Pedaling Through the Palmetto State: South Carolina's Best Backroads for Cyclists

South Carolina is a state that whispers its secrets to those who venture off the beaten path. Its backroads are veins of history, culture, and natural beauty waiting to be explored by bicycle. Here’s a guide to some of the most enchanting routes where you can discover new corners of your soul and perhaps even different ways of being.

**1. The Swamp Rabbit Trail (Greenville County)**

Starting in downtown Greenville (Main St., Greenville, SC 29601), this 22-mile multi-use greenway winds through picturesque parks and quaint towns like Travelers Rest. Named after an old railroad line, it offers a blend of urban charm and pastoral serenity. As you pedal past Furman University’s idyllic campus or stop for coffee at one of Travelers Rest’s cozy cafes, you'll feel the pulse of Southern hospitality.

**2. Edisto Island Scenic Byway (Charleston County)**

This 17-mile stretch on Highway 174 takes you from McKinley Washington Jr Bridge down to Edisto Beach State Park (8377 State Cabin Rd., Edisto Island, SC 29438). Flanked by moss-draped oaks and marshlands teeming with wildlife, it's as if you've pedaled into a Pat Conroy novel—where every turn reveals another layer of Lowcountry mystique.

**3. Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (SC-11)**

Running along the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains from Gaffney to Lake Hartwell (Gaffney Visitor Center: 210 W Frederick St., Gaffney, SC 29341), this route is steeped in Native American lore and Revolutionary War history. Stop at Cowpens National Battlefield or take a detour into Table Rock State Park for some hiking—a perfect way to connect with both nature and history.

**4. Ashley River Road (Charleston County)**

A ride along Ashley River Road (Ashley River Rd., Charleston, SC 29414) feels like stepping back in time with its historic plantations such as Magnolia Plantation & Gardens and Drayton Hall lining either side. This road has been designated as a National Scenic Byway due to its historical significance dating back over three centuries.

**5. Francis Marion National Forest Loop**

For those craving solitude among towering pines and cypress swamps head towards Francis Marion National Forest near Awendaw(Francis Marion Ranger District Office: 2967 Steed Creek Rd., Huger ,SC 29450). A loop around Halfway Creek Road will have you immersed in lush greenery while offering glimpses into local flora & fauna unique only here!

As Hemingway once said It is good until it isn’t. These roads offer more than just scenic vistas—they invite introspection; they challenge perceptions; they demand presence-of-mind riding skills honed through experience alone! So pack your panniers full because adventure awaits beyond each bend within these hidden gems scattered across South Carolinian countryside ready unveil themselves before intrepid explorers willing brave unknown territories atop two wheels!

Websites:

- **Swamp Rabbit Trail:** [greenvillerec.com/swamprabbit](http://www.greenvillerec.com/swamprabbit)

- **Edisto Beach State Park:** [southcarolinaparks.com/edistobeach](https://southcarolinaparks.com/edistobeach)

- **Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway:** [discoversouthcarolina.com/products/2540](https://discoversouthcarolina.com/products/2540)

- **Magnolia Plantation & Gardens:** [magnoliaplantation.com](http://www.magnoliaplantation.com/)

- **Francis Marion National Forest:** [fs.usda.gov/francis-marion-sumter](https://www.fs.usda.gov/francis-marion-sumter)

Twitter Handles:

- @VisitGreenvilleSC

- @Discover_SC

- @scstateparks