Once known as "Keowee Path" or "Cherokee Path," this 130-mile road was used by the Cherokees and the English and French fur traders. Looming majestically beyond the low, soft hills of the Piedmont, the Blue Ridge escarpment thrills the soul of the mountain lover. The Cherokees called these heights "the Great Blue Hills of God" and the stream-laced foothills and rugged mountains of the Blue Ridge run throughout the area.
This Byway is perfect for the outdoors lover, running through the wide-ranging Nantahala and Sumter National Forests full of recreational opportunities. See for yourself why the Cherokee meaning for Nantahala is land of the noonday sun. Take a chance to play in nearby lakes by swimming or whitewater rafting. If exploring the forests by foot is more your thing, hike on any of the numerous trails.
The numerous parks scattered around the area invite you to explore them, from the area's most notable landmark at Table Rock State Park, to King's Mountain National Military Park. Striking landscapes and abundant recreation are available in all the parks, but Caesar's Head State Park is well known for its beautiful vistas, numerous hiking trails and the stunning Raven Cliff Falls. Enjoy a picnic lunch while taking in the beauty of cascading water over rugged cliffs or act like a kid again while crunching through a pile of autumn leaves.
Remnants of history still remain in places like Campbell's Bridge and Poinsett's Bridge, which have stood since the turn of the century. To understand more fully the history of the 1781 Battle of Cowpens, visit the visitor center located on the Cowpens National Battlefield, which offers memorabilia, art work and a video presentation of the history of the area.
From the 1,000 foot high sheer rock face of Glassy Mountain to the 100-foot waterfall of Issaqueena Falls, this Byway introduces a visual beauty that is not easily forgotten. On this scenic route, you will find a pleasing mix of the past and the present intertwined amongst the places and landscapes.
History on the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway