Where are the best ski lakes and best hiking trails in SC? (Columbia: move to, rated)

[GreenOne]

I am considering a move to SC and want to locate where I can have a great water ski lake in the vicinity( one hour or less drive time) and also love to go hiking in the mountainous areas(two hours or less drive time). I am considering Greenville, Columbia, and Rock Hill area to have the more metropolitan feel and a highly educated workforce, but will consider others if the answers indicate a better fit elsewhere. What are your suggestions?

[Skyliner]

With more than 10 Million visitors annually, Lake Hartwell is a magnet for water recreation in the Upstate. Other fantastic and very popular options nearby include Lake Keowee and Lake Jocassee. (More Info)

The state's best hiking trails abound in the same vicinity, with Table Rock State Park, Jones Gap State Park, Caesar's Head State Park, Keowee-Toxaway State Park, Oconee State Park, Paris Mountain State Park, the Foothills Trail, Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, and more nearby.

[Skyliner]

I forgot to add Devils Fork State Park to the list.

[Charlestondata]

Lake Murray is a very deep (300+ feet) lake with over 600 miles of shoreline. It's a skier's paradise. It's 13 miles from downtown Columbia. The mountains are within about two hours, as is the coast. Columbia's workforce is among the mostly highly educated in the state, if not the highest. As for hiking trails around Columbia, there's Congaree National Park, Harbison State Forest, Fort Jackson's segment of the Pametto Trail, Peach Tree Rock, the Clay Pits trails, Saluda Shoals, Wateree State Park on Lake Wateree, and Lynch's Woods in Newberry, to name some that come immediately to mind.

[Skyliner]

Originally Posted by Columbiadata

Lake Murray is a very deep (300+ feet) lake...

Correction, Lake Murray's maximum depth is approximately 200 feet (190.7 ft), with an average depth of 41.5 feet.

Lake Jocassee's maximum known depth is 326 feet.

Lake Hartwell has 962 miles of shoreline.

[Charlestondata]

I guess that means Lake Jocassee is better for skiing than Lake Murray is, although I wasn't comparing. Currently Lake Murray's water level is 348 feet. I guess there's difference between water level and depth, but I think you'll be okay if you get dragged underwater skiing on Lake Murray.

[Skyliner]

Originally Posted by Columbiadata

I guess that means Lake Jocassee is better for skiing than Lake Murray is, although I wasn't comparing...

I was not comparing lakes either. All of the above are equally great for water skiing, if that is the only thing GreenOne is looking for.

There is a significant difference in the state's hiking trails and comparisons between regions can be asserted with more clarity.

Originally Posted by Columbiadata

...Currently Lake Murray's water level is 348 feet. I guess there's difference between water level and depth...

Yes, there is a significant difference between lake level and depth. "Lake level" in this case refers to its height/elevation above sea level. For example, Lake Jocassee sits at approximately 1100 feet above sea level, Lake Keowee sits at approximately 800 feet above sea level, Lake Hartwell sits at approximately 660 feet above sea level, and Lake Murray sits at approximately 360 feet above sea level.

[Charlestondata]

And the Upstate trails would be within his two-hour time frame. We've got him covered.

[Charlestondata]

Yahoo Travel says Congaree National Park is one of the 10 most underrated national parks in the nation.

Columbia Regional Business Report | Columbia, SC

[skydiveintohell]

Awesome info Columbiadata, and Skyliner. Thank you