South Carolina offers fantastic scenic routes for motorcyclists to experience the state’s natural beauty. From coastal highways to mountain backroads, these five best motorcycle rides have something for every rider.
Tips for Riding in South Carolina
South Carolina’s mild climate allows for year-round motorcycle riding, but it’s important to be prepared for the weather. In colder months, layering with a base layer, mid layer, and a four-season riding jacket and pants will help you stay comfortable throughout the day. During warmer months, a base layer with summer riding gear will keep you cool. Always check the weather forecast before heading out, and pack rain gear if there’s a chance of rain. Also, be mindful of the hurricane season (June through November) and monitor Atlantic activity before your trip.
Explore South Carolina’s Top Attractions
South Carolina is full of diverse attractions worth exploring. Myrtle Beach is a popular spot with 60 miles of coastline, perfect for beachgoers and water activities. Just outside Charleston, Middleton Place offers the oldest landscaped gardens in the nation and is a cultural gem. Fort Sumter in Charleston is a historic site where the Civil War began, offering tours of the fort’s ruins. For those seeking outdoor adventure, the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area provides scenic hiking trails, while Oconee State Park offers hiking and swimming in the picturesque Blue Ridge Mountain foothills.
The Best Motorcycle Rides in South Carolina
Here are Law Tigers’ top 5 picks for the best motorcycle rides in South Carolina.
Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (SC 11)
The Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway along South Carolina Highway 11 runs along the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Starting at beautiful Lake Hartwell on the South Carolina-Georgia border, this 112-mile stretch offers stunning views of rolling hills, orchards, historic sites, and over 120 waterfalls. The ride ends in historic Gaffney, famed for its numerous outlet malls, peaches, and museums, including the Cherokee County Veterans Museum.
The Tail of the Dragon (US 129)
While most of the Tail of the Dragon is in North Carolina, it starts in South Carolina and is a must-ride for thrill-seeking motorcyclists in either state. This 11-mile stretch of road features 318 curves, proving a challenging and exhilarating ride for capable riders. Riders can wind through the route’s various corners, many of which carry their own names, including Little Whip, Leo’s Lair, and Copperhead Corner. The road winds through the edge of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, providing breathtaking views and an adrenaline-pumping experience.
Savannah River Scenic Byway (SC 28)
The Savannah River Scenic Byway runs along the border between South Carolina and Georgia, offering picturesque views of the Savannah River and surrounding countryside. This 110-mile route features gentle curves, rolling hills, and lush forests. Riders can explore Hickory Knob State Resort Park or visit nearby historic Abbeville and round out their trip with amazing desserts from Swartzentruber’s Bakery on Thursdays, Fridays, or Saturdays.
Edisto Island Scenic Byway (SC 174)
The Edisto Island Scenic Byway takes riders through the heart of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, where the Ashepoo, Combahee, and Edisto rivers flow into the Atlantic Ocean. This 17-mile route offers views of salt marshes, historic plantations, and the serene Edisto River. The route starts near the ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge, one of the largest stretches of undeveloped wetlands on the East Coast and home to a diverse range of wildlife. Along the way, riders can stop at attractions like Edisto Beach State Park and the Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve, a 4,600-acre preserve with almost three miles of undeveloped beachfront.
Caesars Head State Park Loop
The Caesars Head State Park Loop offers a scenic and challenging ride through the Blue Ridge Mountains. Starting in Greenville, riders can take US 276 from Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway and wind through Caesar’s Head State Park. The route up the mountain features tight curves, steep climbs, and stunning panoramic views. Outdoorsy riders can also explore 60 miles of hiking trails while they’re in the park.
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