Nestled in and winding through the rolling hills and mountains of South Carolina lies a rare jewel. A lake so tranquil and beautiful that it takes your breath away.

Lake Jocassee unlike so many others in the area is virtually home free with less than 30 homes on the 7,500 acre mountain lake paradise. Here the natural beauty has been untouched by man and is nature at its best. Beautiful lagoon green water is surrounded by mountains and lush green foliage.

Lake Jocassee is a man made 300-400 feet deep lake that was created by the state in partnership with Duke Power in 1973. The lake is accessible only from Devils Fork State Park. Most all of the old man made structures where demolished prior to the creation of the lake. However divers have discovered the remains of a lodge which was left intact as the lake rose and is now under 300 feet of water. There is also a hilltop graveyard with headstones which is about 130 feet below the surface. The cemetary was one of the scenes used in the 1972 movie “Deliverance” starring Burt Reynolds and Jon Voight.

The lake is fed from four Appalachian mountain rivers. Toxaway River, Whitewater River, Horsepasture River and Thompson River all supply Lake Jocassee’s water. Natural rock formations and natural sandy beaches abound here. Beautiful sunrises and sunsets are just one of the many natural pleasures. Dozens of waterfalls that are accessible by boat only are waiting to be explored.

Marine life and wildlife abound in this beautiful lake. Lake Jocassee holds 5 state records for 5 species of fish. On any day the fish are so plentiful that they can be seen swimming alongside your boat or felt nibbling at your toes while you swim. The lake park is also home to nesting Peregrine Hawks. The true treat is the sight of the bald eagles old and young alike soaring overhead. Their calls can be heard as they fly overheard calling their young and their mates.

The Jocassee Gorges area was home to part of the Cherokee Nation. It now lies 300 feet beneath the surface near Lake Toxaway.

Lake Jaocassee also has its share of history and legend. Legend has it that the Oconee tribe the “Brown Vipers” led by Chief Attakulla inhabited the west side of the Whitewater River which flows into Jocassee and a rival tribe the “Green Birds” lived on the east side.

Legend says that a young Green Bird warrior Nagoochee was not afraid to enter the Brown Viper hunting grounds. On one occasion he fell and broke his leg and was convinced he was going to die. Then he heard Jocassee, who was Chief Attakulla’s daughter. She took him back to her father’s lodge and nursed him back to health. Jocassee eventually fell in love with him. In a later battle, Cheochee, Jocassee’s brother killed him and returned with Nagoochees head on his belt. Legend has it that Jocassee went into the water and did not sink but instead walked across the water to meet the ghost of Nagoochee.

Article by Monica Campbell