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Favorite Hikes: Bear Cove Trail

Morgan McNorill

Devils Fork State State Park is best known for the beautiful Lake Jocassee. But even if you don’t have a boat, there’s still plenty to do. Bear Cove Trail takes you out to the point of a cove on the lake. It’s a great place for a mid-hike swim or a sunset!

Length: 2.0 miles

Difficulty: Easy

Directions: From Greenville, follow SC 183 Shady Grove Rd to State Rd S-37-127 in Oconee County. Continue on this road until you see signs for Devil’s Fork State Park. Once you enter the park, follow signs for the day use parking area. The trailhead is at the lower parking lot away from the water.

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3 Great Upstate Spots to Hit the Water

View of Lake Jocassee in Upstate SCWendy Newcomer

The sunny days and balmy temps that we’ve been enjoying this month have us itching for a relaxing day on the water. Fortunately, the Greenville area is full of beautiful lakes, rivers, and even has a fantastic blueway. Here are three of our favorite spots for paddling in the upstate.

Lake Jocassee

Location: Oconee County.

Why we love it: Lake Jocassee is inside Devils Fork State Park (perfect for add-0n adventures). This lake offers crystal clear, cool water even in August. There are also several hidden waterfalls accessible only by boat.

Access: Entrance fee is $5 for adults; $3.25 for SC seniors (age 65 & older); $3 for children ages 6-15; ages 5 and under, free. You can purchase maps of the lake at the park store.

Lake Blalock

Location: Spartanburg County.

Why we love it: Lake Blalock has horsepower limits on power boats, the highest allowed being 40 HP for pontoon boats. You never have to worry about heavy boat traffic which makes paddling peaceful.

Access: A boating permit is required to paddle the lake. The permit fee of $5 per boat can be purchased at the Lake Blalock Warden’s Office. 1925 Sandy Ford Rd, Chesnee, SC 29323

The Pacolet and Lawson’s Fork Blueway

Location: Spartanburg county.

Why we love it: This waterway includes easy to moderate skill and flow levels, so it’s perfect for everyone. It offers class I to class IV rapids only 15 minutes from downtown Spartanburg. After paddling take time to check out the picturesque Glendale Shoals Preserve. The best times to paddle are October through May when water levels are the highest.

Access: You can purchase a waterproof map at one of the Upstate Forever offices (GREENVILLE – 507 Pettigru St, Greenville, SC 29601 SPARTANBURG – 201 E. Broad St. Suite 1C, Spartanburg, SC 29306) or email Lee Brashier at lbrashier@upstateforever.org

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