Oconee County, located in the foothills of South Carolina, is a vast area of gorgeous mountains and rolling hills. Located in the “Golden Corner” of the state, Oconee provides a pleasant atmosphere that is suitable for children as well as adults. This area is not only known for its lovely mountains, it is also known for its breath-taking lakes.

Oconee County is based on a significant amount of history. Oconee obtained its name from an Indian word. The name was created in 1868 from the Pickens District and the county seat in Walhalla. This land was home to the Cherokees, but they signed treaties in 1777 and 1816 that they seceded to the newly arrived settlers. Following the American Revolution, many settlers from other parts of the state began moving in to this area. One predominant group of people that migrated to this part of the state were the Germans from Charleston. They founded Walhalla in 1850. There are many areas in this county that display Oconee’s history. The Oconee County Heritage Center, Oconee Station, and the Oconee State Park are just a few places that let you observe the history of Oconee as it relates to its formation and development.

Well you’ve heard enough about the history. Lets talk about Parks and Recreation. Many of the parks in our county are located on or near the lakes. Chau Ram County Park, located at the convergence of the Chauga River and Ramsey Creek, is one of the areas best smaller parks. The Chauga River offers its own whitewater experience. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, tubing, and fishing. South Cove County Park, located on Lake Keowee, is another prestigious park in our area. It provides lakeside camping, fishing, and boating. Some of the other facilities include tennis courts, a volleyball court, eighteen hole miniature golf course, and much more. One of the other major county parks is High Falls County Park. This little hide away is located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This forty four acre park provides many recreational activities as well as a wonderful view of Lake Keowee.

Looking to see something else besides the lake? Oconee also has a wide variety of waterfalls. The waterfalls here are some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Southeast. Chauga Narrows, located seven miles from Walhalla, is a magnificent waterfall that extends twenty five feet high. Station Cove Falls, located in the historic Oconee Station, is a very large waterfall that displays its beauty in its sixty foot height. Whitewater Falls, located in North and South Carolina, are the highest waterfalls in eastern America. These falls begin in North Carolina and end in South Carolina. There are many more waterfalls in the immediate area.

Is theatre your thing? Arts and entertainment are also a big part of this county. The Walhalla Civic Auditorium is a first-class facility that is used to host benefits, meeting, plays, musical presentations and more. The Oconee Community Theatre is also another well-known theatre in this area. The theatre has provided Oconee with some of the best performing arts for over thirty five years. The theatre produces seven shows each season that include musicals, dramas, children’s shows and comedies.

Oconee County may seem like a place of wonderful landscape, endless recreational opportunities, and astounding performing arts, but there’s more. This area is home to one of the best colleges in the Southeast, Clemson University. Not only does this school display a great amount of integrity and devotion in its academics, but it shows some of the same qualities in its athletics. Clemson University is home to some of the nation’s best NCAA and ACC sports. Some of the sports that Clemson offer are football, soccer, basketball, track and field, baseball, golf, tennis, volleyball, rowing, swimming, and cross country.

As you can see from this brief description, the Greater Seneca area and Oconee County is truly blessed with great history, geography, recreational and cultural opportunities. Come explore this beautiful setting in Northwest Oconee County and discover one of the South’s best kept secrets.