Oconee Station State Park

Hey there! Today we visited the Oconee Station State Park - don't confuse with Oconee State Park! This park has a main area with some historic buildings, trail, lake and a little further away a nice waterfall. Geographically it is close to Oconee State Park, however due to the terrain, to get there you have to drive around the mountain and it takes 30+ minutes. There is a hiking/biking trail that goes between the parks but it is fairly long and steep - over 5 miles and very hilly.






The main park area has a small ranger station, some picnic tables and rest rooms. From here you can go to the old station - 2 old buildings - or the trail to the lake and waterfall. If you're doing the ultimate outsider program the stamp is at the main ranger building.






The two old buildings from the station are nice for a quick explore, they are fairly basic and have just a few period pieces in them.








Close by the old buildings is the nature trail and lake, you have to walk down the main road a little bit to get to it. Remember it's a little further to get to the falls starting from this point, if you want the shorter hike just to the waterfall, drive back out to the trail-head past the main entrance.



The trail goes around the lake with a split to head to the waterfall. The part of the trail that goes on the back side of the lake is not traveled or kept up very well, there were a few times I almost had to blaze my own trail.






The lake is small but nice, it was a great day when I went for reflection shots. It's mostly wooded around it except for this one land bar that splits the lake from a steep gully.








If you stay on the main trail and follow the signs for the waterfall you'll hike around the front side of the lake then come around and back up to the main road where the waterfall trail-head starts. You have to cross the road then start on the waterfall trail.






The main waterfall trail (from the trail-head not the ranger station) is pretty level with just a few hilly areas and very well marked. It's a nice short hike through a valley area and around the stream, there's also a couple of small foot bridges. Once you get close to the waterfall the trail splits and you can continue on to Oconee State Park, but that's another hike for another day!






Getting to the waterfall is easy with just one area where you have to cross the stream over some rocks. It's not too difficult and worth it, once you get to the waterfall you're treated to a beautiful waterfall and area with plenty of spots to rest, have a picnic and get pictures!

This is a nice park that offers plenty to see and explore. There's probably not enough to make a full day of the park - unless you're up to the challenge of the trail to Oconee State Park - but still plenty for a nice afternoon in nature or morning hike. The park is a must visit, especially for the waterfall!