We will trace this special route from east to
west (Gaffney to Fair Play). If, instead, you wish to start at Fair Play and drive east,
just read this backwards. Starting at I-85, exit 92, take SC-11 north (away from Gaffney).
Cowpens National Battlefield will be on your left just before you cross US-221-A.
The terrain around you is the rolling
countryside of the Carolina Piedmont: prime ground for peach orchards (come back in
June!). Another couple miles and you encounter Chesnee and the Clinchfield Railroad
tracks, both steeped in history. Seventeen miles more and you encounter a sign of the
modern world: Interstate 26 (exit 5) and the usual accompaniment of gasoline stations
(usually very low prices compared to what you have been passing).
Next is US-176 and Campobello. Before Interstate
freeways, US-176 was, together with the Southern Railroad, the main route into the
mountains and Asheville NC. The two roadbeds accompany each other so closely one would
think they were married. (Up US-176 is Tryon, famous for horses, a little further is Saluda and, eventually Hendersonville, - all unique and enchanting.) When you cross SC-14, 4 miles
later, you will begin to see the true foothill country as it used to be.
Crossing over US-25 (now a freeway which
replaced a very windy, narrow road that was a real chore to drive) 16 miles later you will
encounter the entrance (on the right) to the first of the four state parks on this
highway: Pleasant Ridge State Park. At Cleveland SC-11 joins US-276 (which climbs over the
mountain at Caesars Head then passes into North Carolina on its way to Brevard
(home of the famous Music Center). About 6 miles later, SC-11 (and you!) turn left while
US-276 continues on its own way. In about 5 miles, on the right, you will see the first of
the two entrances (East Entrance) to Table Rock State Park.
If you have time, drive in and (if you are
prepared) picnic at the lake. If you're into hiking, there is a splendid trail that climbs
up Table Rock. The view from the top is . . . well, without words! Be careful coming down:
the rocks are slippery. You can exit the park by continuing on the park road and you'll
come out the West Entrance.
Turn right on SC-11, drive by the US-178
intersection and you'll soon pass Keowee-Toxaway State Park. This is the famous Lake
Toxaway. Well off to the right is the Lake Jocasee dam (and the lake of the same name, fed
by the Whitewater, Horseshoe and other Rivers). About 5 miles after you cross Lake Toxaway
you will encounter SC- 130 which would take you to the spectacular Whitewater Falls.
It's only about ten miles and well worth the detour.
On the way back from the Falls, on the right, is
the road that takes you into the northern piece of Sumter National Forest. Turn right, go
about 2 miles and turn left on SC-107. You'll enjoy the drive to Walhalla. Continue
through Walhalla and rejoin SC-11. Turn right on SC-11 and enjoy the 20 mile roller
coaster ride back to I-85 (exit 1) at Fair Play. (Lake Hartwell State Park is a little
over a mile from the freeway. It has picnic tables and a view of Lake Hartwell.)
