5 Great South Carolina Motorcycle Routes
They say a bike on the road is worth two in the shed. No one with a motorcycle will argue with that logic, but deciding where to ride can be difficult when you’re spoilt for choice. If you need a little inspiration, here are 5 great South Carolina motorcycle routes.
Mountain Escape: Caesars Head State Park
When a ride takes place inside a state park, you know it’s going to be packed full of beautiful scenery. You can choose to ride to the mountain summit or travel through the state park to North Carolina. No matter which route you choose, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views. This is a treat in all four seasons, but the fall foliage arguably makes autumn the ideal time to travel this route.
The specifics: This ride begins on Highway 276 in Cleveland. Travel north on that road for six miles, and you’ll reach Caesars Head State Park. Head to the top of the mountain or keep riding through the park until you reach the North Carolina border.
Bonuses: If you fancy some time in nature, go for a hike on one of the park’s many trails, one of which leads you to a suspension bridge that crosses the creek above Raven Cliff Falls.
Coastal Therapy: Low Country Beach Loop
This motorcycle ride might only be 12 miles long, but it’s a gorgeous 12 miles (and who says you can’t do it more than once?).
The specifics: The route begins in Mt. Pleasant, near a shopping center called Seaside Farms. From there take SC-517 (Isle of Palms Connector) for three miles east, over the Intracoastal Waterway. Turn right to head south on SC-703 and cross the Breach Inlet bridge to Sullivan’s Island. Travel about three miles and turn right onto SC-703 West. Continue for two miles on SC-703 and turn right onto Rifle Range Road. In three miles, you’ll be right back where you started, at Seaside Farms.
Bonuses: This short ride will treat you to Atlantic Ocean scenery, saltwater marshes, and plenty of aquatic birds. You’ll find several restaurants offering fresh seafood, and there will be plenty of opportunities to pull over and enjoy the beach via public access paths.
Low Country Beach Loop Directions
Beauty & History: Ashley River Road
This 12-mile route has everything – majestic oak trees, canopies of Spanish moss, historic plantations and gardens, country churches, and an archaeological site. It has so much to offer that the US Department of Transportation named it a National Scenic Byway.
The specifics: This motorcycle ride begins at milepost 5.84 in Church Creek (Charleston County). From there, head east on Ashley River Road/SC-61 for approximately 12 miles. The ride ends at Bacons Bridge Road in Dorchester County.
Bonuses: Too many to name! You’ll pass three historic plantations – Magnolia, Middleton Place, and Drayton Hall – along with Old St. Andrew’s Parish Church (the oldest surviving structure used for worship south of Virginia). That’s just to name a few. Combine all of these things with South Carolina’s natural beauty, and you have yourself a winning ride.
Rolling Vistas: Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway
This is the longest and most well-known scenic byway in South Carolina, totaling 118 miles and featuring rolling hills at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It follows an ancient Cherokee path, hence its name.
The specifics: The route follows SC-11 from Fair Play to Gaffney, so you can choose your preferred direction of travel. The mountain hills are seen from West Union to Chesnee.
Bonuses: This route is full of easy-to-reach small detours, including the orchards of Oconee County, antique shops of Walhalla, and the picturesque shoreline of Lake Jocassee.
Rural Ride: Savannah River National Scenic Byway
Running from Seneca to North Augusta, this route totals 110 miles and passes everything from farmlands to woodlands. You’ll also pass by the shores of three lakes on this motorcycle ride.
The specifics: Take SC-28 North from the South Carolina/Georgia border. Continue for 33 miles. Take SC-81 at McCormick and continue for 42 miles to SC-412/Rainey Road in Starr. Drive west to SC-187. Travel north for 10 miles until you reach SC-24. Go west on SC-24 for 20 miles. The byway ends in the community of Oakway, at the intersection of SC-24 and SC-11.
Bonuses: There’s something for everyone on this route. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the ride through Sumter National Forest, while antique lovers will appreciate the town of Abbeville which is just a short detour from the route. It also played a major role in the Civil War. As if that wasn’t enough, you’ll also pass Antebellum homes that are available to be toured.
Savannah River Byway Directions
Have fun…but be safe!
These 5 great South Carolina motorcycle routes are great opportunities for motorcyclists to hit the open road while taking in some of the best scenery that South Carolina has to offer. However, it is important to remember to remain vigilant on the road, because accidents still happen in the prettiest of places.
If you find yourself the victim of a motorcycle accident caused by someone else, contact McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates at 803-LAW-FIRM (803-529-3476) for a free case evaluation. We can determine whether you’re entitled to damages and fight hard to make sure you receive everything you deserve.