What is the farthest north an alligator has been found? Alligators are a semi-aquatic species who prefer calm waters for habitation. The park does not have a designated swimming area, and there are no lifeguards on duty. What is the deepest part of Lake Tillery? You're awesome for doing it! The right shoreline is South Carolina at Chickasaw Point. Lake Marion. Male alligators can grow to more than 14 feet long and 1,000 pounds. The largest lake within easy driving distance of Greenville is one of the biggest in the state. A seven-foot gator was located in Lake Hartwell back in 2007, but gators are very rare for the reservoir. Since the lake is actually a reservoir that was humanly built, there are fewer opportunities that an alligator would accidentally traverse streams and rivers to enter the waters here. Admission to this park is free. There are only two types of alligators. Part of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, the falls are just a short hike on a paved path from the parking area on Horseshoe Falls Road. The largest populations live in the coastal coun- ties of Brunswick, New Hanover, Craven, Onslow and Pender. Answer (1 of 5): There probably isn't any alligators in Lake Hartwell, South Carolina. Not to be confused with the larger Sliding Rock in Pisgah Forest, the Sliding Rock in Cashiers is smaller but just as fun and free. Musgrove Mill State Historic Site398 State Park Road, Clinton, SC864.938.0100Distance from Greenville: 50 minutes, Enjoy a pool with natural, spring-fed water at Carrigan Farms in Mooresville, North Carolina. Over the years . Randy was one of the DNR agents who was instructed to go dosomething about Big George. A video which had gone viral since being posted last Thursday showed the top of an alligator's head which was supposed to be lurking in the waters around Portman Marina in Anderson on Lake Hartwell. Lucas said most alligators in South Carolina are concentrated in the coastal zone and throughout the coastal plain. Schoolhouse Falls is located in Panthertown Valley just north of Cashiers, North Carolina. Lots of space to play in the water but be sure to be careful around the slippery rocks. The gator was owned by Michael Bell, who purchased the decoy to keep geese away from his boat. Their range extends down to southern Florida and includes the Everglades. A strip of beach with shallow water attracts a crowd on hot days. Swimming in natural waters, like any other outdoor activity, requires caution. For a big reservoir, Keowee fishes small for crappie. The swamp is fully inhabited by alligators. ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C. (FOX Carolina) - The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources said a photo getting thousands of shares on social media claiming to be of an alligator at Lake Hartwell is a hoax. On the other hand, its also home to the Oconee Nuclear Stationthe largest nuclear plant in the countrywhich produces enough electricity to power 1.9 million homes with its 2.6 million-kilowatt output. If we had an alligator that size in Lake Hartwell, someone would have seen it by now. Alligators inhabit areas north of the refuge and in some of our waterways. Supposedly he was removed at some point. Lake Hartwell, about 60 miles southwest of the city, is a prominent weekend vacation destination for . "It's just not worth the risk," Leopold said. Limited parking available in just under three miles.Distance from Greenville: 1 hour, 25 minutes minutes. However appealing the Reedy River may be on a hot day, it is not safe for swimming. Montgomery Lake. He was a huge alligator and helived in all places in Lake Hartwell. The Red River of Florida and Why You Dont Swim in Alligator Lagoons. On Monday, a 2-foot gator was spotted under a car in New York City. Can You Set A Vanity On Vinyl Plank Flooring? A game warden looked at the picture and pointed out white sand is visible in the photo, indicating it was taken in a coastal area and not the Upstate. These 20+ Natural Swimming Spots Are Both Beautiful and Refreshing Near Greenville, SC, South Carolinas Most Beautiful Natural Places, Indoor Things to Do in Spartanburg County, Free Things to Do on a Date or Without the Kids, Horse & Farm Birthday Parties in Greenville, Play Venues Birthday Parties in Greenville, Princess & Dress Up Parties in Greenville, Party Room and Shelter Rentals in Spartanburg, Princess & Dress-Up Parties in Spartanburg, Fully Furnished Rental Homes Near Greenville, SC, Things to Do When Visiting Greenville, SC, Things to Do With Your Baby in Greenville, Indoor Places to Play for Babies and Toddlers, 10+ Free Things to Do in Hendersonville, NC, Lake Hartwell at Twelve Mile Recreation Area, Riley Moore Falls, Sumter National Forest, Cedar Shoals Creek, Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, Where to Cool Off, Splash and Swim in Upstate, SC, https://www.google.com/maps/place/Long+Shoals+Roadside+Park/@34.9482435,-82.8516659,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x72270d73fb0f3323!8m2!3d34.9482435!4d-82.8516659. Lake Marion spans five counties - Sumter, Orangeburg, Clarendon, Calhoun, and Berkeley. Trust The Answer. May 1, 1995. The hike to the falls is around a quarter-mile and pretty easy. The lake serves as a border between South Carolina . | 6 Comments. One thing I loved about this new lakeside restaurant in Hartwell is the lawn area where they encouraged you to stay awhile with yard games and outdoor seating. Facebook: Willadean'sTavern. June is here, it's summer, and it's time to get outside and get wet! Youll find a beach area with swimming, though no lifeguards are on duty. From Cashiers on Hwy 64, take Hwy 107 south and turn right onto Whiteside Cove Road. The reason has all to do with the geographical location of Lake Hartwell. Can you put this into your GPS? However, more may be around. Lake Norman was created in the early 1960's when the Duke Power Company dammed the Catawba River to generate hydroelectric power. The species was not known to exist in either Lake Norman or the Catawba River. Full pool is 1,100 feet above sea level with depths up to 350 feet. Related searches to Are there alligators in Lake Tillery? 2016, 2018. The river is excellent for recreational fishing and boating. Its terrific! However, there are three rivers that flow into Lake Hartwell. Weitere Informationen ber die Verwendung Ihrer personenbezogenen Daten finden Sie in unserer Datenschutzerklrung und unserer Cookie-Richtlinie. It was then he noticed something was off. Become a Subscriber; Renew a Subscription; Give a Gift Subscription; . However, there are three rivers that flow into Lake Hartwell. The swimming hole is certainly hidden. Chappelear dismissed rumors among some triathletes that they weren't competing in TryCharleston because of the gators and that the event would be held during breeding season. It is not uncommon to see them in Charlestons waterways, marshes, ponds, and canals, as well as lakes on golf courses. Are there alligators in the Savannah River? Yet it is the few incidents -- such as the attacks on a 77-year-old golfer on Fripp Island last year and on a 59-year snorkeler in 2007, both of which led to severed arms -- that stick in people's minds. Lake Jocassee is very private and unspoiled. For instance, he said, thousands of people water ski and dive in the Cooper River, adjacent to former rice fields that are prime alligator habitat. Kayaks and small boats are for rent here for a small fee. Falls Lake, since it bans gasoline-powered boats, is probably the cleanest North Carolina lake on this list. At High Falls County Park, South Cove County Park, and Keowee-Toxaway State Park, enjoy lakeside activities and lake access. These reptilians are also related to the caiman, which is a smaller version of an alligator and crocodile. document.getElementById( "ak_js_4" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Help spread the word. Do alligators live in lakes? These lakes, rivers, and creeks are the perfect spots to get weton a hot summer day. Created as part of the Tennessee Valley Authority, this lake is also seated comfortably at the foot of the Appalachian Mountains. That being said, rumors spread far and wide about an alligator named Old George that used to live in the Seneca branch of Hartwell Lake. The man-made, 1,500-acre lake provides drinking water for Burlington. The 5 Detailed Answer, What Word Takes 3 Hours To Pronounce? Alligators are a semi-aquatic species who prefer calm waters for habitation. People who enjoy both water and mountains flock to Lake Keowee, which sits 800 feet above sea level and offers stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Ecologists and animal rights activists have criticized the event, but it hasnt deterred what has become a cultural and economic pillar in Sweetwater, uniting generations of its citizens. In South Carolina, the Code of Laws by the SC State House states that it is prohibitive to release an alligator in the state. Its off a little, unmarked trail maybe an eighth of a mile before Rainbow Falls to the left of the trail. (32,510 acres near Charlotte) , Lake Santeetlah. The viral Facebook post claiming to show an alligator in Lake Hartwell was just the latest in a long tradition of gator hoaxes. The waterfalls flow into a tranquil pool, perfect for smaller kids. The rocky beaches of the Lake Erie islands it calls home to provide plenty of opportunities for sunbathing and concealment. Where is Lake Hartwell in Georgia? Clearly, it would also be dangerous for the people who are around the alligator. Source: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock. Evidently, as the park ranger explained, more than one person had dropped their phone in the waters with the wild alligators. Since alligators are not supposed to be here in the Upstate, it also frightens Upstate boaters or lake visitors when they see an alligator.. Do South Carolina lakes have alligators? Alligators are crawling through Florida neighborhoods, and most are just hot and hungry. Taking a dip is entirely at your own risk! In the rain, he thought it was real and wanted to make others aware of what he thought was a safety risk. Both parks have a beach area but there are no lifeguards on duty. BUT I WONDERED whether the water was clean enough to play in. How could the Savannah River bring alligators to Lake Hartwell? You can read more if you want. Alligators are most active between dusk and dawn, so plan accordingly to reduce the chances of running into them. Alligators are not supposed to thrive this far north. popular correspondent in the Caribbean. Making a lot of noise can also scare off a gator before any attack begins. What is the cleanest lake in North Carolina? Greg Lucas with SCDNR said they were made aware of the photo after it was posted on Facebook on Saturday. The post, showing a . Every once in a while we get a call up around Cheraw area, But that is very rare. Yes, you can go camping at Lake Hartwell. One of the many perks to the beach and coastal region is our beautiful natural habitats and animals that reside in them. George Perry. The differences in families have to do with the physical traits of the two distinct types of reptiles. If you live in South Carolina, youve probably seen alligators that are more than 13 feet long. Klicken Sie auf Alle ablehnen, wenn Sie nicht mchten, dass wir und unsere Partner Cookies und personenbezogene Daten fr diese zustzlichen Zwecke verwenden. The other water . What was the water level in Lake Hartwell in 1970? Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful. KOA manager Jeanna Simpson said she has tried to reassure triathletes that it's OK. Thank you very much. So far this spring, Simpson has only seen one gator, which was missing a leg, on camp grounds. As of midday Thursday, the TryCharleston half Ironman event, which also features a 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run, had 350 registrants and 240 open spots. When I'm not working, I enjoy playing video games with friends. With a full bar and a ton of variety, boaters are welcome as there's space to dock your boat while you eat. Jackson's post wasn't the first alligator hoax to capture the attention of Facebook users. If its mentioned, people think youre being rude. When alligators are found in Upstate waters, Lucas said its because someone removed them from the Lowcountry, kept them as pets, and then released them. Another lake that is shared with neighbouring Georgia, Lake Hartwell sits at the confluence of the Seneca, Savannah and Tugaloo Rivers. It was revealed Sunday by the Greenville News that radioactive tritium from the Oconee Nuclear Station is routinely discharged into the Keowee River that flows into Lake Hartwell. What is the cleanest lake in North Carolina? If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. In South Carolina, alligators are only native to the coastal plain region. A good number of channel cats can be caught from the bank or from a boat in this area. Snakes occur everywhere in the United States. There are numerous boat landings, yet most of the river is wild, with forests of tupelo, oak and gum along its shores. That is the question I am here to answer today. Alligators can grow up to 10 feet in length and can weigh as much as 1,500 pounds. As the weather warms up, so do the snakes. Fishing is a popular sport on Lake Hartwell, which is well stocked with several different fish, including largemouth bass and walleye. DearMissMermaidDotCom Wednesday, June 06, 2012. And with the many species it provides habitat for, it is no surprise that there are alligator sightings throughout South Carolina's lakes too. Information related to the topic Are there alligators in Lake Tillery? Alligators are known to occupy marshes, lakes, ponds, rivers, swamps, and wetland areas. That would be, Can A 12 Week Old Puppy Have Peanut Butter? Herons and alligators can be seen along the way, and a lucky sighting of a bald eagle is possible.Lake Tillery is a full recreational lake, allowing jet skis, water skiing, swimming, tubing, boat docks, fishing, and other water activities. Trust The Answer, What Word Takes 3.5 Hours To Pronounce? Have some feedback for us? To further clarify this geological fact, the news station WYFF 4 reports, The American alligator habitat line is the Fall Line Sandhills regionIt runs through South Carolina, roughly diagonally through the state following U.S. Route 1 and Interstate 20, passing through Camden and Aiken. While the scenery at Jocasee is spectacular, the fishing at Keowee is superior and there is more to do there. June 2, 1932. https://www.google.com/maps/place/Long+Shoals+Roadside+Park/@34.9482435,-82.8516659,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0x72270d73fb0f3323!8m2!3d34.9482435!4d-82.8516659. Pleasant Ridge Park4232 Highway 11, Marietta, SCDistance from Greenville: 45 minutes. A video which had gone viral since being posted last Thursday showed the top of an alligators head which was supposed to be lurking in the waters around Portman Marina in Anderson on Lake Hartwell. Finally Understand! You can see alligators in the Alligator River, Milltail Creek, Sawyer Lake, and in the border canals that line Highway 64/264 in Manns Harbor and Stumpy Point! Lake Hartwell covers a land area of 56,000 acres and has a shoreline of 962 miles. In May, a video of what appeared to be an alligator in Lake Hartwell went viral, collecting more than 100,000 views in only . What Words And Phrases Does Rodriguez Use To Express Tone In Paragraph 8? In recent decades, they have grown from a small population in the southern Everglades to the Naples area and even as far north as Lake Okeechobee. It teaches them to associate people with food, which can cause them to lose their natural fear of humans. SC (WPDE) Murrells Inlet, SC (WPDE) A resident of Murrells Inlet took a picture of an enormous alligator in the wild and shared it on social media, raising eyebrows. In 2000, sightings of alligators were reported in the lake. Lake Gaston and Lake Tillery are two I kind of happened upon myself. Water is 25-feet deep so adults can use life vests as well. On Thursday January 1, 1970 the water level at Lake Hartwell recorded Feet MSL. Jackson's post wasn't the first alligator hoax to capture the attention of Facebook users. Looking for a swimming hole to cool off in all this Greenville, South Carolina heat? They may also occasionally be found in brackish waters but are highly sensitive to salinity due to lacking particular glands. Swimming is permitted in Lake Keowee, but there are no designated swimming areas within Keowee-Toxaway State Park and lifeguards are not present. Lake Norman is North Carolina's largest manmade lake, with a surface area of 32,510 acres. However, the shade of copper sometimes varies. They have open swimming dates over the summer and every person 12 and under are provided with a mandatory life vest. It took me three tries to the park to find it. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Leopold and his buddies opted for another triathlon in a spring-fed freshwater lake in North Carolina. If you found this article useful, please share it. 888.893.0678. You will, however, be relieved to hear that the United States only has one deadly water-dwelling snake, so its not likely a concern. Owning a pet alligator is illegal in South Carolina. The lake has an abundance of recreational things to do including a swimming area. Another consideration is that due to the blackwater ponds and shallow swampy areas, these lakes produce alligators, snakes, and reptiles commonly found in the coastal regions. The largest alligator ever recorded during Georgia's alligator hunting season was 14 feet long. The water is dark, merky, dirty and nasty. In addition to the sandy beach, you'll find a playground, drinking water, and flush toilets. Otherwise, engineers should have a plan on how to protect reptiles like alligators and crocodiles from getting into the water through any channels. To avoid a collision, do not try to move the animal. So last winter, he rounded up seven triathlon buddies and booked three cabins at the event site, the KOA campground in Mount Pleasant. Alligators are native to North Carolinas coastline, with the largest population in the southeastern part of the state, according to the wildlife resources. Yes, there are alligators in Lake Keowee. This would kill you before anyone could save you if you were to be alone during an attack by an alligator. The post falsely claimed a large alligator was found in the lake and was later taken by state Department of Natural Resources officials to an animal release facility. If startled, a copperhead shakes its tail before striking, similar to a rattlesnake and many nonvenomous colubrids. Additionally, snakes have a unique system of internal bones and muscles that allows them to move and manipulate their bodies in ways that other reptiles cannot. According to the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources, the states alligator population is around 100,000. Required fields are marked *. water temperature of 41.9F / 5.5C. Images related to the topicA look at where the most gators are in Texas. High Falls County Park671 High Falls Rd, Seneca, SC864.882.8234Distance from Greenville: 50 minutesSouth Cove County Park1031 S Cove Rd, Seneca, SC864.882.5250Distance from Greenville: 50 minutes, Mile Creek County Park757 Keowee Baptist Church Road, Six Mile, SCDistance from Greenville: 50 minutes, Nearby Devils Fork State Park also has no lifeguards, but a popular swimming spot in Lake Jocassee. A note about safety: While there are hundreds of waterfalls within a short driving distance of the Upstate, exercise extreme caution when wading and splashing. For six years, I have worked as a professional writer and editor for books, blogs, and websites, with a particular focus on animals, tech, and finance. All rights reserved. The park's boat ramps and docks offer easy access to all water sports. Although many Floridians have learned to coexist with alligators, the potential for conflict always exists. The waters of Lake Keowee are known for their clarity and color. Lake allatoona is one of the cleanest lakes in georgia and is used as drinking water by nearby towns. 0:56. Did you know that alligators and crocodiles are not the same families of reptiles? According to the department, Yes, swimming is allowed. Twelve Mile Park113 12 Mile Park Rd, Clemson, SC888.893.0678Distance from Greenville: 45 minutes. Are you looking for an answer to the topic Are there alligators in Lake Tillery?? American alligators can be found in the coastal wetlands of the U.S. Southeast, as far north as North Carolina and as far west as eastern Texas. We answer all your questions at the website Ecurrencythailand.com in category: +15 Marketing Blog Post Ideas And Topics For You. The evolution of snakes can also be traced through their anatomy. ", Copyright Dear Miss Mermaid 1993-2019. Also, if you cut off an alligators tail, it will regenerate a new one like it is a starfish. In reality, the decoy can look pretty convincing from a distance. About 300 acres of the inland habitat and 11 miles of shoreline also were protected of the water snake. Just wanted you to know. Images related to the topicThe Red River of Florida and Why You Dont Swim in Alligator Lagoons. From Greenville on your way into the Sapphire Valley, head west on Hwy 64 towards Cashiers and turn left on Hwy 107. Graveyard Fields swimming hole right off the Blue Ridge Parkway has everything you need in a swimming hole (including paved parking and restrooms!). Lake Hartwell is a village close to Lake Hartwell. The lake is approximately 760 feet above . Since alligators spend most of their time sunbathing on the shores, there are often telltale signs of their presence. Herons and alligators can be seen along the way, and a lucky sighting of a bald eagle is possible.Lake Tillery is a full recreational lake, allowing jet skis, water skiing, swimming, tubing, boat docks, fishing, and other water activities. Cottonmouth snakes are relatively common in the eastern third of the state. There have not been any Alligatoridaethe scientific order of alligatorscaught or captured and killed or otherwise actually obtained from Lake Hartwell. Are there alligators in Hartwell Lake? Your email address will not be published. WNEGs sister station WLHR, in Lavonia, called the Corps on Friday to verify the authenticity of an alligator sighting and the reply was definitely not. Cold water could cause an alligator to freeze and become an alligator popsicle. Size. If you are an alligator, you need warm water because it is a cold-blooded animal. Km). The 6 Detailed Answer, American alligators can be found in the coastal wetlands of the U.S. Southeast, as far north as. With half of the lake located in North Carolina and the other half in Georgia, this lake is an inter-state wonder. 50 Years Later, Hartwell Dam Stands Out For Engineering Feats, Hartwell Dam and Lake by US Army Corps of Engineers, Hartwell Lake (middle), Lake Keowee (top), and Lake Richard Russell (bottom) Georgia (left of the water) and South Carolina (right of the water) map satellite poster print, Lake Hartwell Area Recreation Guide: Includes Information On Anderson, Athens, Clemson, Greenville, Hartwell, Pendleton & Toccoa, Lake Hartwell Recreation and Fishing Guide, Elizabeth Hartwell Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge, most Over time, these reptiles evolved to become more specialized in their hunting strategies, developing longer bodies, stronger muscles, and the ability to swallow prey much larger than themselves. Lengthwise, alligators are not as large in weight or long in length compared to crocodiles. It's not impossible for an alligator to be released and survive, at least for awhile, in the lake, and there have been rare potential sightings but this one is not legitimate, Lucas said. Winds NNE at 5 to 10 mph. Alligators are concentrated in the lower Cape Fear and Neuse River Valleys but roam over much of the Coastal Plain south of the 36th parallel, which splits Albemarle Sound lengthwise. From forests to deserts, and even water sources, these snakes inhabit a wide array of environments across the country. What should Lake Hartwell residents do if they see an alligator in their backyard? A Cooling Place to Take a Dip Lake Jocassee is South Carolinas Clearest and Most Pristine Lake. Whether you need a break from the sweltering humidity, are looking for a day trip with a cool-down at the end, or just want to take a refreshing dip without the chlorine, theres something in the Upstate for everyone. You have permission to edit this article. Each of these rivers could be home to alligators that might try to travel upstream to Upstate SC. Two different alligators were spotted in the lake. Unlike some of the smaller lakes nearer Atlanta, Lake Hartwell is neither crowded nor contaminated. Swimming is not allowed in any of the other three lakes in the park. One of the top destinations in the Upstate for summer water fun is Long Shoals Wayside Park. But it's the feet above sea level. Even though alligators and crocodiles are as old as dinosaurs, there are differences that you should be wary of when identifying these animals in Lake Hartwell. The video received thousands of shares and views as did an up-close photo taken of the predatory reptile. Wildcat WaysideUS 276/SC 11, Cleveland, SCDistance from Greenville: 45 minutes. Lake Hartwell is located in the upper Savannah River Basin on the border between northeast Georgia and upstate South Carolina. They are not made for running after prey, he said. You are probably at the most nothern range of them. The lake has an abundance of recreational things to do including a swimming area, public beaches, boating, water sports, picnic areas, and fishing and much more! All Rights Reserved. According to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and now according to the owner of "Steve the Gator" there is no alligator in Lake Hartwell. You can find out more about which cookies we are using or switch them off in settings. Therefore, it is very unlikely that a resident or person in South Carolina will find a nest of alligator hatchlings any time soon to report. If you dont have a 44 vehicle, you may want to park on the gravel road and hike up the logging road instead of driving. The lake is the property of the state and features Lake Hartwell State Park. Alligators are not native to the Uwharrie Mountains, but one was found Monday paddling around in High Rock Lake in North Carolina. Hike the three-mile round trip trail to the emerald lagoon swimming hole. Just wish I had seen your warning before! Top 10 Best Answers, Professional track Udacity digital marketing project 2 digital marketing, Lake Norman. Alligators can cause quite a stir in South Carolina even fake ones. Lakes and rivers in South Carolina are great places to cool off and relax with friends and family. The agency also has a warning for the community about releasing alligators in the Upstate. The Top 4 Most Alligator-Infested Lakes In, reign supreme over all other creepy-crawlies in a state, The 10 Most Snake-Infested Areas in the US, Largest Snake in the US Discovered (Up to 500+ Pounds! "They are more vocal but not more aggressive.". The trail head is in the Great Smoky Mountains in NC, right past WaynesvilleDistance from Greenville: 2 hours. Simpson says the campground posts "No Swimming" signs at the lake more because of general liability issues, not the gators, and because they'd rather have people use the campground pool. Therefore, the only time that you will hear about an alligator in this part of the state would be if you are talking about a hoax or a very dangerous situation. They live in a wide variety of habitats, from forests to rocky areas. Anglers can cut out over 90% of the lake by concentrating their efforts on several creek arms at the upper extremes of the reservoir. It is a paradise for swimmers, divers, boaters, and fisherman. Its mostly downhill on the way there so the hike back is a little more difficult. Lake Keowee, one of the states most beautiful and bluest bodies of water, should not be missed. Lake Hartwell; Anderson County Source: JMarro / shutterstock Lake Hartwell. You have to pay attention to the road and look for a sign that says Silver Run Falls. Lake Blackshear can be called the most alligator-infested lake in Georgia. This reptile is not common or capable of being in this South Carolina Upstate lake. The area is roped off and relatively shallow. News; Hunting Yes, it is perfectly safe to swim in Lake Hartwell. Are there alligators in lakes in North Carolina? Additionally, there are 21 swim beaches at this lake, making this one of the top most visited public swimming lakes in South Carolina. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. The 23,000 hectare lake is one of the largest in . But there is still plenty of swimming areas including where I am workamping. The two are close cousins of the same scientific orderand they look almost identical. This includes swimming and the park is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day. As a result of the high numbers of wild alligators in the Okefenokee Swamp and the Savannah River, you would suspect that alligators could travel to Lake Hartwell through the waterways. Lake Marion. In addition to the sandy beach, youll find a playground, drinking water, and flush toilets.