Best Motorcycle Roads & Destinations in South Carolina, United States

If you wish to embark on a motorcycle trip, you may want to consider visiting South Carolina or “the Palmetto State.” Aside from the many palmetto trees planted throughout the state, there are two major regions with terrain suitable for motorcycles. There is the Atlantic Coastal Plain which is relatively flat with plenty of farmland, marshes, and bays along the coastline. You can also head to the Piedmont Plateau and the Blue Ridge Mountains full of thick forests, foothills, rivers, and waterfalls.

If you have never visited or fully explored South Carolina, this could be your chance to check out many of this state’s popular motorcycle roads and destinations.

Distance: 31 miles
Time: 50 minutes
Start: Walhalla, SC
End: Highlands, NC

While you are still in Walhalla, you can visit the Museum of the Cherokee in South Carolina or the Walhalla Performing Arts Center. As there are not many facilities along this route, it is recommended you fill up on gas and eat at a restaurant in Walhalla. You can go to the Hungry Hiker, Steak House Cafeteria, or Carolina Pizza Company.

Departing from the city, you will head northward on Highway 28 South. You will pass by the Issaqueena Falls Waterfall, Sumter National Forest, and Stumphouse Tunnel. You will also have the opportunity to head up to Blue Ridge Railroad Trailhead and Yellow Branch Falls Trail.

After you cross the Russell Bridge, you will have made it over into Georgia. You will dive into the eastern region of the Nantahala National Forest. You will travel along a section of the Chattooga River as you continue heading towards North Carolina.

Upon clearing the Georgia-North Carolina border, you will travel along the Walhalla Road towards Highlands. You will pass by and through Sassafras Gap, Wilson Gap, and Brushy Face Preserve.

Distance: 142 miles
Time: 3 hours 7 minutes
Start: Gaffney
End: Lake Hartwell State Park

Heading westward away from Gaffney, you will pass by Frederick Memorial Gardens. You can also take a look at the water tower painted like a giant, ripe peach known as the Peachoid. You can also check out the Cowpens National Battlefield from the American Revolution.

Continuing on your way, you can take a slight detour to Caesars Head State Park which should give you a decent view of the surrounding Blue Ridge foothills. You can also cross over the Raven Cliff Falls Suspension Bridge on foot.

Getting back on track, you can go to Table Rock State Park which is a solid granite flat-top mountain that was considered a sacred place among Native Americans. You will pass by or go through Long Shoals Roadside Park and Keowee Toxaway State Park.

Turning around the bend of SC-130, you will head southward towards Walhalla. You will pass by Licklog Falls and Pigpen Falls. You can also hike up Foothills Trail and Lee Falls Trailhead. After you go through Oconee State Park, you will be approaching the final leg of the journey.

After you pass through Walhalla, it should be a straight shot to Lake Hartwell State Park. The road will have enough twists and turns, elevation changes, and is isolated enough that you will usually have the luxury to navigate this route with minimal traffic.

Distance: 100 miles
Time: 2 hours 14 minutes
Start: Martinez, GA
End: SC-81, Anderson, SC 29621

Leaving Martinez, you will catch a glimpse of Riverside Park in the distance on your left-hand side as you cross over Savannah River to cross the Georgia-South Carolina border.

Heading northwest along Highway 28 South, you will pass close to Clarks Hill Recreation Area and Stevens Creek Heritage Preserve. Further along the way, after passing Modoc, you can witness races being held at the Modoc Speedway. Take a slight detour to explore the wilderness in Hamilton Branch State Recreation Area and Hamilton Branch State Park.

After making it to McCormick, you can check out the exhibits at the Heritage Gold Mine Park. If you choose to explore Calhoun Falls, you have the opportunity to look at Edgewood Park and Calhoun Falls State Park.

For the remainder of the route, there are no notable attractions or locations. You will pass through small communities such as Lowridesville and Iva. But this is ideal for a leisurely ride since it has gentle sweepers. 

Distance: 17 miles
Time: 32 minutes
Start: Saluda, NC
End: Campobello, SC

Starting in North Carolina, you can check out the Saluda Historic Depot and Museum within the town of Saluda. If you continue to explore, you can walk around Saluda Nature Park, McCreery Park, and Bradley Nature Preserve.

Traveling eastward alongside the North Pacolet River, you should be able to make out Pearson’s Falls and Glen and Melrose Falls on the other side. You will also pass by Norman Wilder Forest and Woodland Park.

Upon passing over the border into South Carolina, the first major destination will be Landrum. On the way there, you will pass under Campbell’s Covered Bridge. Once you have arrived, you can spend time at Brookwood Park.

As you continue towards the end of the route, the terrain will turn into flatland and you should be able to spy peach and apple orchards in the area.

Distance: 15 miles
Time: 23 minutes
Start: Brevard, NC
End: Caesar’s Head, SC

Starting in Brevard, you can check out the Veterans History Museum of the Carolinas and the Transylvania Heritage Museum. You can also pass by or walk around Franklin Park.

As you head southward, you will stumble across the Hap Simpson River Access Park. You should follow alongside the French Broad River for the first half of the trip. Much of your surroundings will be sprawling farmlands.

Crossing over the border into South Carolina, the terrain will shift into mountains and valleys. You will enter the wilderness through Jones Gap as you travel on Geers Highway. It is possible to make out the hiking areas known as Dargan's Cascade and El Lieutenant.

Approaching the final destination, the climb should be relatively quick with plenty of curves in the road to prevent you from falling backward. You can take a hike on the Raven Cliff Falls Trailhead before you finally arrive at Caesar’s Head.

Distance: 19 miles
Time: 27 minutes
Start: Beaufort
End: Hunting Island State Park Pier

If you choose to look around Beaufort, you can spend time at the Beaufort History Museum to learn more about the town’s background. You can also relax and take a break from riding by going to the Reconstruction Era National Historical Park and the Henry C. Chambers Waterfront Park.

Connecting Beaufort and the outer Sea Islands, you will cross over the movable swing bridge referred to as Woods Memorial Bridge. Driving on the Sea Island Parkway, this road has plenty of restaurants, markets, and shops along the sides such as the Fillin’ Station, the Upper Crust, Lady’s Island Dockside, etc.

Because this route is close to the Atlantic coast, there will be large bodies of water such as rivers, bays, and inlets accompanying you while navigating the winding roads. As you get closer to the Sea Islands, you will catch sight of barrier islands and the ocean glittering off in the distance.

After crossing Harbor River Bridge, you will coast around until you delve into Huntington Island State Park. You could get a closer look at the ocean’s surface by walking on the Hunting Island Beach or the Hunting Island Park Pier.

Distance: 60 miles
Time: 1 hour 23 minutes
Start: Long Bottom Ford
End: Caesar’s Head

Starting at the Georgia-South Carolina border, you will first head southward on Highway 28 South towards Walhalla. You will pass by Mountain Rest Lake, Lake Leroy, and Crystal Lake along the way. As you get closer to Walhalla, you can grab a bite to eat at Dakota Grill and The Last Chance of Walhalla.

Departing northwestward away from Walhalla, you will ride on a section of the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway. You will pass through and alongside Keowee Toxaway State Park, Skinned Pine Ridge, Jocassee Gorges Management Area, and Nine Times Preserve.

As you draw closer to Caesar’s Head, you will also travel through Table Rock State Park, Bald Rock Heritage Preserve, and Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. Curving around towards your final destination, you may see Moonshine Falls and Confusion Falls. Then you will finally make it to the top of Caesar’s Head.

Distance: 73 miles
Time: 1 hour 33 minutes
Start: Camden
End: Camden

If you are still in Camden, you can check out the exhibits at the Camden Revolutionary War Site and Camden Archives and Museum to learn more about this town’s background. You may take a peaceful walk at Boyking Park or Rectory Square before you head out on your motorcycle.

Heading northward on the right side of the loop, you will start to go around the entirety of Lake Wateree. You can explore Lake Wateree Clearwater Cove if you wish to get a closer look at the coast. As you travel on John G. Richards Road, you may be able to eat at an establishment overlooking the lake at Beaver’s Den.

At the northern tip of the loop, you will cross over where Fishing Creek, Fishing Creek Reservoir, and Great Falls Lake meet. Traveling southward on the left of the loop, the next major destination will be Great Falls. If you are feeling hungry, you can fill your stomach at Tiffany’s Diner and Flopeye Diner.

Before crossing Rocky Creek, you can take a short hike on Carolina Thread Trail-Rocky Creek Trail. Leaving the urban areas behind, you will eventually make it down to Lake Wateree State Park. The rest of the way back to Camden should be relatively smooth thanks to the road only having to go up or around rolling hills.

Distance: 56 miles
Time: 1 hour 47 minutes
Start: Charlotte, NC
End: Crowders Mountain State Park - Linwood Road Access, NC

This route crosses the border between North and South Carolina a few times as you take a roundabout route through natural scenery. Despite being an urban center, Charlotte is also home to several parks including Latta Park, Frazier Park, etc. As you head southward, you will cross over into South Carolina where Dorman Road and Harrisburg Road intersect.

As you curve along the bottom of the lower bend along the route, you will make it to Fort Mill. You can take a walk through Steele Street Park, Walter Elisha Park, and Harris Street Park. You can also become familiar with the community by spending time at the Fort Mill History Museum.

Heading northwest, there are small shops, cafes, restaurants, and markets along the sides of the route if you are interested in taking a short break. You will cross back over to North Carolina when you make it to Zoar Road.

This short section of the trip will have you riding on South Tryon Street and take you beside McDowell Nature Preserve. After going over Buster Boyd Bridge, you will have gone back into South Carolina.

Traveling on Highway 557 and State Road S-46-27 is a relatively smooth and straightforward section, making this the most unremarkable portion of the route. Transitioning to Ferguson Ridge Road, you will pass from South Carolina to North Carolina for the last time.

Approaching Crowders Mountain State Park, you can check out the rock formation known as the Pinnacle. Or you can make your way up to Crowders Mountain Summit to get a good view of the surrounding wilderness. 

Distance: 12 miles
Time: 23 minutes
Start: Shoppes at Seaside Farms, Mt. Pleasant
End: Shoppes at Seaside Farms, Mt. Pleasant

Close to the Atlantic Coast, this “loop” tends to follow straight paths that form a shape resembling a rhombus or square. Staying within the urban areas of Mt. Pleasant, you have an opportunity to explore the shopping districts and local restaurants. Some suggestions would be to visit Crave Kitchen & Cocktails and Yamato Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar.

Heading southeast down the Isle of Palms Con, you will go all the way until your current route intersects with Palm Boulevard. You should be able to make it to the Isle of Palms County Park and Isle of Palms Beach if you decide to go even further.

Turning southwest on Palm Boulevard, you will be able to get a pristine view of the Atlantic Ocean as you continue riding alongside the coast. You will pass by Thompson Park, PARD Park, and J. Marshall Stith Park.

As you head northwest, this allows you to check out other establishments such as Santi’s, My Father’s Moustache, and Mainland Container Co. Kitchen & Bar. The final leg of the journey as you head northeast will be the most peaceful part of this route thanks to the familiarity of the streets. 

Distance: 51 miles
Time: 1 hour 1 minute
Start: Awendaw
End: McClellanville

Within the vicinity of Awendaw, you can take a slight detour towards the Awendaw Passage - Palmetto Trail or the Palmetto Trail - Swamp Fox Passage to get a closer look at the nearby marshlands. Departing towards the southeast, you will travel on US-17 towards Woodville. You can find lodging at Awendaw Village, get yourself lunch or dinner at Middleton & Maker, or try out zip lining at Charleston Zipline Adventures.

After clearing the southern curve of the route and you begin to turn back northward on Halfway Creek Road, you will pass by Gator Pond which only has bass and catfish. Further along, you can take the time to stretch your legs and hike up Palmetto Trail. You can also admire the beauty of Halfway Church Creek and Wambaw Swamp Wilderness.

Upon making it to McClellanville, you can go explore the Cape Romain National Wildlife Refuge closer to the Atlantic Coast. You can also go further than that and see the Cape Romain Lighthouse standing vigil near the beach.

If you are under 21 years old, it is necessary to place either a half, three-quarter, or full-face motorcycle helmet on your head.

Passengers under the age of 21 must be wearing protective motorcycle gear. Besides that, there are no other regulations related to passengers and their age in South Carolina.

A passenger should have a seat of his/her own, whether it be a sidecar, a pillion, or an extension of the driver’s seat.

Having functional motorcycle parts not only ensures that you will reach your stops and destinations without issue, but it will also allow you to react quickly to hazards and make your presence known. Make sure that all the features work when you are double-checking the integrity of your motorcycle.

• Horn
• Wheels
• Tires
• Handlebars
• Brake System
• Controls
• Headlight(s)
• Taillight
• Break Light
• Reflector
• License Plate Light
• Exhaust system
• Muffler
• Rearview mirrors
• Windshield

Because it raises the likelihood of getting into an accident, lane splitting is declared illegal in South Carolina.

If you need a reference to look up further details on South Carolina motorcycle laws, the click link here.

It never hurts to take the extra time to plan out every step of your South Carolina motorcycle trip while you are still safe at home before departure. The preparation phase will play a large role in how much enjoyment you get out of your excursion. Though you are not yet on the road, you are already setting the groundwork for where you are going, what you may need, and what you might encounter.

Becoming familiar with South Carolina’s motorcycle laws will help you know the limitations of what you can do while operating a motorcycle. Having the right motorcycle luggage for your specific model will ensure your belongings stay safe while cruising on the highways.

Each motorcycle road and destination in South Carolina is unique in its attractions, natural scenery, and available activities. You can pick the locations with notable natural or historical sites. You can travel along routes that are precarious yet exciting to keep your adrenaline pumping. Each one can satisfy the different preferences of both novice and veteran motorcyclists.