Oconee County situated in the northwest corner of South Carolina, is a picturesque and vibrant region known for its natural beauty and diverse landscapes.

Translated from Cherokee, Oconee means, “water eyes of the hills ”.

Its stunning mountain vistas, serene lakes, waterfalls and lush forests make it a haven for outdoor enthusiasts.

Aside from its serene areas, Oconee boasts a rich and unique history.

Now it's time to explore these treasures of a Oconee County from the sky.

Originally inhabited by Native American tribes, mainly the Cherokee, the region witnessed European exploration and settlement in the 18th century.

The establishment of the town of Walhalla by a group of German settlers led by John Wagner in 1850, marked a significant milestone in Oconees history.

Walhalla was named after Valhalla, the Norse mythology afterlife by these German settlers.

After founding the settlement, Wagner would become Charleston's 43rd mayor and serve as an officer of the Confederate States Army during the Civil War.

One relic from that time period, Stump House Tunnel, is a captivating historical landmark that offers a glimpse into the region's ambitious past.

Construction for the tunnel began in 1853 by the Blue Ridge Railroad.

Its purpose was to connect Anderson, South Carolina to Knoxville, Tennessee.

By early 1860, due to lack of funding and the brink of civil war, construction was halted and what's left today is a tunnel leading 1600 feet into the heart of Stump House Mountain.

Though the project was never completed, it still proved useful nearly a century later.

In 1940, Dr. Paul G. Miller of Clemson College realized the tunnels constant temperature of 57 degrees and humidity of 90% was ideal for molding blue veined cheese.

The project was deemed a success, and from August of 1955, Stump House Tunnel would go on to produce thousands of more pounds of blue cheese.

The water eyes of the hills wouldn't be complete without its enchanting waterfalls.

Issaqueena Falls nestled within Stump House Park stands as a testament of both natural beauty and local legend.

Cascading at 100 feet, Issaqueena Falls is named after a Creek Native American maiden who, according to legend, sought refuge on one of the falls ledges during a battle.

Further down Highway 28, Yellow Branch Falls offers a different, yet equally mesmerizing experience.

Accessible through a moderately difficult out and back trail, this journey takes you through groves of majestic hardwoods and meandering creek bottoms.

Upon reaching the base, visitors are rewarded with the sight of a stunning 50 foot vertical cascade.

Being one of the most beautiful natural wonders in Oconee County, hikers find the breathtaking scenery worth the challenge.

From the picturesque Issaqueena Falls to Stump House Tunnel, where history adds a touch to lush surroundings, Oconee County is filled with some of the greatest treasures of the Palmetto State, best seen from the sky.