There are many great motorcycle routes in South Carolina and you can find them within the two main regions of scenery. The lower part of the state is often called Low Country, or the Coastal Plain. This area is flat and has farms, marsh areas, and bay inlets. The Upstate portion of the state enjoys Piedmont with thick forests and foothills, rivers, waterfall and much more. Many riders want to enjoy the Cherokee Parkway and stop at Table Rock State Park when they visit. Here are some of the best routes in the state. more

Beaufort Scenery

This 40-mile route gives you water in every direction. The historic district has rivers, barrier islands, a state park, oceanfront regions, wildlife viewing areas and much more. If you enjoy taking pictures, don’t forget your camera because there is plenty to capture. Some of the bridges and roads in the town are new, but the historic district can make for challenging, bumpy rides. This quaint district is fun to visit and enjoys seeing motorcyclists. There are several good restaurants in the area and one of the finest national cemeteries in the country. Hunting Island State Park is worth a stop because the primitive park has well paved roads and picnic areas and is very motorcycle friendly.

Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway

In the northwest corner of South Carolina, this scenic highway sits with some of the best roads in this portion of the country. This route is in Cherokee Indian country and 30 miles west of Charlotte. The scenery is amazing and gives you mountain, waterfall, river, lake and forest views. It’s hard to watch is all on a motorcycle and you also have to watch for wildlife. The roads are ideal and have climbs, dives, twists and turns and you are remote enough that you can really enjoy it all. The region is loaded with state parks if you have an interest in hiking or camping during your trip.

Lake Wateree Recreation Area

This route loops around and through the Lake Wateree Recreation Area. The route might seem to start off slow, but after 15 minutes you start to see the rolling hills around the lake. The road conditions are decent, but there are often potholes. The little towns along the way give you the amenities you need and the views give you the scenery you crave.

Low Country Beach Loop

If it’s beach you crave, head to the Isle of Palms so you can hit Sullivan’s Island in the Coastal Plains region. You get to see the Atlantic Ocean behind the beach cottages and it’s fun to see occasional ships coming in or going out heading to the open see from the Harbor. With saltwater marshes, the Ravenel Bridge, aquatic birds and more, this route is hard to beat. The beach inlets have history behind them as well and you can learn a lot, enjoy the beauty, and smell the ocean air on one small loop. Be ready for whatever weather you encounter with the rain shine motorcycle gloves.

Francis Marion National Forest

This hour long drive has several miles of secluded homes and the Guerrins Bridge Road, which gives you typical country scenery. The tidal creeks and estuaries up the level of beauty and then you cut through the Francis Marion National Forest and enjoy ground cover plants, varieties of wildlife and southern pines. With bridges that go over creeks, you become a part of the forest, but watch out for the ninety-degree turns and low speeds that can be challenging for early riders.

Traveling to South Carolina is an adventure for any motorcyclist. The roads you choose will define how you see the state. It is tough to decide between the different areas, but you will have new favorites no matter what you decide.