Best Motorcycle Roads & Destinations in South Carolina, United States

1. Introduction

If you are looking for a location 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.

This article will give you a preview of South Carolina’s prominent motorcycle roads and destinations along with supplementary information on this state’s motorcycle laws and possible luggage options.

2. Best Roads and Destinations in South Carolina

2.1 Highway 28: Tri-State Tour

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.

2.2 Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway

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, changes in elevation, and is isolated enough that you will usually have the luxury to navigate this route with minimal traffic.

2.3 Savannah River Scenery

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 in close proximity 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.

2.4 Saluda, NC to Campobello, SC via US 176

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.

2.5 Caesar’s Ascent

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

Starting out 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 Dargans 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 backwards. You can take a hike on the Raven Cliff Falls Trailhead before you finally arrive at Caesar’s Head.

2.6 Historic Beaufort Scenery

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 Historic 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 in close proximity 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.

2.7 Caesar’s Head

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.

2.8 Lake Wateree Recreation Area

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 of 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 all the way 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.

2.9 The Back Road from Charlotte To Crowders Mountain

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 all the way to Zoar Road.

This short section of the trip will have you riding on South Tryon Street and takes 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.

2.10 Coastal Plains Low Country Beach Loop

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 farther.

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 gives you the opportunity 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.

2.11 Francis Marion National Forest - Coastal Plains

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 of 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 ziplining at Charleston Zipline Adventures.

After clearing the southern bend of the route and you begin to turn back northward on Halfway Creek Road, you will pass by Gator Pond which actually 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.

3. Motorcycle Laws in South Carolina

3.1 South Carolina Motorcycle Helmet Laws

You are required to wear a motorcycle helmet if you are under 21 years old. Any motorcyclists over the age restriction are allowed to operate their vehicles without having protective headgear on. However, you would be better off keeping it on since it is vital in providing your head and neck protection.

Your motorcycle helmet must have been approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Department of Public Safety. The three types of models that fit these criteria would be half, three-quarter, and full-face helmets.

As you select your helmet, check that they meet the following requirements and are designed with the proper features:

Has a Department of Transportation (DOT) sticker
Can be fitted around your head snugly
No visible signs of damage
Has a face shield with no scratches (Full-face helmet only)
Requires separate eye protection with no scratches (Three-quarter & half helmets only)
Has a hard and durable outer shell that is shatter-resistant
Gives you a clear, peripheral view
Can be fastened with a neck- or chin-strap
Allows airflow without fogging up
Can allow you to wear sunglasses or goggles underneath

3.2 South Carolina Motorcycle Passenger Laws

South Carolina does not have a minimum age requirement for motorcycle passengers. If your passenger is under 21 years old, s/he is required to wear protective headgear to be allowed to be seated on your motorcycle.

It is only legal to transport a passenger on your motorcycle if it is fitted with the following equipment: a designated passenger seat, handholds, and footrests.

The passenger seat can either be fixed to the side as a sidecar, at the rear as a separate saddle, or at the back of a large driver’s seat.

Characteristics to look for in potential passengers are individuals who listen to directions, follow your movements, cannot be carrying packages in their arms, are wearing protective attire, and can reach the footrests.

3.3 South Carolina Motorcycle Equipment Requirements

Though the task can be time-consuming and filthy at times, providing maintenance for your motorcycle is essential if you want to keep it in the best condition possible. Checking the primary components every once in a while, will give you the chance to replace worn-out parts, patch up any damage, and change out the fluids if necessary. Keeping up with the state of your motorcycle will help you keep track of what needs fixing and whether there are signs that mechanical failure could be imminent.

You need the following minimum requirements fitted to your motorcycle for the vehicle to meet the safety requirements in South Carolina. They must be working at optimal capacity to help you quickly avoid obstacles, improve your visibility to other drivers, and increase awareness of your surroundings:

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

3.4 South Carolina Lane Splitting Laws

In South Carolina, any motorcyclists that are caught lane splitting will be penalized by local law enforcement. You cannot ride on top of the dividing lines in between traffic lanes, ride in between adjacent rows of stopped vehicles, nor attempt to overtake a larger vehicle in front of you while both of you are traveling in the same lane.

On the other hand, you are entitled to make full use of the whole space within the lane you are currently traveling in. You also can lane share with another rider so long as both of you do not exceed staying apart two abreast and consent to this beforehand.

4. Motorcycle Luggage for South Carolina Motorcycle Tour

Even if you are having the time of your life exploring South Carolina’s natural scenery, roadside attractions, and fun communities, there are moments where you will want to get off your motorcycle and just take a breather. A motorcycle is a reliable means of transportation, but it cannot sustain your every need. Depending on the length of your South Carolina motorcycle trip, you may need the right form of baggage to carry all of the things you will use for the duration of your journey.

Listed below are the Motorcycle luggage options you can choose from. All of them have zippered and/or mesh pockets, are made of durable and weather-resistant materials, and come with an installation guide for easy mounting. They differ in terms of design, color, size, and placement position to offer you diverse choices:

5. Parting Words

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.

Remember to act responsibly as you handle your motorcycle and remember to make the most of your experience as you set out on a South Carolina motorcycle trip.