Are you ready for one of the very best road trips you can ever take in South Carolina? 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 the Piedmont and the Upcountry.
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’ go!
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration
First stop: the Peachoid in Gaffney. 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.
Google/John hale
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
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.
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. 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.
Flickr/David Ellis
The other historic bridge is found only 15 minutes’ drive from the first. 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.
Flickr/anoldent
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. 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.
Google/Linda Quimby
Next, we’ll make a short stop at Long Shoals Wayside Park. 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.
Google/Joshua Griner
Moving right along, we come to Keowee-Toxaway State Park. It’s one of the few parks in the system that don’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.
AllTrails/Josh Drago
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
The next to last stop on this road trip is a waterfall swimming hole at Chau Ram County Park in Westminster. 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.
Google/John Farrish
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
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.
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 [enhanced with text and map pins]
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. Afterall, this is one of the best road trips in South Carolina!
U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration
Google/John hale
Google/Callie Heinle
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.
Flickr/David Ellis
Flickr/anoldent
Google/Linda Quimby
Google/Joshua Griner
AllTrails/Josh Drago
Google Maps
Google/John Farrish
Google/Joyce Taylor
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.
Google Maps [enhanced with text and map pins]
For more information about the trek, consult the many links throughout the article, or visit the official website of the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highways Administration.
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