Just imagine for a moment what it would be like to find yourself waking up in the morning, stepping outside on your deck as you savor that first sip of coffee, and greeting your sleepy eyes is the sight of fresh morning mist dancing on top of one of the most pristine bodies of water you’ve ever seen, surrounded by incredible views of the Blue Ridge mountains and miles of nature’s majesty all around. No traffic, no distractions, no stress…. just you and nature’s finest enjoying the delightful company of one another.
THE AREA
Tucked away in the northwest corner of South Carolina is the state’s “Golden Corner” –
a recreational and quality of life paradise that is unparalleled and no longer a well kept secret. It could very well be the place you just imagined. Conveniently located between Atlanta, GA and Charlotte, NC, the area is easily accessible via Interstate 85, US Hwy 123, and SC Scenic Highway 11.
The beauty of Lake Keowee extends over 26 miles in length and encompasses over 18,500 acres within 300 miles of shoreline. In some areas of the lake, the depth is well over 150 feet. Its emerald water is crystal clear, and the quality is considered the best in South Carolina, and among in the best in the US. Several varieties of bass and other fish species thrive in the lake’s pristine waters, and lure fishermen from all over the world to come to Lake Keowee to enjoy their sport.
Lake Keowee borders two counties in South Carolina: Oconee County and Pickens County. Many residents enjoy visiting the historic Ram Cat Alley in Seneca, known for its eclectic and unique shops and restaurants, and the “city center” of Lake Keowee in Oconee County. Seneca has enjoyed its national distinction and recognition as one of the best retirement areas in the country. Clemson University, home of the Clemson Tigers, is nearby in Pickens County and offers nationally recognized undergraduate and graduate educational programs, cultural events and NCAA collegiate sports. There are numerous other interesting small towns and villages with quaint names and friendly folks nearby, including historic Pendleton, Pickens, Walhalla, Westminster, Tamassee, and Mountain Rest, and the beautiful towns of Highlands and Cashiers in North Carolina. The nearby cities of Greenville, SC and Asheville, NC offer a variety of options for even more great restaurants, culture and shopping. The 70,000 Oconee County residents and their 110,000 neighbors in Pickens County all agree: you will be amazed at all there is to do and see so close to Lake Keoweee!
REAL ESTATE
Real estate developments on Lake Keowee cater to all demographic audiences. From elegant waterfront enclaves with gated entrances, mountain views, and designer golf courses to quiet waterfront communities filled with the simple sights and sounds of nature alone, there is a real diversity of property choices. Most of the developments on the lake are low population density by design, and complement Lake Keowee’s many natural amenity areas and State Parks.
CLIMATE
The Golden Corner enjoys four distinct seasons, which add to the natural appeal of the many lakes, rivers, streams, waterfalls and mountains in the area. The warmest month of the year is July, where daytime temperatures range from the mid 80’s to mid 90’s. Winters are generally mild, with the coldest moth of January averaging daytime temperatures between 35-50˚F.
MORE THAN JUST A PRETTY FACE
Created in 1971 by Duke Power Company, Lake Keowee is used as a power source for the Keowee, Jocassee and Bad Creek Hydroelectric Stations, and is a cooling source for the Oconee Nuclear Station. The cities of Greenville and Seneca, SC receive their primary water supply from Lake Keowee.
OUR NEIGHBOR TO THE NORTH: LAKE JOCASSEE
One can hardly talk about Lake Keowee without mentioning the spectacular Jocassee Gorges Wilderness and awesome Lake Jocassee. Although its 75 mile shoreline is smaller than Lake Keowee, the 7,500 acre lake is the deepest lake in South Carolina, with depths in some parts reaching over 400 feet. Full pond elevation in Lake Jocassee is 1,100 feet. The water that flows into Lake Jocassee comes from Appalachian streams in the mountains; that same water flows through Jocasee into Lake Keowee, which is why our water is so pure. Lake Jocassee is surrounded by over 40,000 acres of protected area known as the Jocassee Gorges Wilderness. This property is owned by the SC Department of Natural Resources, and is home only to an abundance of wildlife and plant species. With only a small section of privately owned and developed land on Lake Jocassee, this lake is a one-of-a-kind paradise…… right in our own backyard.
BEFORE YOU VISIT
There’s one thing you must know before you visit Lake Keowee: those who visit once usually end up staying for a lifetime. Before you come, you’d better pack everything – or at least a few extra sets of clothes. Tell your friends and family not to worry if you’re not back soon. You won’t understand until you experience it yourself, but I promise that you won’t want to leave once you get here. Oh – and one more thing – please call before you come so I can get the boat and the picnic ready.
See you soon. . . . |