Need to get away? Are long drives just your “thing?” You don’t have to answer “yes” to love these seven roads in South Carolina. Our national and state scenic byways deliver big in the way of stunning views. They also dish up other goodies that help not only to stimulate the economy in the small towns throughout the Palmetto State but also to help promote the beauty of our backroads. Here are some of our favorite scenic drives in South Carolina.

1. Falling Waters Scenic Byway
South Carolina 107, SC-107, South Carolina, USA
Google Maps
South Carolina's Loneliest Road dishes up more than just solitude. Falling Waters Scenic Byway is only 13 miles long but you'll spend so much time exploring all the obvious (scenic overlooks) and hidden treasures (a footpath to the Chattooga River) along the way, that you should probably plan to spend hours on this country road.
2. Edisto Island National Scenic Byway
Edisto Island, SC 29438, USA
Nguyen Khoi/Google
Take a lazy drive along this national scenic byway where you'll meander in and out of tree tunnels, salt marshes, a forest, and a farm or two. Stop along the way to see historic churches or shop at roadside fruit and vegetable stands as you make your way to the end of the road: the Atlantic Ocean.

Check out the adventures that await on Edisto Island:

3. Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway
South Carolina 11, SC-11, Gaffney, SC, USA
Google Maps
SC-11, a.k.a. The Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway, is 110 miles filled with amazing country sights. It stretches from I-85 in Gaffney to join I-85 again in Fairplay, South Carolina near the Georgia border. The trip itself is just under three hours, but you'll find yourself stopping along the way at all the fantastic sights and attractions, like the famous Peachoid near Gaffney, and Table Rock near Pickens. Keep your phone or camera on the ready - especially for the short bridge you'll cross over beautiful Lake Keowee.

Take in the beautiful views on the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway:

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4. Savannah River National Scenic Byway
Highway 28 South, Hwy 28 S, Anderson, SC, USA
Hannah Kessler/Google
The Savannah River National Scenic Byway is 100 miles long. You'll pass through some charming South Carolina small towns and find so many beautiful old churches to admire you may decide to nickname this "The Historic Churches Scenic Byway."
5. Old Sheldon Church Road Scenic Byway
Old Sheldon Church Ruins, Old Sheldon Church Rd, Yemassee, SC 29945, USA
Flickr/Glenna Barlow
Folks who've visited the Old Sheldon Church Ruins will unanimously agree: the drive down Old Sheldon Church Road Scenic Byway is at least as beautiful as the remains of the old church you'll find along the route. If you're a sucker for tree canopies that are dripping in Spanish moss, then this is the drive for you. It's only seven miles long but that's 14 miles by the time you return the same way you came.

Learn the history of the Old Sheldon Church:

6. Plantersville Scenic Byway
Prince Frederick Chapel, Georgetown, SC 29440, USA
Cary Grant/Google
Head to South Carolina's newest addition to our scenic byways and discover some new historic sites you may not have known were right in your own backyard. Samworth Plantation is worthy of a stop if you love wildlife. History buffs will enjoy visiting the ruins of Prince Frederick's Chapel. The route is only 11 miles long, but it's a beauty!
7. Western York Scenic Byway
York, SC 29745, USA
Google Maps
Embark on this 66-mile journey through the rolling hills in western York County. Enjoy small towns like Sharon and McConnells as well as Historic downtown York. You'll love this winding road that actually doubles back in the shape of a "U."

With a variety of drive lengths ranging from short to long, this list of highways is loaded with roads full of scenic charm that are perfect for a fun road trip. What are your favorite scenic drives in South Carolina?

For more Palmetto State country charm, try these 9 places way out in the boonies – but so worth the drive.

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More to Explore

Road Trip Attractions in South Carolina

William Suphan | August 21, 2023

What are the best natural wonders in South Carolina?

The best natural wonders in South Carolina include:

  • Congaree National Park. This park contains a vast expanse of bottomland hardwood trees that are some of the tallest in the South.
  • The ACE Basin. Made up of the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto rivers, this basin spans over 350,000 acres and is teeming with wildlife.
  • Raven Cliff Falls. These are South Carolina’s tallest waterfalls ranging from 350 to 400 feet tall and are worth the hike.
  • 40 Acre Rock. This is a giant granite rock that isn’t 40 acres, but a still very impressive 14 acres in size. 

Learn more about these and a few more of the best natural wonders in South Carolina. 

What are the most amazing lesser-known attractions in South Carolina?

The most amazing lesser-known attractions in South Carolina include:

  • Boneyard Beach. This is seven miles of beach that are accessible only by boat and has tons of seashells.
  • Runway Park. Located in Greenville, this is a children’s playground where you can watch planes take off and land on the adjacent runway.
  • Castle Pinckney. This is the ruins of a castle that was abandoned in 1951 and once defended Charleston.
  • Lake Jocasse. This is the clearest lake in the state and is a beautiful place for setting up camp.

Learn more about the most amazing lesser-known attractions in South Carolina. 

What are some hidden gem natural attractions in South Carolina?

Hidden gem natural attractions in South Carolina include:

  • Edisto River. This is one of the longest black water rivers in the nation and wends its way back and forth throughout South Carolina.
  • Wildcat Branch Falls. These can be found just off the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway and are a beautiful sight to see.
  • Lake Marion. This reservoir spans 172 square miles and is quite a beautiful lake in South Carolina.
  • The Carolina Sandhills. These sand dunes are left over from an ancient ocean that used to be in this area.

Discover more about these and several other hidden gem natural attractions in South Carolina.

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