Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway crosses northwest South Carolina. Travelers can access the byway from I-85 at Exit #1 and follow SC 11 east to Gaffney or rejoin I-85 at Exit #92. South Carolina Highway 11 is a two-lane paved road suitable for all vehicles. The byway is about 120 miles long and usually remains open year-round.
Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway travels across the heavily forested foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The byway crosses numerous small streams and rivers. More than 50 scenic waterfalls can be accessed from the route. Anglers may wish to spend some time at Lake Hartwell or Lake Keowee near the byway’s western end. Among the fish inhabiting the lakes are bass, bluegill, catfish, and crappie.
Near Chesnee is the Cowpens National Battlefield where General Daniel Morgan won a decisive Revolutionary War victory over British Lieutenant Colonel Banastre Tarleton on January 17, 1781. A three-mile auto tour route and a 1.5-mile walking trail mark sites of major action. A restored 1830 log cabin is also seen. The visitor center has displays and a presentation.
Public campgrounds are located in three state parks: Lake Hartwell, Keowee-Toxaway, and Table Rock. Lake Hartwell State Park is a 680-acre park that has 117 RV sites and 31 walk-in tent sites. Water and electric hookups are available at each of the RV sites. The lake itself was constructed by the Corps of Engineers and has a surface area of 56,000 acres. Keowee-Toxaway State Park is 1,000 acres and has one, three-bedroom cabin available for rent. The campground has ten RV sites with water and electric hookups and 14 tent sites. Trailside camping is permitted at designated sites on the Raven Rock Hiking Trail, which is a strenuous four mile loop. Table Rock State Park lies east of Sunset and has 100 RV and tent sites with water and electric hookups. The park also has 14 cabins, a restaurant, and gift shop.