Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway
Cherokee Foothills Tour

Departure: King's Mountain National Military Park, South Carolina
Destination: Keowee-Toxaway State Park, South Carolina
Time to allow: 1 day

This tour will take you the length of the byway, and a little more, exposing you to the rich cultural heritage of South Carolina, allowing you to partake of both the culture and setting of the Cherokee Foothills.

Day 1

  • Start: King's Mountain National Military Park

    Suggested time at this stop: 45 minutes

    Begin your adventure at King's Mountain National Military Park, which marks the site where colonial Patriots crushed Loyalist troops in 1780. Kings Mountain gives an interpretive history of military endeavors in the area during the Civil War. Anyone interested in history and the Civil War should make this a destination.

  • Stop 2: Gaffney

    From previous stop: 25 minutes / 19.42 mi (31.1 km)
    Directions:

    Go north toward Antioch road, and drive for 1.2 miles on Antioch Road until it turns into SC-216. Take the road for 1.5 miles, and then merge onto I-85 via the ramp on the left. After 13.1 miles, take exit 95 toward SC-18 and make a left onto road 82, before making a right onto N. Limestone St. Follow the road for .9 miles before turning right onto US-29. After 1.6 miles, turn left onto W. Buford St, then right onto Limestone St to end at Gaffney.
    Suggested time at this stop: 15 minutes

    Visit the town of Gaffney to get a glimpse of its mammoth water tower, painted to resemble a peach. While in town, spend a few minutes at the monument honoring Colonel James Williams, who was killed at the Battle of King's Mountain.

  • Stop 3: Cowpens National Battlefield

    From previous stop: 18 minutes / 11.51 mi (18.4 km)
    Directions:

    Go northeast on Limestone St and take a left, then an immediate right onto US-29, then another left onto W Frederick St. Continue to follow the street for .5 miles before the road turns into SC-11. After 10.5 miles, end at Cowpens National Battlefield.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    Stop by the visitor center at Cowpens to collect souvenirs and to visit the site of the 1781 battle in which the American Patriots overwhelmed the British at the Battle of Cowpens. Hike the mile-long trail and see first-hand the fields where General Daniel Morgan's troops fought their way to victory. Take a break to enjoy a sun-filled picnic area and be sure to explore the various wayside exhibits.

  • Stop 4: Campbell's Bridge

    From previous stop: 59 minutes / 30.13 mi (48.2 km)
    Directions:

    Go west on SC-11 for 26.4 miles, then turn left onto SC-14. After 2.2 miles, turn right onto SC-414, then left onto Pleasant Hill Road after another 1.1 miles. Turn right onto Campbell Covered Bridge Road to end at Campbell Covered Bridge.
    Suggested time at this stop: 10 minutes

    Visit the only remaining covered bridge in the state, which has been welcoming visitors since 1909.

  • Stop 5: Glassy Mountain Heritage Preserve

    From previous stop: 54 minutes / 35.7 mi (57.1 km)
    Directions:

    Head north on Campbell Covered Bridge Rd. then turn left at Pleasant Hill Rd. After 0.2 miles, make a sharp left at S.R. 414 W and continue for 11.2 miles. Turn left at the intersection of S.R. 414 and U.S. 25. Continue on U.S. 25 for 11.4 miles then turn right at W Duncan Rd. After 0.2 miles, turn right onto Farrs Bridge Rd. and continue for 10.5 miles. Turn right at N Ceder Rock Rd, then left at S Glassy Mountain Rd after 1.3 miles. Stay on S Glassy Mountain Rd for just under a mile until you reach Glassy Mountain Heritage Preserve.
    Suggested time at this stop: 5 minutes

    Turn your gaze upward the to the daunting sight of Glassy Mountain, a 1,000-foot-high cliff with a sheer rock face.

  • Stop 6: Caesar's Head State Park

    From previous stop: 41 minutes / 22.18 mi (35.5 km)
    Directions:

    Go southwest on Mountain View Dr. toward Glassy Mountain Church Rd., then turn right onto Boggs Rd. After 1.1 miles, turn left and then make a right onto Pumpkintown Hwy and drive for 11.2 miles. Turn right onto Cherokee Foothills Scenic Hwy, then make a left onto Caeser's Head Hwy. Follow the road for 1.3 miles before making a left onto Geer Hwy. After 6.7 miles, end at Caesars Head State Park.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    Visit Caesar's Head for its beautiful vistas, excellent hiking trails, and impressive waterfalls. Picnic by Raven Cliff Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the eastern United States.

  • Stop 7: Table Rock State Park

    From previous stop: 24 minutes / 14.17 mi (22.7 km)
    Directions:

    Drive south on Geer Hwy for 6.7 miles, then turn right onto SC-8 and continue for another 1.9 miles. Stay straight; the road turns into Cherokee Foothills Scenic Hwy, drive for 4.5 miles before turning right onto Table Rock State Park Rd. End at Table Rock State Park.
    Suggested time at this stop: 1 hour

    Visit the dome of Table Rock Mountain, which provides one of the area's most notable landmarks and gives its name to one of the state's oldest and most popular parks.

  • End: Keowee-Toxaway State Park

    From previous stop: 27 minutes / 13.84 mi (22.1 km)
    Directions:

    Drive south on Table Rock State Park Rd, then turn right onto Cherokee Foothills Scenic Hwy; drive for 12.8 miles before making a right, then a sharp left onto Cabin Rd, then another right onto Residence Dr. to end at Keowee-Toxaway State Park.
    Suggested time at this stop: 30 minutes

    The park covers 1,000 acres and features outstanding rock features, beautiful views, and opportunities for outdoor recreation. Set your picnic basket down here for a short lunch break.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 146.95 miles / 235.1 km
Total Travel Time: 4 hours 8 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 4 hours 45 minutes