From sparkling, clear lakes and streams to rolling green hills covered in lush vegetation, the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway offers a breathtaking sense of the South’s natural beauty. Known by the Cherokee as the “Great Blue Hills of God,” it’s not hard to see why these are the hills that the ancient tribe chose as their home.
Although its roots can be traced back to little more than a mountain footpath used by Cherokee braves, today the highway escorts travelers through an area rich in Southern history. Begin your journey in the town of Gaffney, SC where a monument honors Revolutionary War Colonel James Williams. Colonel Williams was killed at the Battle of King’s Mountain, one of the few battles fought entirely between Americans without British troops involved. At King’s Mountain National Military Park, you can find out more about the skirmishes between Loyalists and American militia or why British soldiers preferred to use muskets rather than rifles.
A few miles away, visit the site of the Battle of Cowpens for the annual reenactment of General Daniel Morgan’s victory over a battle-hardened force of British regulars. Inside the visitor center is an impressive collection of Revolutionary War artifacts, a three-pounder cannon, interpretive exhibits, and hands-on activities for the kids. Venture outside and explore the mile-long trail leading to the 1856 Washington Light Infantry Monument at the center of the battlefield. Drive the perimeter and visit several wayside exhibits, the Robert Scruggs Log House, and the picnic area.
Continue on to Chesnee, a town founded by the loyalist Chesney family prior to the American Revolution. As you come into town, make your way to the Carolina Foothills Artisans Center for a look at juried art from around the state. On your way, you're sure to notice huge porches adorned with swings and rocking chairs that exemplify the country charm of the Old South.
As you cross over I-26 near Campobello, the full panorama of the "Great Blue Hills of God" commands your view and every mile westward brings you closer and closer to them. Next, historic Gowensville is located at the Greenville/Spartanburg County line, which marks the eastern boundary between the Cherokee Nation and the Province of South Carolina from the end of the Cherokee War (1761) until 1777. Nearby historic sights are First Baptist Church (1820), and Earlesdale (1871), site for Gowensville Seminary, and Campbell's Covered Bridge (1909), the sole surviving, original covered bridge in South Carolina.
Foothills and mountain regions from this location to the west for generations have been referred to as the "Dark Corner." In the early 19th Century, the name was used because of the strong Unionist leanings of the residents of this area during South Carolina's Nullification Crisis (1832). In the late 19th Century the connotation of the name changed because of the "white lightin" whiskey making in the area and its associated lawlessness.
At the junction of the byway and SC-101, turn right and visit the state's oldest bridge, Poinsett's, built in 1820. It is a fitted construction of stones with an impressive pointed arch. Return to the byway and travel west to Table Rock State Park and visit the Cherokee Foothills Visitor Center. Table Rock is one of six state parks and one county park along the byway.
Next, stop in the town of Tamassee, which means “sunlight of God.” Derived from a Cherokee legend, the word Tamassee refers to the burial place of a famous Cherokee prophet said to have possessed a ruby with healing powers. At Tamassee Creek, a bronze tablet on a boulder recounts the story of General Andrew Pickens’ last victory over the Cherokee, where he saved the day by setting fire to the bamboo shoots surrounding his troops. The joints of the burning bamboo exploded, and according to legend, caused the attacking Indians to flee from imaginary reinforcements. Also, watch for two ivory-covered stumps marking the entrance to the Red House, the final home of General Pickens. In later years the Indians, who had come to revere Pickens and brought him gifts, called him Skyagusta, or “wizard owl.”
Also in Tamassee, you’ll find the Tamassee Daughters of the American Revolution School, which was the first Opportunity School ever built. Founded in 1919 with a group of just 36 students, the school continues to give underserved children from throughout the state an opportunity to learn to read and write. Tour the historic brick buildings and learn more about the first mountain children who enrolled in this school.
Filled with seamless natural views and an unforgettable history, the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway offers a fascinating glimpse at America’s roots, reminding us of our country’s transition from humble homesteads and dirt trails to the present-day luxuries we enjoy. Although the Indians, soldiers, and pioneers that originally inhabited the area are long gone, their legacies continue to live on in the buildings, landmarks, and memories of those who honor them.
