Savannah River Scenic Byway
Touring the Savannah River Scenic Byway

Departure: Clarks Hill Recreation Area, South Carolina
Destination: Abbeville, South Carolina
Time to allow: 1 day

Take a trip along the pathway of the Savannah River, stopping in the beautiful hills and towns of South Carolina.

Day 1

  • Start: Clarks Hill Recreation Area

    Pack a lunch, bring your swimsuit, or just grab a frisbee for some fun at Clarks Hill Recreation Area.

  • Stop 1: J. Strom Thurmond Visitor Center

    From previous stop: 5 minutes / 2 mi (3.2 km)
    Directions:

    From the visitor center follow US 221 for approximately 2 miles and the park is located on the left.
    Suggested time at this stop: 45 minutes

    Learn about the history of the reservoir and listen to the distinctive sounds of local birds at the J. Strom Thurmond Visitor Center. Interactive displays will teach you what the lake is all about.

  • Stop 2: Hamilton Branch State Park

    From previous stop: 11 minutes / 8.07 mi (12.9 km)
    Directions:

    Go northeast on US-221 for 1.7 miles before turning left onto SC-28. After 6.3 miles, end at Hamilton Branch State Park.
    Suggested time at this stop: 2 hours

    At Hamilton Branch State Park, you can hike along wooded trail to view a variety of animals or take your fishing pole or boat to the Strom Thurmond Lake to enjoy a day on the water.

  • Stop 3: McCormick

    From previous stop: 19 minutes / 12.53 mi (20.0 km)
    Directions:

    Drive northwest on SC-28 for 12.3 miles, take a right onto US-22 and then a left onto N. Pine St. to end at McCormick.
    Suggested time at this stop: 4 hours

    Visit the historic town of McCormick, built on gold mine tunnels and maintaining the flavor of the past. Along with the historic McCormick Depot, walk along the street to take in the hotels that have been standing since the turn of the 20th century. Get a bite at the McCormick Hotel, and Storm's Drug Store on Main Street still offers fountain cokes, ice cream and shakes as it has for decades.

  • Stop 4: Baker Creek State Park

    From previous stop: 6 minutes / 3.93 mi (6.3 km)
    Directions:

    Drive southeast on N. Pine St, then make a right onto US-221. After 3.9 miles, end at Baker Creek State Park.
    Suggested time at this stop: 45 minutes

    Situated in a heavily wooded area with rolling terrain, enjoy a wide range of camping and fishing opportunities; a 10-mile mountain biking trail and a lake front pavilion to enjoy the unequaled views of the Piedmont forest and the wildlife residing within.

  • Stop 5: Willington

    From previous stop: 22 minutes / 11.4 mi (18.2 km)
    Directions:

    Drive southwest on US-378, then turn right onto SC-7; drive for 6.6 miles before making a left onto SC-81. After 2.6 miles, turn right onto SC-S-33-30 to end at Willington.
    Suggested time at this stop: 20 minutes

    Visit what was once the home of the Willington Academy, established by the famous educator Moses Waddel and get a taste of history of the Old South.

  • Stop 6: Calhoun Falls State Park

    From previous stop: 27 minutes / 13.93 mi (22.3 km)
    Directions:

    Drive south on SC-S-33-39, then make a right onto SC-81. After 13.2 miles, turn left onto Calhoun Falls State Park Rd, then make a right onto Maintenance Shop Rd. to end at Calhoun Falls State Park.
    Suggested time at this stop: 45 minutes

    Visit Calhoun Falls State Park, located on Lake Russell and one of South Carolina's most popular fishing lakes. Enjoy a day of fishing, water skiing, sailing or power boating.

  • End: Abbeville

    From previous stop: 25 minutes / 17.08 mi (27.3 km)
    Directions:

    Drive southwest on Maintenance Shop Rd before turning left onto Calhoun Falls State, then right onto Calhoun St. After 1.1 miles, turn left onto SC-7; turn right to stay on the road. After 14.7 miles, turn left on S. Main St, then take a left onto Washington St. to end at Abbeville.

    The town of Abbeville is the perfect place for antique hounds and history buffs, with the Burt-Stark Mansion, dozens of antique shops, boutiques, historic churches and cafes.

Totals for Day 1

Total Distance Traveled: 68.94 miles / 110.3 km
Total Travel Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
Total Stopping Time: 8 hours 35 minutes