Our Blog
Wonder Beneath the Water
The old Attakulla Lodge still lies at the bottom of Lake Jocassee.
Take a Fall Foliage Road Trip
Late October through early November is considered the peak period for fall foliage in our area, and we have a number of stunning spots for taking in the view.
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity on Lake Jocassee
At over 5 acres and with 2 build sites, this waterfront parcel on Lake Jocassee can accommodate the ultimate private sanctuary or a generational family compound. Click here for property details.
Visit this Tree-top Bear in Nearby Cashiers
For some three weeks each fall, the sunset behind Whiteside Mountain in Cashiers, NC, creates one of the country's most unique fall foliage vistas.
Lake Keowee Market Update
Like much of the U.S., the Lake Keowee area has seen strong home sales activity, even during the midst of a pandemic. Most of us are spending more time at home, and that makes our area particularly appealing.
The Good Word About Bad Creek
In the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and just steps away from Lake Jocassee, Duke Energy created a modern-day marvel with construction of the Bad Creek Hydroelectric Station. Almost 30 years ago, Duke blasted through tons of granite to construct the plant in a virtual cave extending 600 feet from the surface of Booger Mountain.
Like any hydroelectric station, Bad Creek uses water flow to produce electricity. During times of peak demand, water is released from the 375-acre Bad Creek Reservoir at the top of the mountain. It travels nearly three quarters of a mile through a concrete tunnel to the underground powerhouse. The water then spins huge turbine generators to produce electricity. Because the elevation change is about 1400 feet, the water strikes the turbines with enormous pressure, allowing the station to produce half-again as much power as the hydroelectric station on 7,500-acre Lake Jocassee.
When energy demand is low, water is pumped from Lake Jocassee back to the reservoir at the top of the mountain. Essentially, the reservoir acts like a battery: water is stored and then released down the mountain for power when needed.
Because the power station is underground, the spectacular scenery of Lake Jocassee is undisturbed. In fact, visitors to the area might never know the station is there.
Worthy of Its Name: Pretty Place
Just an hour north of Lake Keowee, in the town of Cleveland, is one of the most stunning mountain views around Symmes Chapel, a.k.a. Pretty Place. Part of the YMCA’s Camp Greenville, the open-air chapel is perched atop a cliff on Standing Stone Mountain. It was originally constructed in 1941, with updates and improvements made over the years. The panorama of the Blue Ridge Mountains is breathtaking and affords unparalleled sunrises. Some 2000 feet below is the floor of Jones Gap valley.
Not surprisingly, Pretty Place hosts many weddings and other events throughout the year. It is generally open to the public from sunrise to sunset, but availability can vary due to bookings. Before planning a trip to Pretty Place, visit Camp Greenville’s website and check the visitation schedule. Also, be aware that the last bit of the drive to Pretty Place is on the curvy side, but the vista is worth the trip.
Jocassee Real Estate
15477 North Highway 11
Salem, SC 29676
864.423.7732