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 Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area - South Carolina
N 34° 55.873 W 082° 53.127
17S E 327794 N 3867038
Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area
Waymark Code: WM366F
Location: South Carolina, United States
Date Posted: 02/17/2008
Views: 18
With its stunning view of the Blue Ridge and woods full of rhododendrons, mountain laurel and wildflowers, Keowee-Toxaway State Natural Area is truly one of South Carolina’s pretty places.
History lovers also will appreciate the park’s museum, which tells the story of the Cherokee people who first lived here and their complex relationship with European settlers.
The park features a rental cabin with a porch overlooking Lake Keowee and a courtesy dock. Camping also is available.
For day use, there’s picnicking, shoreline fishing and hiking trails.
GENERAL
* Counties: Pickens
* Acreage: 1000
* When & How PRT Acquired: Donated in 1970 by Duke Power Company
* Pets: Pets are not allowed in the cabin or the cabin area. Pets are allowed in most other outdoor areas provided they are kept under physical restraint or on a leash not longer than six feet.
HOURS
* Admissions: Free admission
* Office Hours: 11am-noon & 4pm-5pm
* Days and Hours of Operation: Sa-Th 9am-6pm; Fri 9am-8pm (extended to 9pm M-Su during Daylight Savings Time)
LOCATION
* Driving Directions:
From I-85: Take exit 40 onto Hwy 153 toward Easley. Go N on Hwy 153 for 5 mi. Merge onto Calhoun Memorial Hwy/Hwy 123 and drive for 2.5 mi. Hwy 123 becomes Hwy 93/Main St. continue to drive 3 mi. Go onto Hwy 8 and continue for 6 mi. Turn left onto Hwy 183 and then turn right onto Hwy 178 and drive 8.5 mi. Turn left onto Hwy 11 and drive 8.5 mi. Look for park signs.
From I-85 near the GA border: Take exit 1 onto Hwy 11 and drive 38.5 mi and look for park signs.
* Lake Location: Yes
* Miles to Nearest Hospital: 14
* Miles to Nearest Town: 14
* Miles to Nearest Grocery Store: 14
Park Type: Overnight
Activities:
Picnic, Camping, Hiking, Fishing, Boating, Education Center
Background:
I took this information from the parks web site:
Withsome of the most stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains South Carolina has to offer, Keowee-Toxaway State Park is truly one of South Carolina’s pretty places. The Jocassee Gorges Visitor Center exhibits and information serve as a gateway to the Jocassee Gorges.
Two hiking trails in the park take visitors over a natural bridge and through the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains, land once traveled by Cherokee Indians. A short, half-mile trail leads to Lake Keowee where guests can enjoy fishing for bass, bream, crappie and catfish.
If Lake Keowee camping isn’t quite right for you, a three-bedroom rental cabin offers creature comforts with a scenic overlook of Lake Keowee and a private boat dock. For guests looking for a more primitive overnight stay, a short distance from Lake Keowee, camping sites with water and electrical hookups are available.
UNIQUE FEATURES
Significant Features : The park is located on and provides access to 18,500-acre Lake Keowee.
The park also provides access to some outstanding rock outcrops located off of the hiking trails.
Wildlife : Wildlife that can be seen on the park include black bear and white-tailed deer.
Wildflowers : Wildflowers are abundant at Keowee-Toxaway, especially in the spring. Two rare species that can be found on the park are the Alleghany spurge and ginseng. Other wildflowers include: iris, violets, rattlesnake plantain, asters, goldenrod, cardinal flower, indian pink trillium, various orchids, trailing arbutus, bloodroot, trout lily, galax and wild ginger.
The best places for wildflower viewing is along Raven Rock Trail that borders Poe Creek and the Natural Bridge Trail.
Date Established?: Donated in 1970 by Duke Power Company
Link to Park: [Web Link]
Park Fees: Not listed
Additional Entrance Points: Not Listed
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