One of South Carolina’s most unique and earliest wildflowers, the Oconee Bell, can be found blooming from mid-March to early April. Colonies of the Oconee Bells blooming in their entire splendor can be seen along the Oconee Bell Trail at Devils Fork State Park, a gateway to the Jocassee Gorges.

The Oconee Bell is a rare flower of the southern Appalachians found only in a few locations in the mountains of North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia in moist wooded areas along streams. Although the flower has a very limited range in the wild, it grows well in gardens and is commercially available. 

You can recognize the Oconee Bell by its white and yellow blossom with red stem and red-tinged leaves.

To catch a glimpse of this delicate and unique wildflower, make a trip to Devils Fork State Park during its blooming season and walk the Oconee Bell Nature Trail. You can also plan to attend our Oconee Bell Nature Walk that is held each year. Book a mountain villa or campsite and extend your stay and explore the wonder of the Jocassee Gorges.
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The Oconee Bell Nature Trail is an easy 1-mile loop trail that received its name for the rare wildflower that can be found along the footpath.  For more information and to book reservations at South Carolina's beautiful mountain state park, visit Devils Fork State Park.