June 30, 2026
Dam Road, Issaqueena, Rocky and Collarbone Loop
near Clemson Experimental Forest, SC
Yep, it was a hot and humid with 80°F to 85°F temperatures and similar humidity, but it was still a "great day for a hike." The trails were in excellent condition with good overhead cover providing shade for most of the hike. The trails were well-blazed with color-coded tags and directional signs at most trail intersections. While not a lot to see on the first and last third of the hike, the path along Issaqueena Lake was good with the lake a full pool and temperatures a bit cooler. We also found the most wildflowers along the lake. My thanks to the wonderful group of hikers and two trail-dogs who hiked without complaint on this hotter than usual summer day.
Today's Hikers: Jenny Bell, Lynn Steele, Matt Henderson & Toby, Renee Corbett, Kim Johnson, Stephanie Kromelis, Bobbie Broussard & Huey and Mike Bell.
The route
6.1 mi · 417 ft climbing · 3h 27m out, 2h 58m walking · 2.1 mph moving
Elevation
Hover over the profile to see the elevation and steepness. Your position will be shown on the map.
- Steepness
- Gentle under 5%
- Moderate 5–10%
- Steep 10–15%
- Very steep over 15%
27 photos are shown on the map where they were taken — click one to see it full size.
Photos (27)
A view of Issaqueena Lake. Today's hikers (L-R): Jenny, Lynn, Matt & Toby, Renee, Kim, Stephanie, Bobbie & Huey and Mike A view of Issaqueena Lake. Today's hikers (L-R): Jenny, Lynn, Matt & Toby, Renee, Kim, Stephanie, Bobbie & Huey and Mike What a great place to hike . . . so many trails. So let's get started. Using the Dam Road Trail rather than the adjacent East Dam Road keeps you under cover on a very nice trail and off an open dirt road. Our first wildflower sighting, some form of Coreopsis. Then this Hoary mountain mint with its white-like leaves. This American beautyberry in bloom was one of Ray Lovett's favorites on our 2022 hike. Our first sighting of Issaqueena Lake from the dam. Here's the Issaqueena Lake Dam as it empties into Lake Hartwell. Now we're heading north on the Issaqueena Trail with a few narrow ledges along the way. Another view of Issaqueena Lake as we walk this section of the trail. One of a couple of survey markers dated 1941 for this lake. We stopped at this point for a break and snack. One of several large and very tall oaks??? that we saw along the trail. This one was 52+ inches in diameter. A remaining gnome figure along the trail. I looked back at our 2022 hike and there was a complete setting of these figures at that time. There were numerous examples of this False foxglove along the Issaqueena Trail. Other wildflowers, from 10 o'clock: Appalachian flat-top aster; Sensitive Plant; Blackeyed Susan; Tick Trefoil (aka Beggar's lice); Yellow star grass It was a good day for colorful fungus. Another lake scene. So, how often do you get to make this type of trail choice? Turning back toward the trailhead, there is a large expanse of wetlands. See the duck family on the far side of the lily pads? It's unusual to see horses on these trails. A group of five riders today. Toby was really enjoying this very small, but flowing drainage feature. He was reluctant to leave it. We encountered this series of inclines on our return on the Collarbone Trail.