Mountain Rest, South Carolina has a range of activities for outdoor enthusiasts that revolve around natural landscapes, water and scenic views. Tucked in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this unincorporated area in the northwest corner of the state lies just south of the Chattooga River and within 30 minutes of pristine lakes, waterfalls, parks and campgrounds. Active vacationers seeking adventure travel will be more than satisfied in this region of Oconee County.
Get to the Water
- Fishing, swimming, kayaking and boating are the main attractions at the two large lakes within 30 miles of Mountain Rest. The 7,500-acre Lake Jocassee, northeast of Mountain Rest, has 75 miles of shoreline and is the only lake in South Carolina that has both trophy trout and smallmouth bass. Four boat ramps provides private boat access to the lake and on-site rentals are available for canoes, kayaks, pontoon boats and jet skis. Lake Keowee, directly east, has 18,500 acres of water and a 300-mile shoreline. This popular recreation area attracts swimmers and water-skiers and is surrounded by waterfalls. If you like to raft or tube, check out the Chattooga River, accessible from the Highway 28 bridge, about 2 miles north of Mountain Rest.
Hang Out at Historic Sites
- Take time to appreciate the historic sites in and around Mountain Rest. Start at Oconee State Park Historic District, listed in the National Register in 2004. The park's buildings were constructed during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corps and include cabins, a bathhouse, an administrative building and outbuildings. The Russell House in Mountain Rest exemplifies a small, 1867 Appalachian farmstead. Although some of the main buildings have burned, the complex has interesting ruins. In Seneca, 20 miles south of Mountain Rest, you'll have a wealth of sites to visit including the downtown Seneca Historic District, Ballenger Historic Home, Old Pickens Presbyterian Church and McPhail Angus Farm.
Tee Off
- Hit the links at five public golf courses, all within 25 miles south of Mountain Rest. At the Blue Ridge Golf Center in Walhalla, you'll encounter flat fairways surrounded by some trees on a par 3, 10-hole course. The Chickasaw Point Golf Course challenges golfers with water hazards and sand traps. The fairways are fairly straight but surrounded by evergreen trees. The 18-hole, par 72 public golf course has other amenities including a pro shop, putting green, driving range, chipping area and bar and grill. If you prefer a family outing with the kids, check out the 18-hole mini-golf course at Oconee State Park.
Hit the Trails
- Lace up your hiking boots and choose from more than 50 hiking trails in Oconee County to discover forests, rivers, lakes and waterfalls. Start with a very modest hike on the Mountain Rest Community Trail that is less than 1 mile round trip. The paved loop goes around an open field where you can see birds and wildlife. Up your game with a more strenuous 2-mile trek on the Foothills Trail to Tamassee Knob, within 5 miles of Mountain Rest. The scenery includes vistas of the Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains. Experienced hikers will want to take on the 15.5-mile Chattooga Trail that runs parallel to the river. Prepare for wilderness hiking and expect to marvel at the wild waters, including at least five waterfalls.
