Cherokee Foothills Panoramic Road Itinerary
Take a journey through the stunning Cherokee Foothills Panoramic Road, starting in Gaffney, South Carolina and ending in Hartwell, Georgia. Along the way, you'll pass through the towns of Chesnee, Cleveland, Salem and Walhalla. This 229 km route, which takes around a day to complete, is best experienced during spring and summer months, when the lush green landscapes and stunning mountain views will be at their best. The road is generally in good condition, although some parts are curvy.
This road trip is perfect for drivers of all levels, providing an unforgettable experience that can be completed with a moderate budget. Enjoy the picturesque views and the feeling of freedom that comes with driving through the countryside. Make sure to take plenty of breaks to take in the scenery and create lasting memories.
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number of days
229 km
route length
fair
budget
family
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on the right
traffic direction
low
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START
Gaffney
Distance 229 km
Driving time 3.2 h
Pace: fast
68.8 kWh
Airports
GSP
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Gaffney, South Carolina, is the starting point of the Cherokee Foothills Panoramic Road. It is situated in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains and is a great base to explore the beauty of the Appalachian region.
The town is known for its historical sites, such as the Cherokee County History and Arts Museum, the Gaffney Peachoid, the Shelby Iron Works Ruins, and the Cowpens National Battlefield. Nature lovers can enjoy hiking, camping, and fishing at Kings Mountain State Park and Cowpens National Battlefield.
Those traveling by air should fly into Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT). Car rentals are available at the airport, making it easy to start your road trip in Gaffney.
With its rich history, beautiful scenery, and convenient location, Gaffney is the perfect starting point for a road trip. So, use Gaffney as the beginning of your Cherokee Foothills Panoramic Road adventure and you won't be disappointed.
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Gaffney
- Chesnee
Distance 23 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: fast
6.8 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Gaffney-Chesnee stage of your road trip! This is a great 14mi journey, with a driving time of fewer than 1 hour. Start your trip in Gaffney and make sure to visit the Cowpens National Battlefield, a great historical site that commemorates the Revolutionary War! Afterwards, head to Chesnee and explore the beautiful Lake Blalock, a perfect spot for fishing, kayaking and swimming. You can also find the historic Chesnee Depot, an old train station which is now a museum that showcases the town's history. Don't forget to visit the nearby Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway, where you can take in stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains! More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a great trip!
Chesnee - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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2
Chesnee
- Campobello
Distance 31 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: fast
9.4 kWh
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Are you ready to start your road trip? Let's go from Chesnee to Campobello! This 19-mile drive will take you less than an hour, so you can enjoy the scenery and make the most of your tour.
In Chesnee, you can visit the Chesnee Community Center, a great place to learn about the history of the area and the culture of the people who live there. You can also enjoy the nearby Chesnee Lake and its many recreational activities.
Once you arrive in Campobello, don't miss out on the historic Campobello Village, which is home to some of the oldest buildings in the region. You can also take a walk along the Campobello Riverwalk and enjoy the view of the river.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, you can check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, let's start the journey and explore the beauty of these two places!
Campobello - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Campobello
- Cleveland
Distance 38 km
Driving time 0.5 h
Pace: fast
11.3 kWh
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Are you ready for a thrilling road trip from Campobello to Cleveland? Get ready to explore some of the most interesting places in the area! This stage of your journey is only 23 miles long and should take you less than an hour to complete.
Your first stop should be at the Caesars Head State Park, where you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can also hike on one of the many trails and explore the park's flora and fauna.
Afterwards, you can visit the Table Rock State Park, a great spot for camping and fishing. Here, you can take a break and enjoy the beautiful views of the lake and the surrounding mountains.
Finally, you can end your trip with a visit to the Cleveland Museum of Art. Here, you can admire the works of some of the most renowned artists from around the world.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Cleveland - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikipedia
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Cleveland
- Salem
Distance 50 km
Driving time 0.6 h
Pace: fast
14.9 kWh
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Are you ready for a thrilling road trip from Cleveland to Salem? Get ready for a 31mi journey that will take you less than 1 hour. On your way, you'll get to see some of the most beautiful scenery, so make sure to keep your eyes open!
Start off your trip with a visit to the Cleveland Museum of Art, which has a wide collection of artwork from different periods. Then, make your way to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, where you can see a variety of animals from all over the world.
When you reach Salem, be sure to check out the Salem Historical Society, which has a museum and library full of artifacts and documents from the area's past. You can also visit the Salem Witch Museum, a fascinating look at the Salem Witch Trials of the 1690s.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, be sure to check out the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!
Salem - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikipedia
Salem - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - commons.wikimedia.org
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5
Salem
- Walhalla
Distance 56 km
Driving time 0.9 h
Pace: fast
16.7 kWh
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Are you ready for an amazing road trip from Salem to Walhalla? This 35-mile journey will take you less than an hour, and you'll get to see some of the most stunning scenery along the way. You'll be driving on winding roads, so be sure to keep an eye out for the stunning views. Make sure to take some time to explore the charming towns of Salem and Walhalla, as they offer a wide range of attractions and activities. In Salem, you can visit the historic Salem Courthouse, the Salem Public Library, and the Salem Museum. In Walhalla, you can explore the Walhalla State Fish Hatchery, the Walhalla Civic Center, and the Walhalla Civic Auditorium. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, get ready for a memorable road trip from Salem to Walhalla!
Walhalla - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Walhalla
- Hartwell
Distance 32 km
Driving time 0.4 h
Pace: fast
9.7 kWh
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Embark on an unforgettable road trip from Walhalla to Hartwell! This 20mi journey will take you less than an hour, but don’t let the short distance fool you – you’ll be able to take in plenty of sights. From Walhalla, you’ll drive along a scenic road, so make sure to keep your eyes peeled for beautiful views. Once you reach Hartwell, you’ll be able to check out the Hartwell Dam and Lake Hartwell, both of which offer the perfect spot to take a break and appreciate the beauty of nature. Of course, there are plenty of other attractions to explore in both Walhalla and Hartwell – make sure to check out the Itinerary of this stage for more information. Enjoy your road trip!
Hartwell - United States - North America - Scenic Drive - Wikimedia Commons
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Hartwell
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Hartwell, Georgia is a small city located at the end of the Cherokee Foothills Panoramic Road and is the perfect destination for a weekend road trip. With its charming downtown area, Hartwell provides a unique blend of small-town vibes and modern amenities. Visitors can explore the city’s history at the Hart County Historical Museum, take a stroll along the Hartwell Lake Trail, or visit the nearby Hart State Outdoor Recreation Area for camping, fishing, and hiking.
For those interested in the performing arts, the Hartwell Arts Center offers a variety of musical and theatre performances. Shopping aficionados will enjoy the variety of antique stores and specialty shops in the downtown area. For a one-of-a-kind experience, visitors can take a drive to the nearby Hartwell Dam and enjoy a picnic while taking in the stunning views of the lake.
When traveling to Hartwell, the closest international airport is Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL). From there, it’s only a short drive of about two hours to Hartwell. So, grab your friends and family and plan a road trip to Hartwell to experience all the city has to offer.
Cherokee Foothills Panoramic Road at a glance
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Start:
Gaffney
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End:
Hartwell
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Distance:
229 km
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Stay:
1 day
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Getting there:
Greenville Spartanburg International Airport (GSP)
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When to drive:
March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
The Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, also known as South Carolina Highway 11, offers a picturesque journey from Gaffney, South Carolina, to Hartwell, Georgia. Covering approximately 229 km (142 miles), this enchanting Road Trip can be completed comfortably in a day, but its wealth of natural beauty and cultural stops invite travelers to take their time. Winding through the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the route passes through quaint towns, past historic landmarks, and provides access to some of the region's most splendid outdoor settings.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Gaffney, SC: Begin your exploration with a visit to the Peachoid, a 135-foot-tall water tower whimsically shaped like a peach, which celebrates the area's peach-growing heritage.
- Chesnee, SC: Stroll through the downtown area to discover unique antique shops and experience the town's inviting, small-town atmosphere.
- Cleveland, SC: Close to this town is the gateway to Table Rock State Park, where visitors can embark on trails leading to sweeping vistas and encounter diverse wildlife and flora.
- Salem, SC: Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of Lake Jocassee, renowned for its crystal-clear water and opportunities for boating, fishing, and scuba diving.
- Walhalla, SC: Conclude your Scenic Drive with a visit to Stumphouse Tunnel Park, where you'll find the intriguing incomplete railRoad tunnel and the picturesque Issaqueena Falls, a lovely waterfall with legends of a Native American maiden.
Best Time to Go:
The spring and summer months are particularly magical for this Road Trip, offering lush landscapes and ideal weather for outdoor adventures. Fall brings a spectacular display of foliage, while the cooler months provide a quieter experience with fewer crowds.
Potential Risks:
While the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway is well-maintained, travelers should be cautious as the Road features curves and elevation changes. Be mindful of changing weather conditions, which can impact driving safety, particularly in the winter months when ice may be present.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- This route traverses regions rich in Native American history, notably Cherokee heritage, which is reflected in the area's name and numerous historical sites.
- The highway is part of the larger Southern HighRoads Trail, which connects four states in a loop through the Southern Appalachians, offering even more exploration opportunities.
- Roadtrippers should allocate a moderate budget for food, fuel, and accommodations if they choose to extend their journey overnight.
- The scenic highway is accessible for drivers of varying skill levels, but always remember to take breaks to savor the views and avoid fatigue.
A good choice for:
Whether you're in search of a refreshing day Trip or a leisurely drive through the heart of nature's splendor, the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway delivers an exceptional Road-Tripping experience. To maximize your adventure, plan your stops, check the weather, drive safely, and allocate ample time to relish the journey and the myriad destinations that await along this captivating route.
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