For many, getting away for the day or a weekend often means staying within the boundaries of our own state and exploring perfectly awesome places right here in our own backyard. Fortunately, South Carolina is home to a world of mostly undiscovered places that are worthy of a road trip or two. The road trip we feature below is actually 10 hours of driving, but there are countless hours of exploration to add to the trip. You could spend a weekend exploring the Palmetto State and these 10 hidden gems in South Carolina.

Here's a link to the hidden gems road trip that should open up on your phone when you tap it. Let's get going, shall we?

1. Big Bend Falls - Walhalla

Hike this 5.5-mile trail to a remote waterfall deep within the Cherry Hill Recreation Area near Walhalla. The falls are spectacular and generally accessible all year round. Get the deets from our previous article about Big Bend Falls.

2. Sassafras Mountain Tower - Sunset

The tallest mountain peak in the state got a brand new observation tower in 2019 and if you haven't discovered this new attraction yet, then you're sure to be pleasantly pleased. From high atop Sassafras Mountain, you can see three states. And while visiting the tower, you can plant your feet in both North Carolina and South Carolina at the same time. Get more information by reading this previous article about the Sassafras Mountain Tower!

3. Jones Gap State Park - Marietta

Found in the heart of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, Jones Gap State Park features more than 3,900 acres to explore. Its unique positioning nestled down into a deep mountain cove makes this park even more thrilling to navigate through. The Middle Saluda River runs right through the park and is like something out of a fairy tale.

4. Pretty Place - Cleveland

Hands down, this is one of the prettiest spots in the state to view a sunrise! Situated on the tippy edge of a mountain cliff, Pretty Place (a.k.a. Fred W Symmes Chapel) is an open-air chapel for the YMCA camp in the upstate. But, it's open to the public on many days of the year, and there is usually an Easter Sunday sunrise service broadcast live at dawn on its Facebook page. Learn all about it in this previous article.

5. Wildcat Wayside Falls - Cleveland

Hike a trail straight up a hill to discover a series of three roadside waterfalls and an abundance of wildlife at Wildcat Wayside Falls found right on the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway in South Carolina. Most people think there is only one waterfall here (the one visible from the road), but there are two more found along the trail!

6. Kings Mountain National Military Park - Blacksburg

Roam through this park where, millions of years ago, an arc of massive volcanoes once loomed high overhead on the landscape. Fast forward millions of years to when this site was instrumental during the American Revolution. Learn more about this historic locale by reading this previous article!

7. Forty Acre Rock - Kershaw

Hike the 1.7-mile loop trail at this heritage preserve near Kershaw to discover brilliantly colored natural pools carved over millions of years into a giant bed of rock that's roughly 14 acres in size. There are plants growing here that can't be found growing naturally anywhere else in the state. Find out more about Forty Acre Rock and this trail by reading this previous article!

8. Bee City Zoo - Cottageville

Take a little family road trip over to Cottageville to spend the day at this South Carolina zoo and honeybee farm. You'll be surprised at just how much fun you can have at this zoo that's hiding in plain sight out in the countryside!

9. Cypress Gardens - Moncks Corner

You'll feel right at home and instantly at peace at this 160-acre preserve in Moncks Corner. From the beautiful swamp to the largest butterfly house in the state and the swamparium (not to mention the boat rides!), there's a lot to discover here and so very much to see. Learn more about this preserve that sits on the site of a centuries-old rice plantation by reading this previous article!

10. Audubon Swamp Garden - Charleston

Discover the beauty of this cultured swamp garden, complete with cypress knees and trees, tupelo trees, and more alligators than you probably care to count. Don't worry, though. As long as you stay on the trail, you should be fine! Learn more about the Audubon Swamp Garden in Charleston here. Then be sure to add this to your South Carolina bucket list.

How many of these hidden gems in South Carolina have you already discovered? There are so many cool places to visit in South Carolina that we can't cover them all in one road trip. So we need your help. Do you have more awesome places to suggest we write about? Let us know by filling out a nomination form.

For even more driving adventures gas up the car and head out to discover some of the most beautiful places in South Carolina on this 106-mile scenic road trip.