The former Bear Cove Trail winds through a pristine mountain cove, often hugging the shoreline of beautiful Lake Jocassee. Watch for Oconee Bells blooming creek-side in early spring. The newly constructed Bootleg parking area and non-motorized watercraft ramp give easy access to GZ. The hiking and caching adventures in this area of SC are unparalleled. Make a day of it at magnificent Devil’s Fork State Park…or better yet, spend a week here!
Special thanks to Park Superintendent Kevin Evans for his help to secure permission to place this sister cache to my namesake “Oconee Bell Nature Trail” cache.
Devil’s Fork State Park
Days and Hours of Operation: Late Spring to Mid-Fall (Daily) 7am-9pm; Late Fall to Mid-Spring (Sat.-Thur.) 7am-6pm; Late Fall to Mid-Spring (Fri.) 7am-8pm
Parking: is available inside Devil’s Fork State Park. Please park only in designated areas, outside of the campground.
Admission fee is $2 per adult ($1.25 SC seniors; age 15 & younger free), but is well worth it!
Trail Description:
Scenic views of Lake Jocassee await you at the loop end of this hilly, mildly rugged, dirt trail. From the kiosk you will descend into a mixed forest where you may identify dogwood, black cherry, red maple, and a variety of other trees among the oak and pine. In the early spring, endangered Oconee Bells wildflowers blossom along the creek. Although the trail is mostly easy to follow, look for the white blaze markers and avoid side paths especially where you cross a park road, re-enter the woods and climb a hilly area. Stay to the right at the next two forks in the trail. You will see an inlet on your left as you approach the lake. You can relax on a bench near the lakeshore and kiosk before following the loop back. (N 34 57.632 W082 57.005) After a short climb you will recognize the firebreak you crossed on your way out. If you turn right and walk uphill, you will see a sign directing you to the left. This is the end of the loop, so you will go back the way you came. Watch for a variety of birds, as well as bear, deer, snakes, and other wildlife. Insect repellent is recommended in warm weather. Pets are permitted on leashes. Water and restrooms are available at the building in the parking area.
Length: 2-mile loop
Directions:
From Walhalla, drive north on SC 11 for approximately 13.5 miles and turn left onto Oconee County S¬37-25. Continue to Devil’s Fork State Park. Turn left at the camping area gate and then turn right at the first drive. The trail kiosk is on the parking loop.
Camping:
Call 1-866-345-PARK (7275) or go online at SouthCarolinaParks.com to make your reservations today!
Park Information:
Devils Fork State Park, 161 Holcombe Circle, Salem, SC, 29676, Telephone: 864-944-2639.
Adapted from: SC Trails.net
TOP,LOF (Take Only Pictures, Leave Only Footprints)
Shortiagalacifolia, also known as Oconee bells are a special and cherished plant of the Jocassee Gorges. Although the range of Oconee Bells does not extend far beyond this area, its reputation does. People come from miles around to photograph the white flower carpets that can be seen from the Oconee Bell Nature Trail and Bear Cove Trail in Devils Fork State Park.
Picture by Rob Travis,
GlassFeather.com
(used by permission)
Oconee Bells were first [scientifically] collected by Andre Michaux in 1787, probably in Oconee County. About 50 years later, Asa Gray, a prominent botanist of the time, examined the dried plant specimen and named the plant. For decades, Gray searched unsuccessfully for Oconee Bells. The plant eluded botanists for almost a century until the son of an herb collector rediscovered it in McDowell County, N.C. Today, Oconee Bells can be seen growing in some shady streamside areas in the Jocassee Gorges. It is a low-growing, perennial herb with thick, shiny leaves that resemble the leaves of the more common Galax (that’s where part of its scientific name comes from). In early spring, it blooms with a profusion of white bell-shaped flowers.
Adapted from: ”Jocassee Journal”
See also: ”Jocassee Journal”
(used by permission)
Happy Birthday, Cam (OconeeBelle)!