Interpretive Trail

Old Waterwheel

(Oconee State Park)

TrailMap

Description: You can begin this very quiet, scenic, wooded, occasionally steep, loop trail at either entry point off the paved park road. If you begin at the Foothills Trailhead, you will follow the path to the right where you will see an orange and white OWT marker and a green blaze above. As you wind through the quiet woods, you will turn left at another sign. Remember to watch for markers to make sure you are on the trail. You will ascend hills that offer glimpses of the surrounding woods, cross the creek on plank footbridges, and meander amid mountain laurel. Watch for bear, deer, snakes, and a variety of birds and other wildlife. When you come to the sign for the Old Waterwheel, you can hike down stone steps and view the remnants of the stone structure where the wheel was once used to pump water (the waterwheel has since been moved to the park lake). Return to the trail and follow the markers uphill over log ties on a dirt slope. At the top of the narrow trail you will reach a roadbed where you can turn right and walk a short distance to the paved park road (the parking area is to the right), or you can extend your hike on the Oconee Trail. Remember to carry water and wear insect repellent in warm weather. Pets are permitted on leashes. Restrooms and water are available at the Park Office, and lake area.

Length: 1.6 miles if hiked as a loop using a section of park road.

Directions: From Walhalla, at the junction of SC 183, drive 8 miles northwest on SC 28 and bear right onto SC 107. Continue 2.5 miles on SC107 and turn right at the Oconee State Park entrance. After the fee station, you will pass the park office on the left, and the camping area on the right. Drive toward Cabin Area 7-13. The parking area is on the right just past the Foothills Trail sign. You can start the Old Waterwheel trail at the Foothills Trailhead, or you can walk a short distance (toward the Cabin Area) on the paved road, to the other entrance for the Old Waterwheel Trail.

Camping: Call 1-866-345-PARK (7275) or go online at www.SouthCarolinaParks.com to make your reservations today!

Park Information: Oconee State Park, 624 State Park Road, Mountain Rest, SC, 29664, Telephone: 864­638-5353.