Lake Hartwell Dam & Power Plant
Hartwell Dam Walking Trail
On to the Hartwell Dam Walking Trail! You can leave your car in the Visitor’s Center lot and walk to the Hartwell Dam Walking Trail, or drive to the Big Oaks Recreation Area entrance (which is the next entrance to the left on Hwy 29 when you leave the Visitor’s Center). The paved Walking Trail begins at the entrance to Big Oaks Recreation Area and initially runs parallel to Hwy 29 before it breaks away to follow Lake Hartwell’s shoreline.
View of Lake Hartwell From the Dam
There is also a Walking Trail on the South Carolina side of the Dam – about 1.50 miles round trip – which is accessible from the South Carolina Overlook on Hwy 29 about 1/2 mile from the Dam. A shorter paved Walking Trail is also accessible at the South Carolina Recreation Area, just past the Dam on Hwy 29 before you reach the South Carolina overlook. Entrances to both areas are on the located on the left side of Hwy 29, right after crossing the Dam into South Carolina.
View of Savannah River from the Dam
Below the Hartwell Dam, the Georgia River Recreation Area runs along the Savannah River. Our group decided to save that for another day, but we understand that the area has limited facilities including fishing piers, picnic tables and restrooms/drinking water.
- Wear sunscreen and take a hat, even if it’s cloudy – speaking from personal experience here!
- As the Trail is on the Dam and elevated above the trees, you are rather exposed to the elements – if it is windy in the parking lot, it will be windy on the Dam! If it is stormy, save it for another day. Fall and Spring are probably the best times to enjoy.
- Take a water bottle (or two).
- If your crew is hungry after the outing, consider stopping in Hartwell at Papa’s Pizza (perfect for kids) or Green Bean Coffee Cafe!
- Take it easy and have fun!
Hartwell Dam & Lake Visitor Center Hours: Weekdays – 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; Spring & Fall Weekends – 8:00 am to 4:30 pm; Summer Weekends – 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. Closed on Holidays. Just to be safe, we recommend you call or check the website before you go.
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