This road trip offers blue streams, densely forested hills, scenic overlooks, hiking trails, waterfalls, good camping, boating, fishing, swimming, and a 1,000-foot-high cliff.
This route is a mountain-lovers ultimate dream. It features beautiful scenic overlooks, an abundance of deep blue streams, and densely forested hills. It will take you through the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountain Range. Make sure to pack plenty of film, perhaps a fishing pole or two, and your hiking boots.
Start your drive in Gaffney, a wonderful Southern town complete with historic monuments, buildings, and very friendly residents. Each July, the town celebrates a huge peach festival–not to be missed! Heading west on Route 11, you’ll see road signs directing you to Cowpens National Battleground, which records the American patriots’ victory over British forces in 1781. Pick your gas breaks and rest stops accordingly, as both are sparse between I-26 and U.S. 25. Halfway between these highways, you’ll reach the top of Hogback Mountain at an elevation of 3,211 feet. Once you reach Cleveland, make sure you make a quick jog over on U.S. 276 to Caesar’s Head State Park. At the park, you can take in challenging hiking trails, scenic vistas, and some beautiful waterfalls.
Nearby is Table Rock State Park, where you can rent cabins; grab a bite to eat; go boating or camping, or fishing; take a swim; and hike even more nature trails. Once you go back to Route 11, you’ll cross Keowee River and drive into Sumter National Forest. On this stretch of Route Eleven, you can look into Glassy Mountain with its sheer rock faces, and a 1,000-foot-high cliff. As you circle the bend near Oconee Station, check out Route 28 and head northwest to Wallhalla. After you pass Wallhalla, check out for Stumphouse, directing you to Issaqueena Falls. Stumphouse Park is dedicated to the 100-foot-tall waterfall, with its stunning rainbow sprays and outstanding vistas of the surrounding area. This place is especially impressive at sunrise or sunset.
The last portion of this trip will take you along portions of the Keowee River. If you’ve had your fill of nature by this point, you can head over to nearby Clemson (of University fame) or Seneca for a vast array of restaurants and nightlife.
Starting Point:
Gaffney, SC
Distance of Drive:
122 miles
Must Eat:
Arsenal
16 Shelby Hwy., Gaffney, SC 29340
Phone: 864-489-3707
Call ahead to confirm hours of operation.
Best Time of Year for Drive:
Year round
Points of Interest on Drive:
Cowpens National Battle Ground
Issaqueena Falls
Caesar’s Head State Park
Tagged with: mountains • South Carolina
Filed under: Best Road Trips