Location: Northwestern South Carolina from the Georgia border north along the North Carolina border to Gaffney, SC Length: 112 miles (180 km) Time To Allow: 3 hours Description/Highlights/Points of Interest Looming majestically beyond the low, soft hills of the Piedmont, the Blue Ridge escarpment thrills the soul of the mountain lover. The Cherokees called these heights "the Great Blue Hills of God." Following an ancient Cherokee path, this Echoes of the area's Cherokee heritage can still be heard in place and river names like Seneca, Keowee, Jocassee, Tamassee, Tokeena, Toxaway, and Eastatoe. Suggested Itinerary Following an ancient Cherokee path, this beautiful two-lane road arcs through peach orchards and villages, past Cowpens Battlefield, and over Lake Keowee while it traverses the mountain heights referred to as "the Great Blue Hills of God" by the Cherokee. Approximately 110 miles (177 km) in length this scenic highway is a leisurely two and a half-hour drive. However, it is worth a little extra time to stop and enjoy a few of the many interesting sites along the highway. If you are starting your drive at the eastern end of the highway in the town of Gaffney it is awfully hard to miss the giant peach hanging over the city. The Peachoid, as it is called, was created on the watertower of Gaffney in honor of the area's agricultural emphasis. While you are in the area, Kings Mountain National Military Park is a worthy side trip. Located 20 miles (32 km) east of Gaffney on Interstate 85, Kings Mountain gives an interpretive history of military endeavors in the area during the Civil War. It is an excellent destination for anyone interested in history and the Civil War. If you are short on time, traveling 7 miles (11.2 km) west on the highway will bring you to Cowpens National Battlefield. This uniquely named battlefield commemorates the Civil War and its effect on the people of this area. Leaving Cowpens, and continuing to travel east on State Route 11 will bring you to Poinsett Bridge, 30 miles (48.2 km) from Cowpens at the byways' intersection with State Highway 25. The only remaining covered bridge in South Carolina, this bridge is a historic landmark of exceptional architectural beauty. Heritage Mountain Heritage Preserve is an excellent stop and is only 10 miles (16 km) from the highway on State Highway 178. To get there continue on the highway another 25 miles (40.2 km) past Poinsett Bridge, and turn left onto Highway 178. The Heritage Preserve is dedicated to the unique history and peoples of South Carolina. The remainder of the scenic highway travels near the Sumter, Chattahooche, and Nantahala National Forests, a mecca for naturalist and outdoor recreationists. Definitely worth visiting if you are able. This tour will take you the length of the byway, and a little more, exposing you to the rich cultural heritage of South Carolina, allowing you to partake of both the culture and setting of the Cherokee Foothills.