One of South Carolina’s most beautiful scenic drives is brimming with adventures that are just off the beaten path; so many, in fact, that we’ve decided to narrow it down here to just a few that comprise a series of amazing adventures you can have in the span of a single day when traveling the thrilling Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway (a.k.a. SC-11).

To those who live in the Upstate of South Carolina, it’s no secret that this scenic road holds the key to many off-path adventures. With the likes of Table Rock, various wineries, waterfalls, hiking trails, cabin resorts, destination restaurants, and more, there’s never a dull moment when exploring this beautiful scenic byway.

Here’s a link to an interactive Google map that will serve as your navigator for this road trip.

At just shy of 100 miles, this day trip will pull you off the main road to explore some of the state's best hidden treasures.
Teresa Kopec / Moment Collection via Getty Images
The total drive time is just under 2.5 hours, but with the stops on the road trip, you should expect to fill an entire day with exciting fun making memories to last a lifetime. Ready? Set... let's go!
The adventure begins over on Callahan Mountain Road, where you'll find the oldest stone bridge in the state, and perhaps the entire South.
Poinsett Bridge, 580 Callahan Mountain Rd, Landrum, SC 29356, USA
Flickr/anoldent
At 120 feet long and with a 14-foot gothic arch underneath to allow the flow of Little Gap Creek to pass below, the Poinsett Bridge was built in 1820 and is surrounded by tales.
Pull off the pavement across the street from the bridge (now a park and closed to vehicular traffic), and get out and explore the site on foot.
Poinsett Bridge, 580 Callahan Mountain Rd, Landrum, SC 29356, USA
©Robin Jarvis
It's a peaceful spot with little traffic. In fact, don't be surprised if you're the only one here. Well... the only one except for the ghosts people have reported.
Next, pop back in your vehicle, and hop back on the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway. Prepare for awe-inspiring views as you pass right by Table Rock and the entrance to Table Rock State Park. Follow the map and pull off the main road when directed. Park and get out of your vehicle once you've driven nearly all the way to the very top of South Carolina's highest mountain peak: Sassafras Mountain.
OldCraft / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images
At the edge of the gravel parking lot, you'll find the short trail up to the top of Sassafras Mountain. The elevation here is 3,554 feet above sea level — plus another 14 feet once you've climbed up to the new tower atop Sassafras Mountain.
It opened in 2019 and yes, that's the state line you see running right down the middle of the tower.
Sassafras Mountain Tower, Sassafras Mountain Rd, Sunset, SC 29685, USA
Flickr/Jimmy Emerson, DVM
Although it's managed entirely by the state of South Carolina, there was an agreement with our neighbor to the north to allow the structure to cross over the line. It makes for fun photo opportunities when folks decide to put one foot in each state and snap a keepsake image.

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After getting high above the surrounding terrain and peeping three different states at once, you'll hit the road again and head to the trailhead for Lower Whitewater Falls just inside the South Carolina state line.
Lower Whitewater Falls, South Carolina 29676, USA
jrayupchurch / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images
Pull off on Bad Creek Road and hike a short distance to the observation platform. You'll hike a section of the 70-plus-mile Foothills Trail to get a perfect photo like this one. The hike should take about an hour each way.
It's worth mentioning, if you have a four-wheel-drive vehicle, there won't be any issue getting to any of the off-the-beaten-path attractions on this road trip.
Nissan USA
Only two more stops! Next Up: Oconee State Park.
Google Maps
There's much to love about this underrated park, but you'll want to be sure to take the short hike into Oconee Station Falls (pictured below).
At eight stories high, this waterfall towers over the short forest trail you'll hike to get here.
Oconee State Park, 624 State Park Rd, Mountain Rest, SC 29664, USA
Cavan Images / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images
In spite of its mammoth height, this waterfall is even wider that it is tall. You'll be in awe of the sight and the sound of this one! When you're finished gawking, head back to your vehicle and head to our final destination.
Only minutes from Oconee State Park, you'll find Tunnel Park in Walhalla. It's here that an abandoned railroad tunnel begun in 1853 has remained incomplete since the start of the Civil War.
Stumphouse Tunnel, Stumphouse Tunnel Rd, Walhalla, SC 29691, USA
Toby Grove / iStock / Getty Images Plus Collection via Getty Images
Originally planned to be more than 5,000 feet of tunnel through the mountain to create a passage from Charleston to Saluda, the tunnel only saw a little more than 1,500 feet completed. Today, it's the focal point of Tunnel Park and the joy of children and adult explorers alike.

Adventuring along the back roads of South Carolina is always so much fun – and SC-11 (the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway) is a fantastic springboard for all kinds of adventures in the Palmetto State.

Gas up the car and enjoy!

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