Savannah River Scenic Byway

Story of the Byway

The byway begins at the Georgia-South Carolina border, just south of Clarks Hill on South Carolina Highway 81 and heads north. In Clarks Hill, visitors will find the J. Strom Thurmond Visitor Center. The visitor center is the main information center for the Thrumand Lake at Clarks Hill, and from here, visitors can see nice views of the lake and the dam alongside walking paths and benches. Lake Strom Thurmond itself is open for water recreation activities and has many public parks, marina, and campgrounds around the lake, making it one of the top 10 most visited lakes built by the Army Corps of Engineers. Right off the scenic byway, the Clarks Hill Recreation Area is just one of the very popular parks along the lake.

Visitors will continue to drive through the Sumter National Forest. As visitors pass through Modoc, Parksville, McCormick, and Willington they will encounter many parks and campgrounds to further enjoy the South Carolina wildlife. Visitors should especially be sure to stop by the Hickory Knob State Resort Park. The retreat overlooks Lake Thurmond and has many recreational offerings such as an 18-hole golf course, tennis, volleyball, basketball and croquet courts, 12 miles of hiking and biking trails, an archery and skeet shooting range, kayaking and canoe rentals and a swimming pool. As the route travels north, visitors should keep an eye out for Calhoun Falls State Park. The Calhoun Falls campground is one of the most coveted campsites on one of the least developed large reservoirs in South Carolina.

While not directly on the byway, visitors should make a quick detour to Abbeville, which is just a short drive off the byway. The charming town was settled in 1758 by a group of French Huguenots. Visitors can shop at the many antique shops or take a walking tour of the town’s historic buildings. Visitors on Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays should keep an eye out for Swartzentruber’s bakery, an old-fashioned Mennonite bakery just outside of Abbeville. History buffs will love a stop at the Burt-Stark Mansion, which was the site of the last Council of War of cabinet members of the Confederate government, when Jefferson Davis realized that the Confederacy had lost. Music lovers will be sure to stop by the Abbeville Opera House, which opened in 1908 and attracts 17,000 visitors to Abbeville during its winter and summer seasons.

The route then continues north on South Carolina 81. VIsitors should keep an eye out for the Jim Rampey Recreation Area for some outdoor fun. The area offers a playground, picnic area, fishing, and access to other exciting water sports. Visitors will be treated to stunning views of the Richard B. Russell Lake, Savannah River, and Lake Hartwell as the byway continues north. The route crosses over Lake Hartwell as it joins South Carolina Highway 24, veering west to Oakway. Oakway is home to many golf courses and marinas, making it a great outdoor recreation destination. Visitors who wish to continue exploring South Carolina may do so by taking the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, also in Oakway.