EAT, EXPLORE AND EXPERIENCE
Only the best make the list.
Welcome to Lake Thurmond
Experience the natural pace of life in McCormick, SC. Nestled in the pine forests of Western South Carolina's Freshwater Coast, Lake Thurmond's 71,000 acres of fresh water offers the outdoor enthusiast unlimited opportunity to fish, ski, paddle, or simply float and enjoy the peacefulness. The 150,000 acres of protected land surrounding the lake is home to three state parks, several private and federal campgrounds, four challenging and scenic golf courses, miles of walking and biking trails, and much more. You will find yourself wondering where the time goes!
PADDLE ALONG THE LAKESHORE or POWER DOWN THE LAKE
Whether you have a need for speed or enjoy the quiet of a morning paddle along the lakeshore, you will love your time on this unspoiled lake. We offer kayaks for your use during your stay and powerboats may be rented at Savannah Lakes or Soap Creek Marinas. We also have a boat ramp a short drive away to launch your own watercraft if you choose. Ask us for details of all the options available to you during your stay.
TRAILS, TRAILS, TRAILS!
There are nearly twenty miles of trails in the local area for your enjoyment. The 12 miles of mountain bike and hiking trails in Hickory Knob State Park are both scenic and challenging. You also have the choice of the flat, historical trails maintained by the Savannah Valley Rails to Trails Association. With approximately 10 mile completed, the trail offers a look back to a time when rail travel was the best way to cross the country and provide goods to a growing country. Ask about trail maps and suggested routes.
GOLFER'S PARADISE
We are fortunate to have three very beautiful and challenging golf courses within a few miles of each other. There are also 2 additional courses that offer more forgiving fairways. All are within 5 miles of our community. Despite being very affordable, each offers a variety of challenges that promise to keep you coming back for more. Let us know what you are looking for and we will suggest a course that will match your needs.
BASS FISHING DESTINATION
71,000 acres on lake presents a lot of opportunity for you to perfect your fishing skills. Lake Thurmond has become one of the hottest fishing destinations in the southeast. Cast from the shoreline, from your boat, or hire a guide and catch your limit of striped bass. Enjoy the thrill of the hunt or just relax in the peacefulness of the pristine surroundings.
SUNRISES & SUNSETS ON THE LAKE
Sunrises & sunsets over our vast waterway is something we have come to look forward to each day. Special vantage points along the shore and from your boat is a special treat that we are served on a daily basis. Additionally, the lack of city lights nearby allows us to see more stars & satellites than we ever knew existed. One of our favorite activities is to eat dinner on the lake, watch the sunset, and slowly drive home under the stars. Ah! Doesn't get much better than this! Ask us for great places to catch a sunset from the shoreline.
THE DAM & VISITOR CENTER AT CLARKS HILL
Stop by the Visitor Center at the Clarks Hill Dam. There you will learn the history of the Lake Thurmond/Clarks Hill Reservoir. The panoramic views of the lake from this vantage point can be called breath-taking. There are also displays of the construction of the dam and information on the ecological and economic impact of the project.
3 STATE PARKS TO CHOOSE FROM
There are very few places you will find 3 state parks located within a few miles of each other like we do here. Hickory Knob State Park is the largest and offers a golf club, hotel, cabins, camping, a conference center, a restaurant, trails, & more. Baker Creek SP has a swimming beach, pavilion, camping, & trails. In Georgia, we have Elijah Clark SP. This historical park has a putt-putt course, beach cabins, & camping. Each has special programming throughout the year.
TAKE A HISTORY TOUR
There are several places you should put into your schedule to visit while you are here. I would include: Willington on the Way- Historic Willington, SC, has a quaint history museum with artifacts from rural South Carolina dating back hundreds of years. The Grist Mill in downtown McCormick - an old cotton gin that saved the town when the boll weevil destroyed the cotton industry was converted into a mill to mill corn. See this restored piece of history. Badwell Cemetery - See this old plantation family cemetery and you will learn about life in the south in the earl 20th century. The John DeLeHowe School is a Governors School of Excellence and is now an agricultural school. Read about it's beginnings as an orphanage. Other places to visit would include the Huguenot worship site, the gold mine, & Pioneer Park & Elijah Clark State Park in Georgia.
BACKPADDLE BREWING
Kyle and his staff offer farm to table gourmet burgers, tacos, and specials along with a wide selection of craft beers and frozen drinks. They have trivia, bingo, and other celebrations throughout the week. There is usually live music most evenings. Try it, you will like it! 3472 Bethany Church Rd., Lincolnton, GA 706-359-8057
Williemac's @ Soap Creek Marina
This lakefront restaurant specializes in steak, seafood delicious cocktails and ice cold beer. The large deck overlooks the marina and is a great place to dine, meet with friends, listen and dance to the music. Come by car or by boat. They have a courtesy dock and the restaurant is an easy walk up the hill. 3000 Soap Creek Lodge Rd., Lincolnton, GA 706-359-6227
MT. CARMEL CAFE
The Mt. Carmel Cafe is a refeshing step back in time. Their food is fresh & locally sourced. They are open for Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner. Try this unique dining experience. You will be glad you did! See them at 3883 SC Hwy. 81, Mt Carmel, SC 864-391-2233
GET IN TOUCH
We are pretty awesome and would love to hear from you!
Give Us a Call
706-318-9664
We may be reached by phone most days from 8am – 8 pm. If we miss you, leave a message and we will get right back to you.
Send Us an Email
[email protected]
Email us for details of your stay or with any questions you may have.
Send A Text
706-318-9664
Text messaging often will get the fastest response.