The lake has 7,500 acres of deep water and 75 miles of shoreline.  The lake, named "Place of the Lost One" because of a Cherokee legend. Jocassee, an Indian maiden, was said to have drowned herself in grief over the murder of her lover.

The popular recreation area is surrounded by mountains and waterfalls.  Lake Jocassee has crystal clear water and huge depths. It is a perfect lake for boating, skiing, fishing, and any other water activities you can imagine.

Around the lake, there is very little development and most of the surrounding land is untouched by man.

Devils Fork State Park provides the only public access to Lake Jocassee.  Devils Fork is easily reached from S.C. 11, the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway. The park is popular with families, fishermen, scuba divers and boaters, who enjoy Jocassee’s uncrowded setting and spectacular scenery, such as waterfalls cascading into the lake off steep, wooded slopes.

Full campground amenities and modern villas also are highlights of the park. So are hiking and nature trails that provide the opportunity to appreciate sights ranging from rare Oconee bell spring flowers to the fall color show, while bald eagles and peregrine falcons patrol the mountain skies.