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
good for
on the right
traffic direction
low
accident level
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.
1
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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3
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.
We hope that our itinerary idea has become a perfect inspiration for your future holiday excursions.
It is a ready-made opportunity that can be easily developed into a longer tour – options are infinite.
If travelling by car is your plan when moving around South Carolina, there are a number of essential road rules to follow and a list of things to bear in mind to turn your trip into pure pleasure.
These tips will surely become useful for drivers who opt for hiring a vehicle or camper hire in South Carolina.
When on a tour around South Carolina, you should follow the local traffic rules.
In South Carolina, if you are planning to drive, try avoiding alcoholic beverages at any price.
Travellers should remember that the amount of alcohol you can consume is very low and equals only 0.5‰.
When driving around urban areas, the maximum speed is 40km/h.
When it comes to non-build-up areas, you should keep in mind that the maximum permissible speed is 72km/h.
Avoid exceeding the maximum car speed of 129km/h when driving along motorways.
In order to stay safe, it is best to equip your car with a first aid kit and fire extinguisher and drive with your headlights on during the day.
One of the decisive factors when scheduling an itinerary is costs.
The total cost of the whole road trip are dependent on the budget option that you choose.
Let’s have a look at the budget options.
We estimate that the cheapest option when it comes to fuel to cover the planned 229km across South Carolina may equal as much as 25 EUR.
Economy accommodation options may cost tourists around 77 EUR.
Travellers who want to benefit from this option will spend roughly 72 EUR on food and restaurants.
If you also aim for the economy car rental offer, you will pay approximately 45 EUR.
Thus, you can expect the travel expenses to be more or less 174 EUR without car hire and 219 EUR with car rental.
Holidayers who seek greater comfort and the standard option should be prepared to pay the maximum of 38 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the trip.
If you are into standard accommodation options, expect that the expenses can amount up to more or less 121 EUR.
On food and restaurants within the standard range of services, you will have to spend around 108 EUR.
Travellers who want to cover the tour in a standard hire car should expect a cost of more or less 54 EUR.
Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total about 321 EUR for holidayers who would like to try vehicle hire and 267 EUR for those who are not interested in rental.
Holidayers who are searching for the highest level of comfort will be pleased with the premium offer.
When it comes to this offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total around 482 EUR for holidayers who are considering car hire and 267 EUR for those who do not need a rental vehicle.
Travellers who would like to cover the road trip in a premium rental vehicle can expect a cost of more or less 90 EUR.
In the premium option of the itinerary, the fuel cost will be up to more or less 50 EUR.
Holidayers who opt for top services in all aspects of their itinerary should expect to pay around 198 EUR for hotels and more or less 144 EUR for food and restaurants.
Our adventure will also be ideal for all camper fans, as it can be easily adjusted to their needs.
Travellers who would like to hire a camper will pay around 225 EUR for the service.
You will spend more or less 63 EUR on fuel allowing to cover all stages of the tour.
Holidaymakers who would like to go for camper rental should expect to pay roughly 55 EUR for accommodation and approximately 72 EUR for expenses connected with food.
The Road Trip Costs section shows all the presented costs in detail.
There are multiple beautiful adventures that are available on our website if you’d like to see other of our road trip ideas.
Even the most demanding of drivers will definitely be taken aback by the great versatility of ideas available on our website.