Are you ready for one of the very best road trips in South Carolina you can ever do? There’s no hyperbole here, either. This really is such a great trek, it could be one of the best in America, too! Come along as we explore the beautiful Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway and some of the highlights found along this 112-mile route through Piedmont and the Upcountry.

Here's an interactive map link to guide your journey on this fun road trip so you can relax and enjoy the sights!
Google Maps
Technically, the trip begins in Gaffney on the north end, or in Fair Play on the south end. For this journey, we'll start in Gaffney to see the sights! Let's go!

1. First stop: the Peachoid in Gaffney.

Peachoid, Peachoid Rd, Gaffney, SC 29341, USA
Google/John hale
Shaped like a giant peach in honor of South Carolina's peach country, this one-million-gallon water tower looms over the terrain and is one of the largest and most recognized man-made landmarks in the state.

2. From the Peachoid, we move a short distance along SC-11 (the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway) and make a quick stop at Cowpens National Battlefield.

Google/Callie Heinle
Cowpens National Battlefield | Visitor Center, 4001 Chesnee Hwy, Gaffney, SC 29341, USA
Google/Release the Kragle
It's managed by the National Parks Service and encompasses 892 acres of land that preserves the sight of a major battle of the American Revolution. Wander, enjoy, and learn, and before you leave, stop into the visitors center and museum for even more about this spot.

3. No scenic trip through the Upcountry would be complete without visiting South Carolina's two prized historic bridges; the first of which is Campbells Covered Bridge.

Campbells Covered Bridge, 171 Campbell Covered Bridge Rd, Landrum, SC 29356, USA
Flickr/David Ellis
Now part of a county park, this bridge will transport you to a time long before many of us were here; a time when our ancestors would have been so happy to have this newly placed creek crossing so they wouldn't have to travel approximately 30 miles out of their way to get from one side to the other of this little creek.

4. The other historic bridge is found only 15 minutes drive from the first.

Flickr/anoldent
Poinsett Bridge is perhaps the oldest remaining stone bridge in the entire southeast. It's preserved in a Greenville County Park and contains a stunning 16-foot-tall gothic arch opening for the small creek below to pass through.

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5. All of this driving and sightseeing is sure to work up an appetite. Stop at Aunt Sue's Country Corner to see what all of the hullabaloo is about here.

107 Country Creek Dr a, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
Google/Linda Quimby
Don't expect white table cloths and luxury. This place is down-home to the very core and most folks love it - and the food.

6. Next, we'll make a short stop at Long Shoals Wayside Park.

South Carolina 11, SC-11, South Carolina, USA
Google/Joshua Griner
Take the short hike down to the creek to discover a natural water slide you'll want to return to again and again on a day when you can stay longer and play all day long.

7. Moving right along, we come to Keowee-Toxaway State Park.

108 Residence Dr, Sunset, SC 29685, USA
AllTrails/Josh Drago
It's one of the few parks in the system that doesn't charge admission so pull in and check it out. Head out on the short Natural Bridge nature trail to walk across the only natural bridge of its kind in the Palmetto State.

...shortly after leaving Keowee Toxaway State Park, SC-11 crosses Lake Keowee and the view is so beautiful it will surely drop your jaw.

Google Maps
Seriously.

8. The next to last stop on this road trip is a waterfall swimming hole at Chau Ram County Park in Westminster.

1220 Chau Ram Park Rd, Westminster, SC 29693, USA
Google/John Farrish
Hopefully, you got an early enough start to the day to partake in the fun, as this park has numerous places to get in the Chauga River or Ramsey Creek and cool off, including a tiered waterfall with a swimming hole at the base! While you're here, check out the campground so you can plan a much longer return visit later in the season.

9. If you're making this road trip Wednesday through Saturday and arrive at the southern end (in Fairplay, South Carolina) prior to 2 p.m., you'll want to stop at Hershberger's Bakery, an Amish Bakery known for its cinnamon rolls.

Google/Joyce Taylor
1011 SC-59, Fair Play, SC 29643, USA
Google/Nena C. Nelson
Seriously, they are as big as your head! Of course, the bakery has oodles of other goodies (and deli sandwiches), too.

Without stops, this road trip could be accomplished from end to end and back to the starting point in Gaffney in about four hours, or two hours each way. But you’re sure to want to make stops along the way so plan accordingly. After all, this is one of the best road trips in South Carolina. Be sure to check out our ultimate road trip packing essentials before you go!

For more beautiful scenery, check out this footage from Conway, SC:

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South Carolina Road Trip

Tori Jane | May 14, 2023

What are some wonderful scenic drives in South Carolina?

When it comes to amazing, scenic drives in South Carolina, the options are plenty! There are a lot, so we can’t list them all – but some of our favorites are:  

  • Savannah River National Scenic Byway – This one’s about 100 miles long and it makes for the perfect South Carolina day trip.  
  • Bohicket Road South Carolina Scenic Byway – You ought to drive this byway on the way to see the incredible, elegant Angel Oak. Seriously. Just take our word for it, you won’t regret a moment.  
  • The Woodpecker Trail – This is another long one, coming in at just over 200 miles long, and extends up to Florida.  

 

Learn more about all of these awesome scenic drives in South Carolina, and then some! 

What are the best scenic byways in South Carolina?

Of course, the list of awesome scenic byways in South Carolina doesn’t end with the above-mentioned ones! There are plenty more, such as:  

  • Cherokee Hills Scenic Byway – Also known as SC-11, this gorgeous stretch of roadway is an amazing adventure that includes a unique natural wonder.  
  • Edisto Island National Scenic Byway – This gorgeous 14-mile drive might be one of the most beautiful in the entire state. You’ll pass all sorts of amazing places along the way.  
  • Falling Waters Scenic Byway – It might be just 13 miles long, but it’s gorgeous and worthy of adventure.  

Learn more about these awesome scenic byways in South Carolina. 

What other awesome South Carolina drives should I add to my bucket list?

Okay, okay – just a few more! Obviously, we’re a little enthusiastic about these awesome South Carolina drives. So, a couple more awesome ones include:  

  • Edisto Island National Scenic Byway - tree tunnels, salt marshes, forests, farms? What more could we ask for?  
  • Savannah River National Scenic Byway – Another 100-mile, gorgeous drive, the Savannah River National Byway is an absolutely beautiful gem.  
  • Plantersville Scenic Byway – This is one of the newest scenic drives in South Carolina, and it’s absolutely amazing!  

 

Learn more about all of these wonderful scenic backroads in South Carolina. 

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