covers Keowee Town, site of the capital of the Lower Cherokee Nation. Keowee, meaning "Place of the Mulberries," was visited by Spanish explorer Hernando DeSoto when he came through the area in 1540. Lake Keowee is a popular place for boating, fishing, water-skiing, swimming, camping and picnicking. Only a small percentage of the shoreline has been developed, resulting in an uncrowded lake with beautiful, pristine mountain views. Known for its state record yellow perch, Keowee also has excellent largemouth, smallmouth, crappie and catfish opportunities.
Duke Energy has partnered with South Carolina for the establishment of the 1,000 acre Keowee-Toxaway State Park. Campers can also enjoy the county-managed 155-acre Mile Creek Park, the 40-acre South Cove Park, and 44-acre High Falls Park. Another 373 acres along Eastotoe Creek have been turned over to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources for management as a natural area. Duke Energy provides six additional boat access areas on the lake in cooperation with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources.
Link to maps of access areas:
LAKE JOCASSEE
Beautiful and tranquil Lake Jocassee sits just south of the North Carolina line, and offers 7,500 acres of water and 75 miles of shoreline. Formed by damming the Whitewater, Thompson, and Toxaway Rivers in 1973, Lake Jocassee is known for its mostly undeveloped shoreline, views of the Jocassee Gorges Wildlife Management Area and surrounding mountains, and waterfalls that cascade directly into the lake. A variety of fish may be found in the clear, cold water including brown and rainbow trout, smallmouth bass, and sunfish.
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