If you're an explorer, then you love a nice afternoon drive on a beautiful country road. Fortunately, South Carolina is an explorer's paradise! From the winding mountain roads in the Upstate to the oak tree lined roads in the Lowcountry, the Palmetto State is truly a beautiful place to take a drive off the beaten path. If you've been searching for scenic roads in SC, these breathtaking scenic drives in South Carolina meander through all sorts of picture-perfect country backroads and oodles of diverse scenery - and they're the perfect way to start exploring everything SC has to offer!
1. Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway
The Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway (a.k.a. South Carolina 11) is a great alternative to Interstate 85. It's 118 miles long and is a stunning drive through Cherokee, Spartanburg, Greenville, Pickens and Oconee Counties.
2. Bohicket Road Scenic Highway - Charleston to Kiawah Island
Bohicket Marina is on Bohicket Road near the entrance to Kiawah Island. Stop and have lunch at one of the restaurants at the marina.
3. State Road 37-413 near Whitewater Falls Road at the SC/NC border.
SC 37-413 connects SC 107 to Whitewater Falls Road. There's an overlook on this road where you can see Lake Jocassee in the distance. The road is only a few miles long but it's beautiful. Combine this trek with #6 on this list, Falling Waters Scenic Byway from Wahalla to the NC state line.
4. Western York Scenic Byway
This 66 mile journey through western York County takes you through downtown York and on to historic Brattonsville on a scenic rolling highway. The other end of Western York Scenic Byway is near Smyrna, South Carolina.
5. Old Sheldon Church Road
Turn onto Old Sheldon Church Road from Highway 17 in Gardens Corner and a couple of miles ahead on the right you'll find this historic spot: Old Sheldon Church Ruins.
6. Falling Waters Scenic Byway
Falling Waters Scenic Byway is 13 miles long, and begins just north of the Town of Walhalla in Oconee County on SC 107 and goes northward to the North Carolina state line. You'll pass by Issaqueena Falls, Oconee State Park, and many other fantastic stops! Just imagine these beauties in fall...
7. U.S. 76
U.S. Route 76 crosses much of the state and has many, MANY scenic segments.
8. Edisto Island National Scenic Byway
The fantastic Edisto Island National Scenic Byway is an absolute treasure. Tree tunnels, salt marshes, wildlife preserves, pastel colored beach houses... what's not to love?
Have you traveled any of these byways before? These may be some of the best drives in South Carolina, but I know there are plenty more beautiful byways and country roads to enjoy! What scenic roads in South Carolina would you add to the list? Before you head out, make sure you've grabbed everything on our road trip packing list.
If you'd like to admire the Palmetto State from a completely different perspective, check out this fantastic helicopter tour!
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