The Blue Ridge Mountains In South Carolina Were Named One Of The 50 Most Beautiful Places In The World

It's no secret that South Carolina is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country - or that Jocassee Gorges has been named as one of the last great places remaining in the world. But now, the Palmetto State has collected even more accolades - this time for the Blue Ridge Mountains that spill into the westernmost part of South Carolina and provide a stunning backdrop from a number of the state's most popular mountain locales. Communities like Cleveland, Sunset, Mountain Rest, and Long Creek have long been lauded as among the most beautiful in the state for their stunning mountain vistas.

Recently, U.S. News & World Report named the Blue Ridge Mountains as one of the 50 Most Beautiful Places in the World. And rightfully so.

(The view here was captured from the top of Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in South Carolina.)

We may not have as many mountain ranges as our Carolina neighbor to the north, but the Blue Ridge Mountains do extend into South Carolina, as seen in this map from the U.S. Geological Survey.

And fortunately, views of the captivating blueish mountains are easily accessed. From high atop Jumping Off Rock on Horsepasture Road near Sunset (seen here), sightseers can admire Lake Jocassee surrounded by dramatically falling slopes and the blue haze of the Blue Ridge in the distance.

At Caesars Head State Park, from the overlook the Blue Ridge Mountains are in full view, as is Table Rock State Park, both are found in what's known as the Blue Ridge Escarpment.

The top of Table Rock State Park doles out a remarkable vantage point from which to witness the sharply dropping mountain ranges of the escarpment, the geographical line where the mountains end and the valley begins.

Or, for those who just want a scenic drive through South Carolina, the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway (a.k.a. SC-11) is the place to be.

Found in the foothills (thus, than name), this gorgeous ride has some incredible views of the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains.

While most people think they'll need to head to the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina to experience the blue mountains, they're actually also found right here at home in South Carolina.

Do you know what puts the blue haze into the Blue Ridge Mountains? And did you know they spill into South Carolina?

For more places to experience one of the 50 Most Beautiful Places in the World found here in the Palmetto State, take another scenic drive on The Loneliest Road in South Carolina to discover a couple of overlooks with perfect views of the Blue Ridge Mountains.