Savannah River Scenic Byway

Details

  • DesignationNational Scenic Byway (1998)
  • Intrinsic QualitiesHistoric
  • LocationSC
  • Length110 miles
Byway Visitor Information
South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism
Statewide Byway Partners
South Carolina Department of Transportation
South Carolina Office of Tourism
Visitors can enjoy a day picnicking or swimming from one of the many recreation areas at J. Strom Thurmond Lake.
Kellie Thorne of NSBO Photo

Overview

Visitors can discover the beauty of South Carolina’s land and culture by travelling along the Savannah River Scenic Byway. The byway provides glimpses into the life of the rural South and opportunities to experience the true meaning of southern hospitality. Visitors can learn about the state’s history in the Revolutionary and Civil Wars as well as how to have a traditional barbecue or how to fish.

Local Byway Partners

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.

Driving Directions

The bayway begins just south of Clark Hills and continues north on South Carolina Highway 81. Travellers will drive through Clarks Hill, Modoc, Parksville, McCormick, and Willington. There is an option detour on South Carolina Highway 72 to visit Abbeville. The route continues north on South Carolina 81 through Calhoun Falls, Lowndesville, Iva, and Starr before heading west on South Carolina 24 to Oakway.

Points of Interest

  • Lake Strom Thurmond Resevoir

    Lake Strom Thurmond 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.

  • Hickory Knobb State 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.

  • Swartzentruber's Bakery

    Swartzentruber’s Bakery is an old-fashioned Mennonite bakery just off the byway on the Highway 28 Bypass. Visitors can stop by for dessert on Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.

Itinerary

  • Fun along the Savannah River

    Begin at the Georgia-South Carolina border, just south of Clarks Hill on South Carolina Highway 81 and head north. Spond your morning at one of the many parks on Lake Strom Thurmond, which is open for water recreation activities. The Clarks Hill Recreation Area is a popular one for visitors. As you drive along Lake Strom Thurmond, you will pass through Sumter National Forest, where you can go on a hike and discover South Carolina’s natural wildlife.

    Be sure to stop at Hickory Knob Resort Park for some family fun just south of Willington. 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.

    From the Resort Park, make a quick detour to Abbeville for a midday stop, just fifteen miles off the main byway on South Carolina Route 72.Shop at the many antique shops or take a walking tour of the town’s historic buildings such as the Burt-Stark Mansion or the Abbeville Opera House. Visit an old-fashion bakery or one of the many other local restaurants.

    Return to the byway and continue up South Carolina Route 81 to the Jim Rampey Recreation Area. The area offers a playground, picnic area, fishing, and access to other exciting water sports as well as stunning views of the Richard B. Russel Lake, Savannah River, and Lake Hartwell as the byway continues north.

    The route ends in Oakway, which has many opportunities for lodging and dining. You can choose to either stop here for continue along the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway.

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