The Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway Is Perfect To Get Away From It All

There are days when we all feel somewhat tied to a schedule. Our commitments make us follow the clock and arrive places on time (go figure). Sometimes it’s fun to just get in the car and drive with no mandatory arrival dates or times.

The Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway is the perfect place to just drive. One of South Carolina’s most beautiful scenic byways transverses 118 miles in the northwestern part of the Palmetto State and offers up peaceful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains as you meander down the road.

Even though you may have no particular place to “be,” you may decide you want to put your feet on the ground to experience this beautiful area of the state. So, if you decide to dig in your heels to gather up a tactile sense of this region, then here are some suggestions of places along the way to make that happen.

The two entry points for SC-11 are on I-85 at Gaffney and at just over the Georgia/South Carolina border. For the sake of this article, we’re jumping on SC-11, the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway just over the SC/GA border as we exit I-85.

You'll soon pass the picturesque Lake Hartwell on SC-11. Beautiful. You can stop here if you'd like. Just look for the entrance to Lake Hartwell State Park on your left.

Moving farther along the highway we get to Westminster, which offers a unique detour to Chau Ram County Park. This waterfall can be seen from the parking lot. From SC-11, take SC-123 West and follow the signs.

Oconee Station State Historic Site is only a few miles off the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway. This place is definitely worthy of a stop. You'll find it at 500 Oconee Station Rd, Walhalla, SC 29691.

Driving farther along SC-11, you'll enjoy a panoramic view of Lake Keowee from the comfort of your car.

Next up: Devil's Fork State Park and a close up look at the Jocassee Gorges and Lake Jocassee. You can just look for the signs to the state park once you get near Salem on SC-11. Devils Fork SP is only a few miles detour from SC-11.

Back out on SC-11 and not far ahead, you'll be able to admire Table Rock from the comfort of your car. Of course, if you want to get out and explore or walk a short trail you'll find the entrance to Table Rock State Park is right off SC-11. Just look for the signs.

Less than five miles from Table Rock State Park you'll find Victoria Vineyards, an upstate Winery. They're open from 11-5 most days. Make a left onto S. Saluda Road. The address is 1360 S Saluda Rd, Cleveland, SC 29635.

Next, Wildcat Wayside Falls will be just ahead. This is another waterfall you can view FROM YOUR CAR if you choose. It should be on your left and you'll see it coming if you're looking for the pull off that's on SC-11. Usually other cars are there, giving the location away.

From here...just sit back and enjoy the gorgeous mountain vistas until you finally arrive back to I-85 near Greer, having completed your drive to "nowhere."

If you’re looking for a short drive to “nowhere” with some possible detours along the way, then the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway is a wonderful option in the Palmetto State. Sweeping panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains along with lakes, waterfalls, and small town charm make this the perfect escape.

Have you traveled the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway? We’d love to know in our comments.

If you enjoy a chance to escape once in a while then you may also like these 13 breathtaking natural retreats in South Carolina where time stands still.

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Take This Road To Nowhere In South Carolina To Get Away From It All

Robin Jarvis

Author

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