Upper Savannah River Valley: Lakes Hartwell, Russell, and Thurmond

Beginning on Lake Hartwell, this 110-mile drive past farmland, rural towns, lakes, and forests along the Savannah River National Scenic Highway takes visitors through the Upper Savannah River Valley along the state’s western border with Georgia, an area sometimes called South Carolina’s Freshwater Coast. Special attractions: Lakes Hartwell, Russell, and Thurmond, Long Cane District of Sumter National Forest, John de la Howe Barn and Interpretive Forestry Trail, McCormick, Price’s Mill, Key Bridge at Turkey Creek, Stevens Creek Heritage Preserve, and Sadlers Creek, Calhoun Falls, Hickory Knob, and Baker Creek State Parks. This eTrail is a complete description of a scenic drive with a route map and information on the best travel seasons, interesting sites, recreation opportunities, camping locations, and much more.