Jumping Off Rock Overlook View

Jumping Off Rock Overlook Stunning Views

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Jumping Off Rock Overlook

If you want to get the best view possible of Lake Jocassee, look no further than Jumping Off Rock Overlook in the Jocassee Gorges Wilderness Area in Pickens County, SC. Now let me warn you, this is not an easy area to access.

I would highly recommend you have a high clearance vehicle, preferably 4×4, and patience. To access Jumping Off Rock Overlook, you have to take a forest road. Please note it’s a long and bumpy drive.

You will find it mostly single-lane with blind turns throughout the drive; you’ll be on a wild adventure. You can drive, hike, we even saw several ATVs (they have certain restrictions depending on the time of year), or even take a horseback ride to the overlook.

We took this drive in the Fall, and it was stunning with all the leaf colors! We even found some small waterfalls along the side of the road.

Waterfall to Jumping Off Rock Overlook

How to Access Jumping Off Rock Overlook

You will find a small turn-off from Hwy 178 onto Laurel Valley Rd, which will split off into Horse Pasture Rd after a small bridge; just follow to the right. Follow Horse Pasture Rd to the trailhead at Jumping Off Rock Overlook, which will take you about 45 – 60 mins to travel one way.

Along the way, you’ll find Laurel Valley Trailhead, Eastatoe Gorge Trail Parking, and Virginia Hawkins Falls Trail (About 3.4 miles in on Horse Pasture Rd, look for the Laurel Heritage Fork sign on your right. Parking is right there on the left, and the trail is not marked well). You will come across about six overlooks along the drive with stunning views.

There is another way to drive to Jumping Off Rock Overlook on Shooting Ridge Rd, which is a gravel road as well, but please note it is closed for part of the year, so our recommendation is just to stick with Horse Pasture Rd unless you know for sure Shooting Ridge Rd is open and a better route for you. If you are arriving after or during heavy rain, I would avoid driving out to the overlook altogether and wait til it dries.

Address: 448 Horse Pasture Rd #440, Sunset, SC 29685

Camping near Jumping Off Rock Overlook

We did pass four dispersed camping sites, which look to be on a first-come basis on Horse Pasture Rd. Primitive camping is permitted along the Foothills Trail, Eastatoee Creek Heritage Preserve Spur, or the Palmetto Trail year-round, and no permits are required.

Overlook on Horse Pasture Rd Jumping Off Rock Overlook

Please check out South Carolina’s DNR site for all the information you might need in regard to restrictions, camping, and more.

Jumping Off Rock Overlook Trailhead

Once you arrive at Jumping Off Rock Overlook, you will find parking in several spots. Just make sure people can pass through on the road. The trail itself is about 0.1 miles long, an easy walk from the parking area to the overlook.

Jumping Off Rock Overlook Trail Head
Jumping Off Rock Overlook Trailhead
Overall area at Jumping Off Rock Overlook

We recommend staying and enjoying the view for a while. Pack a picnic lunch, sit back, relax, and enjoy this beautiful view of Lake Jocassee.

Jumping Off Rock Overlook Falcon Nesting Area
Remember to leave no trace; you will find Peregrine Falcons nesting here. It’s a rare species, and the area needs to stay protected. About 250 yards north of the overlook are restricted access.

Please respect the area; nearby, you will find a nesting area for Peregrine Falcons.

Jumping Off Rock Overlook photos

Jumping Off Rock Overlook View
Jumping Off Rock Overlook View

Please check out South Carolina’s DNR site for all the information you might need in regard to restrictions, camping, and more.

If you would like to experience another view of Lake Jocassee and the surrounding area, head over to the Sassafras Mountain Overlook and check out the views!!

Final Thoughts

If you’re seeking the ultimate view of Lake Jocassee, Jumping Off Rock Overlook in the Jocassee Gorges Wilderness Area is the place to go. However, be prepared for a challenging journey.

Accessing the overlook requires a high-clearance vehicle, preferably a 4×4, and some patience. The forest road leading to Jumping Off Rock Overlook is long and bumpy, taking you on a wild adventure filled with blind turns and single-lane sections.

Despite the rugged drive, the rewards are worth it, especially during the fall season when the foliage bursts with vibrant colors. Along the way, you might even stumble upon charming waterfalls adorning the roadside.