Lake Hartwell State Park

Hey there! Today we visit Lake Hartwell State Park. It has a boat launch, campground and a small hiking trail. The main draw to this park is, of course, the lake! Today we hit the hiking trail and checked out the campground a little.
The hiking trail starts from a small parking lot right across from the main building at the entrance, as you can see from the blue outline it's just a small loop. Continuing on the road takes you to the campground. The campground is just a standard campground, nothing really special.

There's a small sign at the start of the trail, it's easy to miss..

The trail is well maintained, it has a few foot bridges in some areas. It starts off level but goes down to the lake level, it's has some decent up and downs so it's not a completely easy trail, but not really moderate..

There are a few spots that come down to the lake, in a small cove, you can see the campground across the lake at one point. You really don't get much of the lake from the trail.

There is a small peninsula on the trail that you can go out to, it's not part of the trail but enough people have gone out to it that there's a foot path to it.

After the lake spot you just head up an almost straight trail to the road, this is uphill, but it looks like an old dirt road so it's an easy walk.

This is where the "trail" ends and you have to go right, follow the road back up to the parking lot. It's all uphill but not too bad. If you are going downhill you're going the wrong way (Unless you're a camper!) and will end up at the campground.

Overall this is a nice park that's kept up good, but there's not a lot to do - aside from the lake! If you're wanting to just spend time camping on the lake and out on the lake then this shouldn't be too bad of a park. Be sure to check back soon for our next state park visit, while you're waiting check out the state parks we've visited already in this blog! Be sure to check out my website to see these pictures and more from this hike, and the rest from my other adventures and to purchase prints! http://www.centerlightstudios.com/

As always, be sure to look up and around to enjoy the beauty around you!!

Keowee-Toxaway State Park

Happy July 4th everyone !!!! Be safe and celebrate our freedom !!


Hey there! Today we visit Keowee-Toxaway State Park. This is a great park with a lot to offer. There's a nice campground, trails and of course the lake, they even have a really nice kayak/canoe launch, but be warned there's not much parking at the launch! This is a free park with the exception of camping. We started off hiking, then hit the lake for a little kayaking.


There are two main trails, the only way to get to the raven rock trail is to start off on the natural bridge trail. Both trails are moderate and if you tackle both I'd say they're moderate to difficult. It's over 5 miles of hiking and a lot of ups and downs - be prepared!!


There is plenty to see on the nature both trails, Lots of waterfalls and rocks. Starting off on the nature bridge trail you'll work your way around the hilly terrain. They've added steps to some areas to help.



Around the natural bridge is a small creek and waterfall, you follow the creek for a while before coming to the larger waterfall.



This little area is just a little off the main trail but is really nice, a great waterfall and large area on the rock, perfect for a picnic!




The split for raven rock trail is close by this spot, you can continue on the trail or go on the raven rock trail. If you can handle the hike, you should definitely check out raven rock trail! This trail has some great features, from the rocky start to the lake views.



After a short walk from the nature bridge trail you come to the start of the raven rock loop, if you just want to get to the rock and campground go left, if you want to complete the whole loop it's best to go right and loop back around.


Going around to the right takes you on a standard trail that winds around and down to the lake, the first part is mostly just walking in the woods. You come down to the lake and have a few spots where you can get a good view.



Eventually you come to the peninsula where the primitive campground is, there are a few nice tent spots here. You can hike in to this campground but you can also boat in as the sites are very easy to get to from the shore.


A short hike from here is where the raven rock overlook is where you're greeted with an awesome overlook of the lake. This is a great spot to stop relax and have a break. Watch your step though!



Here's a view of raven rock from the water!


After the rock you head back and finish the loop, heading back to the natural bridge trail. Finishing the natural bridge trail there are two more waterfall areas, one is off the trail so be careful if you go exploring for it. The last part is almost all up hill, save the best for last!! Luckily there are benches at several spots along the trail.



Look who made a new friend!


After your hike, don't forget to get out on the lake and enjoy it too! It is very busy with boaters but there's plenty of small beaches and coves to explore!



With so much to see and do this is an awesome park to visit and come back to. Stay a few days and enjoy! You'll get plenty of exercise on the trails, but the scenery and views are well worth it. Or just come and enjoy the lake, that water is great and there's plenty to explore. Be sure to visit my website to see even more from this park and the others I've visited or purchase prints! http://www.centerlightstudios.com/ Kepp on scrolling down to watch my video of the park and some more pics.