Outdoor excitement and historic adventures await you on the Savannah River Scenic Byway. Running along the western edge of South Carolina, the byway is a beautiful country drive through the dense wooded Hickory Knob State Park and Sumter National Forest, quaint towns like McCormick and Willington, and past rolling farmland dotted with historic churches. The J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir and the Savannah River are both only a short drive off the byway, providing camping, fishing, and other recreational opportunities that you will be able to enjoy with the whole family.
The first part of your drive, in Clarks Hill, provides close, easy access to J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir. The J. Strom Thurmond Recreation Area is only a sample of several locations for boating, fishing, and swimming. Pack a picnic and spend some time with your family or friends near the startling blue water for a day in the warm South Carolina sun. Continue your drive north, passing charming towns and lovely scenery to McCormick. McCormick is one of the largest towns on the byway, and it is full of personality and historic architecture.
Your journey will take you through the Sumter National Forest, where you will find dozens of opportunities to get out of the car and enjoy some fresh air. Outdoor-lovers will find that the camping and wildlife viewing is supreme in this area. In fact, the Savannah River Scenic Byway, one of the roads belonging to the South Carolina Heritage Corridor Program, is known in the area for its recreational and natural attributes.
For antique hounds and history buffs, a small sidetrip off the byway will be well worth your time. Head to the town of Abbeville, just a few miles off the byway, to experience some great shopping, dining, and historic architecture. Visit the Burt Stark Mansion, a historic building that served as a meeting place for Jefferson Davis and his War Council. Plan to spend at least a day touring the historic downtown area. With dozens of antique stores, boutiques, historic churches, and cafes, you could easily spend a weekend.
Ready for an adventure for the whole family? Take a trip to the South Carolina wilderness for unlimited outdoor recreation and a glance at the history of the South.
Boating on the Savannah River - South Carolina’s Other Coast