Road Trip on the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway in South Carolina - Road Trips & Coffee Travel Blog (2024)

This road trip on the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway begins with a view of Appalachian Mountains and ends with a giant peach. Along the way you’ll discover some of South Carolina’s best state parks, interesting roadside attractions, and outstanding local food. This is probably the most exciting road trip you’ve never heard of until now.

The 118-mile road trip along South Carolina Highway 11 passes through the heart of the South Carolina Mountain Lakes region. Scenic overlooks, waterfalls, state parks, and quaint towns make this road trip an excellent weekend getaway or week-long adventure.

Exit 1 From I-85 onto SC Highway 11

The view from this interstate exit is one of the few in thecountry that caught me by surprise and immediately put a smile on my face.Immediately in the distance you can already see the foothills of theAppalachian Mountains. If you have just traveled from Georgia that’s not such abig surprise, but from anywhere in South Carolina it’s an amazing treat.

Lake Hartwell State Park

Lake Hartwell is an anglers paradise and Lake Hartwell State Park is a great place to visit for a day of fishing. There are two boat ramps; one near the fishing pier and the other beside the campground. The visitor center has a small store with limited fishing supplies for last-minute items. Fishing not your thing? There is a picnic area with plenty of tables and a short 0.75-mile nature trail.

Spend a night or two at the enormous campground with over ahundred campsites. Some sites are pull-through and there are special areasexclusively for tent campers. The campground includes comfort stations withrestrooms and showers, playground, and water/electric hookups.

Lake Hartwell State Park (864) 972-3352 | 19139-A Hwy 11 South, Fair Play, SC | https://southcarolinaparks.com/lake-hartwell

No. 1

Walhalla, SC

After exiting Highway 11 and traveling into Walhalla you’ll immediatelybe taken by the charm of the quaint town. Just three blocks long the downtownarea is lined with two story facades of local businesses.

Stop by Carolina Pizza Company for a fantastic pizza cooked however you like then walk down the street to West & Co. Tap Room. Take a short drive back one block to the Oconee History Museum to learn about Native Americans and early settlers through this area.

READ MORE: 6 Reasons Why You Need to Visit the South Carolina Mountain Lakes

Stumphouse Tunnel

Stumphouse Tunnel is one of the most fascinating hidden gemsin South Carolina. The tunnel was started in 1852 to build a railroad connectingCharleston, SC to Knoxville, TN. But then the Civil War and a lack of fundsbrought the effort to a halt and it was never finished.

Today visitors to Stumphouse Tunnel, about seven miles from Walhalla along SC Highway 28, can explore inside the incomplete tunnel. The 18-foot-wide by 25-foot-tall tunnel is about a quarter mile long, although you can’t walk all the way to back for safety reasons. About halfway through the tunnel is a 60’ air shaft in the ceiling, creating a constant breeze.

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Issaqueena Falls

The 100’ cascading Issaqueena Falls is one of the most beautiful and popular through the Oconee region of South Carolina. The 0.4-mile roundtrip hike leads to a viewing platform near the waterfall. It’s an easy hike and takes about half an hour, well worth the excursion for stretching your legs.

Oconee State Park

Located just 12 miles from Walhalla, Oconee State Park is one of the most exciting remote parks in the state. The park features 19 rustic cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the park’s construction. The campground has 140 sites with water and electrical hookups, laundry facility, and comfort stations with restrooms and hot showers.

Oconee State Park is the western end of the 77-mile Foothills Trail. The scenic trail winds along the mountains above Lake Jocassee, crosses the summit of Sassafras Mountain, and ends at Table Rock State Park.

Oconee State Park (864) 638-5353 | 624 State Park Road, Mountain Rest, SC | https://southcarolinaparks.com/oconee

Oconee Station State Historic Site

In the late 1800s a series of buildings were built on this site as a military compound and later a trading post for early settlers. Today the stone blockhouse and William Richards House are all that remains for visitors to explore. Throughout the year the Oconee Station State Historic Site hosts various living history events showing the life on the frontier during this time.

Oconee Station State Historic Site (864) 638-0079 | 500 Oconee Station Road, Walhalla, SC | https://southcarolinaparks.com/oconee-station

READ MORE: 14 Favorite Travel Photos From the South Carolina Mountain Lakes

Station Cove Falls

Just beyond Oconee Station State Historic Site is parking for the trail leading to Station Cove Falls. This 60’ waterfall takes about fifteen minutes to reach along the 0.4-mile out-and-back trail. The trail is fairly easy and well maintained throughout the year.

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Bad Creek Overlook

The Bad Creek Overlook provides a stunning view of Lake Jocassee from a high position above the lake. Just off to the left is Upper Whitewater Falls; although you can’t see the waterfall from this overlook, sometimes you can hear the roaring water.

Did You Know? Duke Energy owns and operates the Bad Creek Hydroelectric Station located near the scenic overlook. The energy station uses four massive turbines to pump water from Lake Jocassee through a one-mile tunnel into Bad Creek Reservoir. When extra power generation is needed the water is released through the hydroelectric power station back into the lake 1,200’ below.

Lower Whitewater Falls Parking

Lower Whitewater Falls is located about a half mile downstream from Upper Whitewater Falls. From the parking area it is a 4.2-mile out-and-back hike to reach the Lower Whitewater Falls viewing area. Along the trail you’ll cross the river before looping back around the viewing area.

The trail has about an 800’ total elevation gain which makesthis a moderately difficult trail. Give yourself a good 1-2 hours for theroundtrip hike, but you’ll probably want longer to enjoy the view when you getthere.

Upper Whitewater Falls

Although technically just across the border into North Carolina, Upper Whitewater Falls is a waterfall you don’t want to miss. The large parking area has room for plenty of vehicles, RVs, and trailers. A short trail leads to the first scenic overlook of Upper Whitewater Falls. It is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the Eastern United States.

The better scenic overlook, though, is down a seriously long flight of stairs to an observation deck below. The steps were rebuilt in 2017 after a forest fire destroyed the area so they are rock solid and easy to walk (it’s coming back up that’ll be the fun part).

READ MORE: Explore the Stunning Upper Whitewater Falls in North Carolina

No. 2

Devils Fork State Park

Devils Fork State Park is best known as the only access for boaters to Lake Jocassee. The 7,565-acre lake, owned by Duke Energy and used for hydroelectric power generation, is famous as a freshwater dive site with almost crystal-clear water. The number of boaters allowed on the lake each day is limited, making the lake rather exclusive and peaceful.

The main campground in the park includes 59 campsites with water and electrical hookups, comfort stations with restrooms and hot showers, and a dump station. There are 20 lakeside two and three-bedroom cabins. Each cabin comes with all cookware and linens.

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Devils Fork State Park is one of only two state parks inSouth Carolina with a campground that can only be accessed via boat. Almost twomiles across Lake Jocassee is the Double Springs Boat-In Campground. Thecampground has 13 primitive backcountry sites that include tent pads andnothing else at all.

A popular day activity at Devils Fork State Park is to hikethe 1.5-mile Oconee Bell Natural Trail. The Oconee Bell is a unique flower onlyfound in a few locations across the country. One of the best places to seethese gorgeous flowers is along this nature trail when they bloom aroundmid-March through early April.

Devils Fork State Park (864) 944-2639 | 161 Holcombe Circle, Salem, SC | https://southcarolinaparks.com/devils-fork

Keowee-Toxaway State Park

Located below the Jocassee Dam on Lake Keowee, Keowee-Toxaway State Park is a fantastic day trip destination during a long road trip. The small park has a campground with 10 sites with water and electrical hookups and a primitive tent-only camping area. A three-bedroom cabin on the lakeshore is available with a private boat dock and all furnishings.

Get out and stretch your legs along the 1.3-mile moderatelystrenuous Natura Bridge Nature Trail or the 4.4-mile strenuous Raven RockTrail. Both trails offer a welcome respite in nature with views of the lake.

Keowee-Toxaway State Park (864) 868-2605 | 108 Residence Drive, Sunset, SC | https://southcarolinaparks.com/keowee-toxaway

No. 3

Sassafrass Mountain

At 3,553’ in elevation Sassafras Mountain is the highest point in South Carolina. The 7-mile drive along US Highway 178 takes about fifteen minutes with some curvy curves along the two-lane road. At the bottom of the mountain turn right onto F. Van Clayton Memorial Highway for a 5-mile drive up the mountain

READ MORE: Visiting the Highest Point in South Carolina at Sassafras Mountain

At the summit visitors will find some of the most breathtaking views in South Carolina. The Lower Observation Deck offers a narrow view looking southwest from the end of the gravel parking lot. A short walk up the concrete path leads the recently completed Sassafras Mountain Observation Tower. The concrete viewing platform is about 20’ above the summit of the mountain and offers uninterrupted panorama views in all directions.

Itinerary Suggestion: If you decide to spent a night or two at nearby Table Rock State Park, make sure to spend one evening here watching the sunset. It’s only a thirty minute drive to the park from the summit.

No. 4

Table Rock State Park

Table Rock State Park is one of the most diverse, gorgeous, and exciting parks in South Carolina. Located along both sides of the highway, the park’s visitor center also doubles as the official visitor center of the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway.

Peak baggers enjoy the strenuous 7.2-mile out-and-back trail to the summit of Table Rock Mountain. At 3,124’ the summit offers a pretty spectacular view and reward for the nearly 2,000’ ascent from the park. A much easier hike is the 2-mile loop Carrick Creek Trail. This trail includes a cascading waterfall near the beginning and a gentler 400’ total elevation gain. An even easier hike is the 1.9-mile Lakeside Trail around Pinnacle Lake.

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The park includes two campgrounds with a total of 125campsites with water and electrical hookups. The park also includes a dumpstation, laundry facility, and bathhouses with hot showers. There are 16 cabinsfor rent in the park ranging from one to three bedroom. Each cabin is fullyfurnished and includes cookware and linens.

Table Rock State Park (864) 878-9813 | 158Ellison Lane, Pickens, SC | https://southcarolinaparks.com/table-rock

Bald Rock Heritage Preserve

One of the easiest attractions to miss on this road trip(because there are no signs marking its existence) is the Bald Rock Heritage Preserve.This ginormous rocky outcropping the size of a football field provides abreathtaking panorama view of Table Rock Mountain and the South Carolinalandscape beyond.

Look for a gravel parking area on the side of US Highway 276on the way to Caesars Head State Park. There is a small wooden footbridge crossinga creek leading to the graffiti-covered rocks. If you miss it on the way up,ask for directions at the state park’s visitor center and catch it on the wayback down.

No. 5

Caesars Head State Park

Caesars Head State Park is home of the most stunning overlook in the entire state of South Carolina. When you go for a visit skip the visitor’s center and drive straight to the top of the parking lot. Take the short walk out to the scenic overlook on the rocky outcropping. You’ll feel like you’re flying as you stand at the edge of the Blue Ridge Escarpment, the point where the Appalachian Mountains officially end and give way to the piedmont.

The small park doesn’t have a campground or cabins, but itdoes have access to Raven Cliff Falls. The 4-mile out-and-back trail descendsabout 700’ to a covered observation deck of the 400’ tall waterfall. Themoderately strenuous hike is well worth the effort, but bring a long lens forthe photos.

Caesars Head State Park (864) 836-6115 | 8155 Geer Highway, Cleveland, SC | https://southcarolinaparks.com/caesars-head

READ MORE: Travel Guide (and Pretty Pictures) to Caesars Head State Park in South Carolina

No. 6

Wildcat Wayside

Wildcat Wayside is another of those roadside attractions youcould very easily miss without ever knowing the wonder that awaits. Along theCherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway is a long paved parking area. Theattraction here is a series of cascading waterfalls deep into the woods fromthe scenic byway.

The Lower Wildcat Falls is within sight of the road with a shallow pool at the bottom. A set of stone steps to the left of the waterfall leads to Middle Wildcat Falls. Another quarter mile hike leads to Upper Wildcat Falls, a gorgeous 100’ waterfall.

Jones Gap State Park

This small state park is located deep in a cove along the Middle Saluda River. The only activity to enjoy at Jones Gap State Park is hiking one of the hiking trails.

The most popular trail in the park is the Jones Gap Trail. This 5+ mile trail meanders along the Middle Saluda River to US Highway 276 above Caesars Head State Park. About 2 miles into the hike is a small waterfall from an adjoining mountain creek.

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The 4.3-mile out-and-back Rainbow Falls Trail connects tothe Jones Gap Trail and leads to a stunning little waterfall. The strenuoustrail includes over a 1,000’ ascent in about a mile as the trail climbs to aviewing point for the waterfall.

Jones Gap State Park (864) 836-3647 | 303 Jones Gap Road, Marietta, SC | https://southcarolinaparks.com/jones-gap

Traveler’s Rest & Greenville

A detour down US Highway 276 into Traveler’s Rest andGreenville wouldn’t be so bad at this point. In the small community of Clevelandthe Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway takes a left turn to continue.From here it is about a thirty-minute drive into Greenville.

Traveler’s Rest is a haven for great local food with over a dozen restaurants. Swamp Rabbit Brewery & Taproom is a favorite and I always stop at Tandem Creperie and Coffeehouse. In Greenville head downtown for a stroll through Falls Park on the Reedy. Great food is literally on every corner but for dessert be sure to visit Marble Slab Creamery where you can watch them make your ice cream from scratch.

No. 7

Poinsett Bridge

Deep in the woods, off the beaten path, the wonderfulPoinsett Bridge is one of my favorite hidden destinations in the state. Builtin 1820, this stone bridge was once part of the state road that connectedColumbia, SC with towns in North Carolina.

Visitors to Poinsett Bridge can walk across the sturdy stonebridge and along a trail into the woods. Climb down the stone steps to peerbeneath the arch of the bridge over Little Gap Creek.

No. 8

Campbells Covered Bridge

Located just off the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway,Campbell’s Covered Bridge is the only remaining covered bridge in SouthCarolina. Built in 1909 the bridge today is part of a small county park.Visitors can walk down the gravel path and cross through the bridge, or headjust upstream for a view of the bridge stretching over Beaverdam Creek.

No. 9

Strawberry Hill USA

James Cooley was the third generation of his family to farmthe land in the upstate of South Carolina along Highway 11. It had started as acotton farm with his grandfather, transitioned to peaches with his father, andin 1978 James took over the farm.

In 1995 James plowed over 6 acres of peach trees in favor of strawberry plants. Within just a few years his farm earned the nickname “Strawberry Hill USA” from his loyal customers. Today the farm has nearly 1,000 acres of peach trees and over 100 acres of strawberry plants.

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Stop at Strawberry Hill USA Café for a delicious made-to-orderbreakfast. There’s plenty of seating so you won’t have to wait long. Grab anice cream on the way out. Walk across the road to browse through the freshproduce from the farm at the roadside market. You’re almost certain to takesomething home with you.

Strawberry Hill USA (864) 461-5353 | 3097 SC Hwy 11, Chesnee, SC | https://www.strawberryhillusa.com/

No. 10

Cowpens National Battlefield

Located along the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway, the 845-acre Cowpens National Battlefield commemorates a pivotal battle during the American Revolutionary War. Brigadier General Daniel Morgan, fighting for independence, faced off against the noted British leader Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton.

Begin with a stop at the visitor center where you can watcha short 10-minute video on the history of the battle and browse through thesmall giftshop. Grab a park brochure and head out on the easy 1-mileBattlefield Trail. Take a drive around to the historic Robert Scruggs House on yourway out of the park.

Cowpens National Battlefield (864) 461-2828 | 4001 Chesnee Highway, Gaffney, SC | https://www.nps.gov/cowp

READ MORE: The 7 National Park Sites of South Carolina

Gaffney

Gaffney is a pleasant and peaceful small town to visit atthe eastern end of the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway. Located alongInterstate 85, the town is a great place to begin or end this road trip.

Make a stop at the Cherokee County History & Arts Museum. Opening in 2008 the large museum is a compendium of history in the region. Exhibits include Native American history, the Southern Campaign of the American Revolutionary War, and the Civil War.

Gaffney Peachoid

When the Gaffney Peachoid was built in 1981 it became a quirky roadside attraction that has lasted for decades. Standing 135’ tall it holds the record as the world’s largest “peach”. It’s actually a very cleverly camouflaged water tower that holds one million gallons of water. The Peachoid is not a tourist attraction, however you can get a pretty good view of it right next door at Fatz Café which also happens to be a pretty good place to eat.