May River Road
Photo: Ken Lund via CC
From oak forests to salt marshes and coastal towns, South Carolina boasts quite a few lovely drives if you want to get back in touch with nature. Try one of these four routes the next time you’re feeling stir crazy and want to soak up some fresh sights in the Palmetto State.
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Edisto Island National Scenic Byway
Hit up this 16-mile stretch of road from Edisto Island to Edisto Beach for a diverse coastal drive. The landscape shifts from salt marshes and Spanish moss-laden trees to creeks and oceanfront views. Dawhoo Landing and the McKinley Washington Jr. Bridge are two popular places to snap some photos. You can also stop at one of the historic plantations along the byway, such as Windsor and Brookland Plantations.
Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway
This 122-mile route starts in Fair Play and ends in Gaffney, taking about 3.5 hours to traverse. As its name implies, this path weaves through the Blue Ridge Mountains foothills, where Cherokee Indians once lived. Mountain landscapes make for great panoramic shots, though you’ll also have plenty of places to stop along the way, from parks, villages, and peach orchards. The route also passes by Cowpens National Battlefield and crosses Lake Keowee, two other rewarding sights to see.
Falling Waters Scenic Byway
This 26-mile path provides stunning views of Sumter National Forest. The route begins in Walhalla and ends in Tamassee. Hike the trail to Issaqueena Falls to get up close with the waterfall. And make sure to stop at the Burrells Ford Road turnoff to witness King Creek Falls. Then visit the unfinished Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel, which was once a part of the Blue Ridge Parkway train route.
May River Road
Feast your eyes on wetlands, ancient plantations, and gargantuan oak trees when you take the 16-mile May River Road route. It picks up in Hardeeville and concludes at Brighton Beach, for a short but gratifying excursion. The road weaves through historic Bluffton, though you can also focus on exploring Brighton Beach. It’s a popular place to take a walking tour or go fishing as you enjoy the boat docks and little coves that characterize this small town located beside the May River.
Check out these reputable diners if you’re craving some food on your journey. And add these random roadside attractions to your itinerary for some fun detours.
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Whitney Russell resides in Dayton, though her spirit can be found beach-bumming in Puerto Rico (the land of her half-Puerto Rican heritage). When not crafting car-related content, she can be found chasing after the most amazing toddler in the world, watching her “beaver” of a husband build amazing woodworking projects, hanging out with two crazy dogs, and visiting family and friends. She also enjoys traveling, crafting, and binge-watching period dramas when time allows. See more articles by Whitney.
