Hiking is a wonderful way to relieve the stresses encountered in everyday life – even more so when the trail you’re on isn’t overcrowded with other hikers. Get ready to dust off your hiking boots and hit the dirt to visit a mountain lake hidden in the wilds of South Carolina.

The 5.5-acre lake sits secluded in the beautiful 1,125-acre Ashmore Heritage Preserve near Cleveland in Greenville County.
alltrails/Jennifer Jerina
It's surrounded by vistas of a lush forest climbing the sides of the surrounding mountains. As far as picnic spots go, they don't get much better than this!
Prepare for a colorful hike and plenty of fresh air as you embark on an old service road at the start of the trail.
alltrails/Lina Voloshin
It can get pretty steep at the beginning, so come prepared for a hefty start. But it levels off once you're near Lake Wattacoo.
The hike clocks in at 1.6 miles, altogether, out and back.
Google Local/Fred OToole
Expect to see a few waterfalls, big and small, as you make your way to the lake.
According to AllTrails the elevation changes are a mere 317 feet.
alltrails/Cole Stilwell

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Although the trek is rated as moderate, most people won't have any issue completing this hike in under two hours. Expect some uneven footing caused by rocks in some places. Additionally, as mentioned, the incline at the start of the hike is relatively steep.
alltrails/Jennifer Jerina
But the payoff is incredible!
Google Local/Brendan Blowers
Imagine having this view all (or mostly all) to yourself!
alltrails/Don Ross
The Lake Wattacoo trail branches off of the longer Ashmore Heritage Preserve trail that begins alongside Persimmons Ridge Road just off SC-11, the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway.
alltrails.com
To locate the trailhead, turn onto Persimmons Ridge Road and travel approximately one-half mile beyond where the pavement ends.

Learn more about Lake Wattacoo trail from our friends at AllTrails.

Want even more amazing hikes to add to your bucket list this year? How about 7 Of The Greatest Mountain Hiking Trails For Beginners In South Carolina?!

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