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You are here: Home / Archives for Outdoors

Outdoors

The Best Places To Catch Trout In South Carolina

Posted on: August 16, 2016

The state of South Carolina contains limited but quality trout fishing destinations, including cool mountain streams and crystalline lakes. The Southern Appalachian mountains encompass most of these locations. The wilderness offers a beautiful natural setting and a welcome respite from the Southern heat. In addition to rivers and lakes, the region boasts a few prominent tailwaters. The state contains immense trout fishing diversity for any level of fishermen. Here are the best places to catch trout in South Carolina.

Chattooga River

The Chattooga River spans the border between Georgia and South Carolina and is notably the best stream in the state. The river runs through the Ellicott Wilderness Area. Because of this, the Chattooga River is a popular trout fishing location within a refreshing mountain setting. The Walhalla State Fish Hatchery stocks the river with bountiful rainbow trout which can be caught alongside semi-wild brown trout. Notably, the prime fishing spots are the Burrells Ford Bridge Road and State Highway 28 bridge. The limit for the area is eight trout daily except when catch and release regulations apply.

Lake Jocassee

This prominent lake spans more than 7,000 acres of the state. Lake Jocassee is known as the premier still-water trout fishing location. Enormous hatchery-grown trout populate the water on account of plentiful herring and shad. Their large size makes Lake Jocassee one of the best places to catch trout in South Carolina. A five trout limit exists as well as a minimum size regulation. Anglers should be knowledgeable of complete regulations especially the prohibition of net usage on the lake. The large size of the fish makes Lake Jocassee one of the best places to catch trout in South Carolina.

Whitewater River

The Whitewater River boasts a popular trout fishing spot nestled between its Upper and Lower Whitewater Falls. A mixture of mostly wild rainbow and brown trout are found here although some stocking is done to maintain the population. Free public access adds to the river’s appeal. While the land is owned by Duke Energy, it remains within the borders of the Jocassee Gorges area. The Foothills Trail contains the ideal fishing spot along a modest bridge, although wading and fly fishing are certainly possible due to the river’s mild current.

Estatoe River

Sweeping across the border of the Jocassee Gorge area is the Estatoe River, an avid trout fishing location at a high elevation. Following the river downstream beyond the Estatoe Valley leads to an area of mixed private and public entry. Wild trout abound but the river is stocked due to its limited accessibility. Rules apply on both the upper and lower sections of the river. The upper access points within the Heritage Reserve restrict all bait except artificial lures and enact a daily seven fish limit. The lower river allows ten fish and any kind of bait.

The Lower and Middle Saluda River

The beautiful Saluda River contains two sections of great trout fishing within the Jones Gap State Park. A mixture of an average 40,000 rainbow and brown trout are stocked at intervals throughout the year. The upper waters are reachable from the Saluda Shoals Regional Park and Hope Ferry Landing. Catch and release only regulations apply. The lower waters are suitable for fisherman of all varieties including fly fisherman, spin fisherman, and bait fisherman. There is a daily limitation of five trout. Notably, quickly rising water and strong rapids pose moderate hazards.

Filed Under: Outdoors

Plan This Road Trip To See Every Waterfall In South Carolina

Posted on: August 9, 2016

Stop 1: Reedy Falls, Cedar Falls Park, Greenville, SC

Your road trip to see every waterfall in South Carolina begins in the heart of downtown Greenville. Here the 25ft Reedy Falls cascade provides a dose of tranquil nature. It is a sight for sore eyes amidst the bustle of the city streets.

Stop 2: Jones Gap State Park

Drive five hours northwest to Jones Gap State Park. It is located in the upper western corner of South Carolina. This popular recreational area contains many remarkable falls including the Jones Gap Falls, Eastern Stream Falls, Dargan’s Cascade, Oil Camp Falls, and Toll Road Falls. Strenuous hiking between the falls is often required.

Stop 3: Rainbow Falls, Camp Greenville Property

The astounding 140ft dropping Cox Camp Creek Rainbow Falls lies just due west of Jones Gap. It is located on Camp Greenville Property. The views are worth the 45min downhill trek.

Stop 4: Caesar’s Head State Park

South of Rainbow Falls tucked away in Caesar’s Head State Park are a few notoriously beautiful waterfalls. Respectively, they are called Firewater Falls and Rockcliff Falls.

Stop 5: Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area

Travel south of 276 from Caesar’s Head. The Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area resides just below the highway. A three mile hike from the Asbury Hills Camp brings you to Moonshine Falls, named after the illegal activities that used to take place in the area. In addition, the Wilderness area contains Raven’s Cliff Falls. This waterfall drops Matthew’s Creek nearly 400ft across rocky outcroppings. It can viewed from both a platform and rocky outcropping located off of the Raven’s Cliff Falls Trail. It is notably the most remarkable and photographed waterfall in the entire state.

Stop 6: Wildcat Branch Falls

From the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, follow highway 276 south to the intersection of SC 11. The 30ft Wildcat Branch Falls is visible from the road. This multi-tiered cascade rages down dark shelves of exquisite weathered rock.

Stop 7: Matchbox Falls/Misty Falls

Head northeast on highway 276 to a narrow gravel road. At the end of the road are two hidden waterfalls. Bushwhacking 0.2 miles into the woods from the guardrail will bring you to Misty Falls. Travel an additional 0.2 miles to view Matchbox Falls. Just follow the sound of the flowing water. This two-for-one package is worth the effort!

Stop 8: Table Rock State Park

Driving south on highway 11 brings you to Table Rock State Park, home of the infamous Carrick Falls. Carrick is a lovely 15ft drop into a wading pool. It is located off of the paved road leading from the parking lot. Wade through the shallows on a warm day.

Stop 9: Laurel Fork Falls, Jocassee Gorges Wilderness Area

Further south along highway 11 is the vast expanse of the Jocassee Gorges Wilderness Area. The massive realm boasts the 80ft waterfall known as Laurel Fork Falls. Access to the falls requires a grueling five hour hike but satisfying views.

Stop 10: Sumter National Forest

Taking highway 11 down to route 107 will bring you into Sumter National Forest. You can’t miss this location to see every waterfall in South Carolina. A two hour hike brings you to splendid Bee Cove Falls. It is unique due to the double 40ft and 30ft tiers across layers of granite. Driving further down route 107 will deliver you through access points to Lee Falls, Yellow Branch Falls, Issaqueena Falls, and Secret Falls.

Within the Sumter National Forest along SC 28 are Chauga Narrow Falls, Hidden Falls, and Fall Creek Falls. They are all noteworthy natural wonders.

Two striking waterfalls reside in the southern portion of the Sumter National Forest. Blue Hole Falls is a 45ft long rushing Cedar Creek torrent that empties into a crystalline blue pool. Riley Moore Falls is only 12ft high but 100ft wide and classified as a class VI whitewater rapid.

The western edge of the Sumter National Forest embraces the family-friendly Brasstown Cascades and Fall Creek Falls, a three-for-one package.

Stop 11: Ramsey Creek Falls/Chau Ram County Park

After leaving the expansive Sumter National Forest, head back southeast along route 76 to the final waterfall. Ramsey Creek Falls is located within the Chau Ram County Park in Westminster, SC. In addition to the falls, nearby hiking trails and picnicking areas add utility to this family-friendly destination. In conclusion, this mapped out journey will allow you to see every waterfall in South Carolina.

Filed Under: Outdoors

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