Once known as “Cherokee Path” or “Keowee Path,” this 130-mile road was the route used by Cherokee Indians, as well as English and French fur traders during the Colonial period. It is now a scenic alternative to I-85, traversing the South Carolina upcountry from Fair Play, near the Georgia state line, to Gaffney, near the North Carolina state line. It allows visitors a chance to see the real character of South Carolina’s hill country from scenic vistas, state parks, waterfalls, historic sites, quaint towns, and unique shops. Please ask for a copy of the Discover Upcountry Visitors Guide to get more information about what to see and do.
Mile 0.7 – Lake Hartwell State Recreation Area – Camping, picnicking, lake access, gift shop.
Mile 10.1 – SC 24 to Westminster – Access to apple orchards, Chattooga River, Chattooga Belle Farm, Clayton, GA, and Franklin, NC; Savannah River Scenic Highway to the South.
Mile 13.2 – US 123 to Seneca/Clemson – Access to Lake Keowee, Seneca’s Ram Cat Alley Arts District and Historic Homes/Cultural Museums (Lunney House, Strickland Museum, Arts Center), Clemson University.
Mile 20 – Walhalla – Small town settled by German immigrants during the mid-1800s; these original settlers built St. John’s Lutheran Church on Main St., and many of them are buried in its churchyard. Nearby, the Oconee Heritage Center has preserved two authentic Cherokee canoes and many other displays about the history of Oconee County, as well as several interesting shops and restaurants. Further north on Hwy. 28, you may also visit Stumphouse Tunnel, Issaqueena Falls, Oconee State Park, and the Walhalla Fish Hatchery. This is also your access point to Cashiers and Highlands, NC.
Mile 26.4 – Oconee Station State Historic Site – Built in 1792 as an outpost to protect English settlements from the Cherokee, this is one of the oldest buildings still remaining in this part of the state. A 1.5-mile hike leads to the beautiful Station Cove Falls.
Mile 33.3 – SC 130 through Sumter National Forest – Access to Whitewater Falls, Lake Toxaway, Sapphire Valley; alternate route to Cashiers or Brevard. Traveling south through Salem, this road will take you to Lake Keowee and Duke Power’s World of Energy.
Mile 35 – Devils Fork State Park – Camping, picnicking, cabin rentals, lake access, gift shop, hiking. The only public access to the cold, mountain waters of Lake Jocassee. One of the few places on earth where the Oconee Bell, an endangered plant, may be found.
Mile 39.6 – Keowee-Toxaway State Park – Camping, picnicking, cabin rental, gift shop, hiking. Home of the Jocassee Gorges Visitors Center, this 1,000-acre park is a hidden gem.
Mile 41.7 – Long Shoals Roadside Park – This wayside recreation area provides access to the Eastatoee River, where kids have enjoyed a natural “slip-and-slide” for many generations. Please use caution when sliding on rocks. Children must be supervised by an adult.
Mile 48.3 – US 178 to Rosman – Winding mountain road; access to Sassafras Mountain (the highest point in South Carolina), Brevard, and the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Mile 52.4 – Table Rock Tea Company – Tours available.
Mile 52.9 – Table Rock State Park – Camping, picnicking, cabin rentals, hiking, gift shop, lake access (electric motors only), playground, swimming (seasonal), fishing pier. Home to the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway Visitors Center, this park offers scenic views of the ancient Table Rock Mountain, whose name comes from a Cherokee legend, and features some of the best hiking trails in the state.
Mile 55.0 – Victoria Valley Vineyards & Aunt Sue’s – Aunt Sue’s features a restaurant, ice cream, shops, and events. Victoria Valley Vineyards, a winery complete with beautiful views and wine samples, is 1.2 miles from Aunt Sue’s on South Saluda Road.
Mile 57.8 – Pumpkintown Mountain Opry – This complex includes a restaurant, shops, entertainment, and cabin rentals.
Mile 59.8 – Caesars Head State Park – 4 miles off Hwy. 11, Caesars Head State Park offers a visitor’s center, hiking trails, and an overlook with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Just beyond Caesars Head is Camp Greenville, home of Symmes Chapel a.k.a. Pretty Place – another spot for a majestic view of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Continuing on this road into NC will take you to the DuPont State Forest and Brevard.
Mile 60.5 – Wildcat Wayside Falls – A pull-off area reveals this waterfall, visible from the highway. A trail goes around to the top of the falls.
Mile 63.9 – Jones Gap State Park – 3 miles off Hwy. 11, this park provides miles of hiking trails along the Saluda River. A historic fish hatchery contains Rainbow Trout, a great place for a picnic.
Mile 67.9 – Pleasant Ridge County Park – Camping, swimming, fishing, and picnicking.
Mile 70 – US 25 to Asheville/Hendersonville
Mile 73 – Poinsett Bridge Heritage Preserve – The oldest bridge in South Carolina is located at this scenic spot; built in 1820, it was part of the old road from Greenville to Asheville.
Mile 74.5 – MacGregor’s Orchard – This farm has close to 20 different types of fruits, including apples, peaches, pears, plums, etc.
Mile 84.4 – Campbell’s Covered Bridge – Located just south of Hwy. 11, off Hwy. 414, this is South Carolina’s only remaining covered bridge. Going north on Hwy. 14 will take you to the quaint town of Landrum, which has several nice antique shops.
Mile 91 – I-26 West – Access to Asheville, Hendersonville, Blue Ridge Parkway.
Mile 102 – Strawberry Hill USA/Cooley Brothers Farm – Peaches, strawberries, and other fruits, as well as a restaurant and ice cream parlor, are available here.
Mile 108 – Chesnee – Small town with quaint shops and restaurants.
Mile 110 – Cowpens National Battlefield – This major battle is considered to be the turning point of the American Revolution in the South; it was the first Patriot victory over British Regulars in the South. The visitor center shows a movie and has displays about the battle; a 1.5-mile trail may be walked or driven.
Mile 118 – Back entrance to Gaffney Outlet Marketplace – Outlet shopping in Gaffney.
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