SOUTH CAROLINA MOTORCYCLE ROADS
The Best Roads Are Here
What Are The Best Motorcycle Rides In South Carolina?
- Highway 28 (17 miles)
- Cherokee Foothills Scenic Hwy (194 miles)
- Caesars Head State Park (15 miles)
- Savannah River Run (84 miles)
- Route 61 (51 miles)
- Route 178 (43 miles)
- Lake Wateree (38 miles)
Motorcycle Rides Near Me In South Carolina
Below is our detailed list for the best motorcycle rides in South Carolina! With scenic mountains to the north, secluded beaches to the east, and charming towns scattered in between, South Carolina has a variety of landscapes that can suit the mood for any type of motorcyclists. Those seeking an exciting, sporty ride can opt for these routes on twisting mountain roads, while those looking for some easy-going riding will appreciate the state’s coastal plains and forested interior. Click on the South Carolina motorcycle map links for the direct Google Maps route.
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Tips for South Carolina Motorcycle Rides
Looking for places to ride motorcycles in South Carolina? This region of America benefits from a generally mild climate, which allows for motorcycle riding year-round - as long as you're properly prepared. If riding the colder months, it would be beneficial wear a four-season riding jacket and pants. That, along with some layers, will allow you to stay comfortable all day. If riding during the warmer months, summer riding gear will be just right. It's always good to pack some rain gear as well just in case.
Do I Need a Motorcycle Helmet in SC?
While your discovering scenic motorcycle rides in South Carolina, be aware that, according to state law, all motorcycle operators and passengers under 21 must wear a helmet approved by the Department of Highways and Public Transportation. Additionally, the helmet must be equipped with either a neck or chin strap, and be 'reflectorized' on both sides.
https://scdps.sc.gov
HIGHWAY 28
DISTANCE: 17 miles
TIME: 30 mins
This is a fantastic motorcycle road in South Carolina with great curves, beautiful scenery & not a lot of traffic. You'll ride through long, sweeping curves as well as some fast, flat segments in the valley. Continue north for some more great riding through Georgia and into Highlands, North Carolina. The quality of the pavement is very good as well. Gorgeous rural and mountain state park scenery and smooth rolling sweepers will make this a thoroughly enjoyable motorcycle road. For a longer loop ride, check out SC-107 north through NC to US-64, and back down Hwy 28 for a great 55 mile tri-state motorcycle route.
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CHEROKEE FOOTHILLS SCENIC HIGHWAY
SC-11
DISTANCE: 194 miles
TIME: 4 hours
This SC motorcycle ride is a scenic byway that will take you through the northwest portion of South Carolina's high country. It's packed with views of mountains, waterfalls, rivers, lakes, forests and wildlife. Check out the open rockface of Table Rock State Park that overlooks the rolling mountains and dense forests of the Blue Ridge Escarpment region. While there's not much by the way of curves and twisting turns, (it's probably one of the more straight scenic byways you could take) you will ride along gently rolling hills and beautiful parks. It's a great way to explore the northern portion of the state, and it connects many of the state's best motorcycle rides on this list such as Hwy 28 and US-276.
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CAESAR'S HEAD STATE PARK
US-276
DISTANCE: 16 miles
TIME: 30 mins
If you're looking for a twisting mountain road with epic overlook scenery, this is the road for you! US-276 splits from the above mentioned Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, and can be started in Cleveland, SC. Most of this South Carolina motorcycle road will take you through Caesar's Head State Park and offers stunning panoramic views at the lookout area along the way. It's a quick ascent up the mountain, as you navigate the heavily wooded, tree-lined curves. This ride is recommended in all four seasons, but the fall foliage arguably makes autumn the ideal time to travel this route.
(Photo: ctxbryan/ctx1300forum.com)
CLICK FOR MAP LINK
SAVANNAH RIVER RUN
Hwy 28, SC-81
DISTANCE: 84 miles
TIME: 2 hours
Looking for a peaceful, relaxing motorcycle ride in South Carolina? This is the route for you. Start this route in Clarks Hill on Hwy 28, and ride up alongside the states border on SC-81. You'll be riding through sections of the Sumpter National Forest with some beautiful wooded scenery, and nice gentle sweepers. This route follows near the Savannah River up to the Anderson, SC area. Its an easy ride, smooth, isolated, yet fun - all with minimal traffic.
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ROUTE 61
SC-61
DISTANCE: 51 miles
TIME: 1 hour
This great motorcycle ride in South Carolina, is also known as the Ashley River Road National Scenic Byway, and considered a national treasure by many. While a shorter ride, it encapsulates the history of the state of South Carolina like no other. The four-lane road becomes two lanes when it enters the Ashley River Historic District. The Ashley River Road runs through a National Register Historic District lined with oaks and hickory trees that arch over the roadway. There's also a few state parks that are worth the stop to check out along the way. The road travels through orchards and small villages; crosses Lake Keowee and runs by Magnolia Plantation and Gardens and Middleton Place Plantation.
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ROUTE 178
US-178
DISTANCE: 43 miles
TIME: 1 hour
This is a great ride from Anderson, SC all the way past the North Carolina border to the Brevard area. The northern portion of this road is through beautiful wooded areas that rises and falls down through the countryside. While there's no steep inclines, there are some switchbacks with a speed limit of 5 mph. This twisting, turning road will test your riding skills and keep your attention focused. There are numerous side trips available to various waterfall locations throughout this route. Autumn is perhaps the best season to ride this portion of US-178, as the fall colors really showcase this time of year. Combine this with US-276 in the northern part of this route to make a great loop ride in some of South Carolina's finest motorcycle roads!
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LAKE WATEREE
River Rd, Longtown Rd
DISTANCE: 38 miles
TIME: 1 hour
For a beautiful ride just northeast of Columbia, check out this S Carolina motorcycle route which traces the shore of Lake Wateree. There's a lot of twists and turns along River Rd, which will take the motorcycle rider through Lake Wateree State Park. Connect onto Longtown Road and continue east to US-601 into Camden, South Carolina. For a longer loop ride, you can navigate around the northern part of the lake on Hwy 97. The road condition is not as good, but it would make for great longer day ride.
CLICK FOR MAP LINK
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where Can I Find S Carolina Motorcycle Events?
Visit our friends at BikeWeekEvents.com to find local SC Motorcycle Rallies and all scheduled bike shows happening in South Carolina!
Are helmets required for motorcycles in South Carolina?
According to South Carolina law, only people under the age of 21 are required to wear helmets.
Is South Carolina a good place to ride a motorcycle?
South Carolina's mild climate permits for motorcycle riding year-round. The twisting mountain roads are an excellent choice for sport riders, and riders who want to hone their technical skills. The lower part of the state is the flatter Coastal Plain and this region has some more relaxed motorcycle roads.
Can motorcycles ride side by side in South Carolina?
South Carolina law does permit two motorcycles to ride side by side within the same lane, however South Carolina specifically bans lane splitting.
How Can I Find The Best Motorcycle Roads In The Southeast?
GreatMotorcycleRoads.com is the best place to find great motorcycle rides and roads in the Southeast United States. Discover great motorcycle roads in the Southeast with our route descriptions and Google Map links!
Motorcycle Roads Near Me
Please note: Any routes and recommendations are based solely on our opinions and are meant for informational purposes only. To use information contained on this site is to do so at your own risk. GreatMotorcycleRoads.com is not responsible for the information contained in these pages. We assume no liability for decisions made as a result of the information provided here. You are responsible for your decisions, your actions, and your safety.