Keowee-Toxaway State Park
Mountains
Kevin Blanton
Park Manager
I am Kevin Blanton, Manager of Keowee-Toxaway State Park. Growing up I loved hunting, fishing, the outdoors and
camping with my family at Table Rock State Park. I always wanted a career that allowed me to work outside, be
around beautiful surroundings and truly enjoy what I do. Being a park ranger has provided me that opportunity.
The one feature in Keowee-Toxaway that I personally like the most is the Raven Rock hiking trail. The rock
outcropping along the trail offers a picturesque view of Lake Keowee, and the rock outcropping is probably the
best photo opportunity on the park. It’s also a great place to eat lunch or enjoy a sunset.
If you’re a first-time visitor to the park, you should definitely hike the 1.3-mile Natural Bridge Trail that
begins behind the park office at the trailhead orientation kiosk. The hike takes about 45 minutes and you get to
experience different forest types, rock outcroppings, geological formations, small cascades along Poe Creek and
seasonal wildflowers and mountain laurel.
**Our Ultimate Outsider stamp is located on the frront side of the orientation kiosk located in the lower level parking lot of the park office.
With some 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.
BY THE NUMBERS
1
3 bedroom cabin that accommodates up to 10 people on the shore of Lake Keowee, with a private dock
10
standard campsites for RVs or tents
10
tent sites for tent camping only
5.5
miles of trails for hiking and walking
1
canoe/kayak access point where you can launch non-motorized boats into Lake Keowee
1000
acres of beautiful South Carolina Upcountry for you to enjoy
1
Zipline where you can soar through the trees and over Lake Keowee