Southern states have uniquely different geographical make-ups. In North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia, the landscape varies significantly between the coastline and mountainous terrain. In each of these states, the two regions have specific names. The mountains are called the High Country, while the coastal areas are deemed as the Lowcountry. The low country definition is the area of the three states that meet the Atlantic Ocean. If you ask a local where they are from, they will likely use each of these names to describe the section of a state they reside. 

It is often assumed that mountains are strictly for hiking and sightseeing. However, one of the most unique hiking trails is sassafras mountain South Carolina where an observation tower is perched at the top. Most don’t consider the pristine lakes that are nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains throughout the high country South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia. These lakes offer not only excellent boating and fishing opportunities but also scenic mountain views. 

What Are The Most Notable High Country Boating And Fishing Lakes in Georgia, South Carolina, And North Carolina?

  1. Fitting is the name, Lake Blue Ridge in the state of Georgia.
  2. Lake Jocassee which is positioned just outside of Greenville, South Carolina.
  3. Situated in the mountains of North Carolina is Lake James. 

When boating in the high country enjoy the mountainous terrain. Plan a trip in the fall to discover the changing colors of the tree-lined mountainsides in the South Carolina high country, North Carolina high country, or Georgia high country.

For the fisherman, these three lakes offer excellent angling opportunities. Keep in mind, because these bodies of water are situated in the northern parts of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina, they are home to many varieties of fish common in northern states. The species of vary significantly between the low country vs high country.

What Types Of Fish Can You Catch  In Lake Blue Ridge, Lake Jocassee, and Lakes James:

  1. Striped Bass
  2. Largemouth Bass
  3. Smallmouth Bass
  4. Walleye

Don’t forget to explore the high country for your next boating adventure.

The Lowcountry is more well known in the boating community. Many cities line the Atlantic ocean in the low country to include Charleston, South Carolina, Savannah, Georgia, and Willmington, North Carolina, which attract many tourists. Again, when you’re wondering what is considered the low country, it is the area coastal regions of the three states.

Many exciting opportunities attract boaters to the Lowcountry coastal waters, including beautiful skyline views of cities from the waterways, waterfront dining, and fishing. 

Here are some key activities and destinations in each of the three states:

Georgia-

  1. The Savannah River in downtown Savannah, Georgia. 
  2. Saint Simons and Jekyll Island located in the Golden Isles.
  3. Wassaw Island which is only accessible by boat.

South Carolina-

  1. The downtown Charleston waters surrounding the peninsula.
  2. Shem Creek, a favorite bar and restaurant destination.
  3. Hilton Head Island for its dining and fishing opportunities.

North Carolina-

  1. New Bern and its waterfront restaurant called Persimmons Waterfront Restaurant.
  2. The Outer Banks for it’s scenery and dining options.
  3. Talk about dining on the water; Willmington, North Carolina, has a plethora of restaurants on the Cape Fear River. 

When visiting the low country, the region offers more than tourist opportunities. Don’t hesitate to focus your attention on fishing the Lowcountry. The low country has an abundance of fish and crustaceans, caught with either nets or rod and reel, depending on the species:

  1. Sea Trout
  2. Redfish
  3. Flounder
  4. Shrimp
  5. Crab

Head out by boat in any of these Lowcountry waters and explore all that it has to offer. However, don’t venture into pluff mud when fishing from land. When it comes to pluff mud meaning, the mud is composed of decaying marsh grass. Should you attempt to walk in the mud, it will create an intense suction and remove shoes from your feet.

When you are putting your dates on the calendar, keep in mind that the weather can become chilly in the winter months. 

Best Time Of Year To Visit the Lowcountry 

Here are the best times of year to visit and avoid the summer heat and brisk winters:

Fall:

  1. September
  2. October

Spring:

  1. May 
  2. June

The choice is yours; both the high country vs low country offer boating and fishing opportunities. If you’re looking for a freshwater adventure, head to the mountains. If you prefer the saltwater and marsh views, head to the coast. No matter what region you select, great boating opportunities are at your fingertips. Mark your calendar for the next high country or Lowcountry adventure.Â