Located in Upcountry South Carolina, the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway, with mountain ranges exceeding 3,000 feet and lots of outdoors-oriented options, is one of the state’s most scenic drives. It’s also a perfect way to enjoy colorful leaf-peeping in the fall.
National Scenic Byway
Stretching about 115 winding miles from I-85 near Gaffney (look for the Peachoid, a 135-foot ‘peach’ water tower) to the Georgia state line at Lake Hartwell and following South Carolina 11, a drive along the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway can include stops and short diversions for hiking, biking, paddling, food and drink and numerous state parks.
Founded in 1955 and growing from a roadside stand selling local peaches to a huge family enterprise with three markets, Abbott Farms on Peachoid Road is a fitting first stop before jumping on SC 11 proper. It’s a great place to stock up on fresh fruit, jams and preserves, butters, ciders, pecans and much more.
Cowpens National Battlefield
Heading west along SC 11, possible stops begin adding up quickly. Just 10 miles into the drive, Cowpens National Battlefield and historic Robert Scruggs House detail an important Revolutionary War battle. Another 10 miles down the road, the Cooley family welcomes visitors to Strawberry Hill USA. It straddles SC 11 with markets, a café and ice cream parlor and more.
Seven miles or so further takes explorers to the left-hand turn for Campbells Covered Bridge. It was built in 1909 and is the only remaining covered bridge in South Carolina.
Back on SC 11, two tasty stops await. First is Eagle Mountain Vineyards & Winery, which offers wine, food, art and occasional live music. Just a mile further west, MacGregor Orchards offers seasonal fruits and vegetables fresh from the adjacent farm. They also offer meats from owner Stephens Gregory’s nearby cattle ranch. For a quick and worthy diversion, turn north on Route 42 at MacGregor’s Orchards to Poinsett Bridge. This pretty stone bridge over Little Gap Creek was built in 1820.
Jones Gap State Park
Situated about 10 minutes from Poinsett Bridge, Hotel Domestique was founded by famed cyclist George Hincapie. It features luxurious rooms and tasty seasonal dining at Restaurant 17. The restaurant is open to non-guests and is headed by South Carolina Chef Ambassador Hadyn Shaak. Just 15 minutes more, Jones Gap State Park is the first of several great state parks on this drive. Features of this popular park on the Middle Saluda River include hiking, waterfalls, fishing and rustic backcountry trailside camping.
Back on SC 11 for about three miles, Wildcat Wayside provides easy access to several waterfalls. Then, it’s a winding 15-minute drive north on US 276 to Caesars Head State Park, with excellent hiking, birdwatching, fall colors and rustic backcountry trailside camping. About five miles after the waterfalls, look for Aunt Sue’s Country Corner, with a restaurant, ice cream parlor and shopping.
Table Rock State Park
Straddling SC 11, Table Rock State Park and its towering namesake rock outcropping is just 20 minutes from Caesars Head. With a lake, hiking and more as lures, this state park offers varied camping possibilities, as well as spacious cabins (including several historic ones built by the Civilian Conservation Corps). Campers looking to take a break from camping will find the cabins in the South Carolina state parks system are a fun option. Situated just east of the park, highly-recommended Table Rock Tea Company makes a unique SC 11 visit. They feature short tours, tea tastings and teas and plants for sale.
Located about 15 miles and 30 minutes from Table Rock, Sassafras Mountain is situated at 3,553 feet high and is South Carolina’s highest point. With stunning views of the Carolinas from a tower and observation decks, it’s well worth the winding drive up and back down US 178. On the way back to SC 11, look for the right-hand turn to Twin Falls, a favorite waterfalls stop along this drive.
Oconee State Park
Two more state parks await. First, Keowee-Toxaway State Park on Lake Keowee features varied camping and a single cabin overlooking the lake. Just 10 minutes further, Devils Fork State Park on Lake Jocassee includes several waterfalls accessible only by boat, rental villas and two campgrounds. Just 15 minutes from Devils Fork, Oconee Station State Historic Site features two historic structures and a short hike to a cascading waterfall. Another half-hour by vehicle, Oconee State Park has more camping and cabins, plus hiking, including the famed Foothills Trail, which passes through several Upcountry state parks. On the way to Oconee State Park, look for the right-hand turn to Stumphouse Tunnel, where there’s an unfinished railroad tunnel and popular Issaquena Falls.
Walhalla is next on the drive. Highlights include the Museum of the Cherokee Indian, the Oconee History Museum, Patriots Hall Military Museum and a meal at the popular and friendly Steak House Cafeteria, where there’s no steak on the menu, just tasty fried chicken and other southern favorites. One diversion in this area to consider is Long Creek with its world-renowned whitewater rafting, ziplining and more. Outfitter Wildwater offers mild to wild rafting of the Chattooga River.
Final stop at the SC-GA state line
While in Long Creek, check out Humble Pie and the Gauge Coffee House for great food, coffee and shopping, as well as the Chattooga Belle Farm for lunch. The final stop of the drive is Lake Hartwell State Park at the South Carolina-Georgia state line. It has a campground with easy access to Lake Hartwell, as well as two rustic camper cabins. And if you’re like most visitors on this route, you won’t have nearly enough time to see it all, so keeps notes
If you go
To start planning a visit to South Carolina’s Upcountry and a drive along the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway, head to upcountrysc.com and scenic11.com.
This article by Cele & Lynn Seldon was originally published in Girl Camper Magazine.
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