One of the prettiest drives in all of South Carolina is a mere 20 miles in length but what it lacks in drive time, it more than makes up for in natural sights along the road. Found between Walhalla and the North Carolina border, the Oscar Wigington Memorial Highway winds up, over, and through the mountains and affords all who venture onto it astounding views and a wonderful connection to the great outdoors.
In every season, a ride along this underrated scenic drive in South Carolina is a treat for the senses.
Google Maps/Melissa Heatwole Autumn, in particular, doles out a colorful palette filled with bright colors and long views that stretch all the way to Bad Creek.
Welcome to the Nantahala National Forest, the natural theater for the Oscar Wigington Memorial Highway.
alltrails/Joe Putnam
Here is where your sense of wonder will be revived by the swift curves of the mountain roads and the lack of all things that breath stress into your life.
alltrails/Michael Forbes The road features many places to pull over and convene with Mother Nature, whether on a hike, seeing a waterfall, having a picnic, or just stretching your legs.
When you reach the Bad Creek overlook, you’ll be mesmerized by the view.
Google Maps/Bill Merritt Bad Creek is the upper lake to Jocassee and is part of the Jocassee Gorges area. And what a view it is! Oconee County prides itself on having this overlook and this view - so much so that it built a frame for your photos!
But the Bad Creek overlook isn’t the only spot to stop on this short, scenic drive.
alltrails/Karl Hoglund Roadside waterfalls as well as waterfall trails will turn this little drive into a half-day adventure really fast.
You’ll encounter a number of roadside trails you can explore, including one that will take you to Oconee State Park in just 4.3 miles of hiking.
alltrails/John Morgan So be sure to bring or wear your hiking boots. And if visiting in warm weather, bring or wear swimwear for the waterfalls.
If you’ve never explored this short, scenic drive in South Carolina, then consider timing your visit to include…
Google Maps/jim catalfamo
Sunrise or sunset. The colors can be outrageous at those times!
Google Maps/Danny Goode
The Oscar Wigington Memorial Highway Scenic Drive is also part of the longer Falling Waters Scenic Byway, which clocks in at 13 miles. Extend your scenic journey by taking them both in on the same trip! See more of the route by visiting our friends at AllTrails!
Google Maps/Melissa Heatwole
Autumn, in particular, doles out a colorful palette filled with bright colors and long views that stretch all the way to Bad Creek.
alltrails/Joe Putnam
alltrails/Michael Forbes
The road features many places to pull over and convene with Mother Nature, whether on a hike, seeing a waterfall, having a picnic, or just stretching your legs.
Google Maps/Bill Merritt
Bad Creek is the upper lake to Jocassee and is part of the Jocassee Gorges area. And what a view it is! Oconee County prides itself on having this overlook and this view - so much so that it built a frame for your photos!
alltrails/Karl Hoglund
Roadside waterfalls as well as waterfall trails will turn this little drive into a half-day adventure really fast.
alltrails/John Morgan
So be sure to bring or wear your hiking boots. And if visiting in warm weather, bring or wear swimwear for the waterfalls.
Google Maps/jim catalfamo
Google Maps/Danny Goode
For more scenic drives in South Carolina, read: The 7 Best Backroads For A Scenic Drive In South Carolina.
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