Savannah River Scenic Byway

Interpretive signs speak of the history of Willington.

Boaters enjoy a beautiful, clear day on J. Strom Thurmond Lake on the Savannah River Scenic Byway.

Visitors can enjoy a day picnicking or swimming from one of the many recreation areas at J. Strom Thurmond Lake.

Visitors to the Ninety-Six National Historic Site can take a self-guided walking tour around the battlefield.

This replica of an 18th Century cabin gives visitors a hint of what the original town of Ninety-Six might have looked like during the Revolutionary War.

Lightweight and portable cannons were essential during the Revolutionary War.

The interpretive trail leads up to a replica of the blockaded fort.

Visitors can see the entire battlefield from this vantage point.

Exhibits inside the Ninety-Six National Historic Site Museum show what life would have been like for citizens of South Carolina in the 18th Century.

An exhibit inside the Ninety-Six National Historic Site Museum has both British and Patriot uniforms, as well as a lightweight field canon, on display.

A one mile self-guided tour directs visitors through a forest and onto the actual battle site.

Interpretive stands tell the history of each building standing on the battlefield today.

Take time to tour the museum's exhibits and watch a ten minute video on the history of this fascinating site at the visitor center.

Now fully restored, the historic Abbeville Opera House continues to entertain audiences through the theater.

Jefferson Davis slept in this house during the last days of the Civil War.

Overlooking the J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir, the Clarks Hill Recreation Area provides picnic sites and park benches, along with other amenities.

Swimming and boating are popular activities for visitors to Clarks Hill.

This structure remains inside the fort replica at Ninety-Six National Historic Site.

This cabin will give visitors more insight into the lives of traders in Ninety-Six in the 18th Century.

The Abbeville Courthouse and Opera House are some of the most historically significant buildings in the town of Abbeville.

Downtown Abbeville is a popular location for antique-hounds.

Visitors can learn about the dam project and the recreation opportunities at the visitor center.

Enjoy your lunch overlooking beautiful views of the expansive reservoir.

This mansion built in the 1830s is now a museum.

Signs posted along the Savannah River Scenic Byway keep travelers on the right path.

This community building has plenty of seating room, restrooms, and a playground located behind it.

The Calhoun Falls State Park has a playground for children.

Calhoun Falls offers some of the best fishing spots in the state, along with a seasonal tennis court, camping, hiking trails, and a swimming area.

With over a dozen campgrounds, the Savannah River Scenic Byway caters to campers.

The northern bend of the Savannah River Scenic Byway changes from tree-lined roads to pastoral views.

Fishers enjoy a spring afternoon at Hamilton Branch State Recreation Area.

A sunny, spring afternoon lures picnickers to enjoy the facilities at Hamilton Branch State Recreation Area.

Stop by the registration booth to find your camping spot or use the restrooms.

Visitors to Hamilton Branch State Recreation Area can camp, picnic, fish, boat, or simply relax.

Heritage Corridor signs populate the Savannah River Scenic Byway, helping travelers to navigate the intricate highway system.

Heritage Corridor signs populate the Savannah River Scenic Byway, helping travelers to navigate the intricate highway system.

A lone boat enjoys the expansive reservoir and view of the red, sandy banks.

Press the buttons on these birdhouses to hear what each bird you'll find near the reservoir sounds like.

Interesting exhibits like this will make exploring the visitor center at the J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir half the fun of being there.

The J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir Visitor Center boasts excellent exhibits to familiarize guests with the area, and has an excellent overlook of the reservoir itself.

Get your bearings by checking out this circular map of the J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir and surrounding area.

Travelers enjoy the view of J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir from the visitor center.

An exhibit at the visitor center focuses on safety during boating recreation.

Because the visitor center is situated on a hill, it offers an incomparable view of the J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir.

The J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir and South Carolina sky combine to create a palette of blue.

This church in Lowndesville is representative of the many historic and beautiful churches found along the Savannah River Scenic Byway.

A welcome sign to Lowndesville invites visitors to further explore this heritage corridor community.

The courthouse is only one of several buildings in McCormick placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Sign welcomes visitors to McCormick, which offers all the amenities and a dose of charm.

Explore the historic district of McCormick.

Looking for a peaceful spot amidst the trees? Modoc Campground will suit your needs.

Welcome to the small hamlet of Mt. Carmel, which has a campground and a grocery store.

Located 2 miles off the Byway, the Rivers Fork Campground, with picnic area, boat docks, and beaches, is worth the detour.

Much of the 110-mile Byway curves through rural, forested land.

Tall trees lining the Savannah River Scenic Byway make for a pleasant, shady drive.

Nestled in a residential community, Sadlers Creek rewards travelers of the Savannah River Scenic Byway with a serene setting.

Those intrigued by a name and a date will find the aged headstones in this cemetery a feast for the imagination.

The Willington Presbyterian Church originally stood in place of this marker.

Visitors can take a look inside this beautiful historic church in Abbeville.

The interior of the Abbeville's historic Trinity Episcopal Church, built in 1859, is as impressive as the exterior.

Clarks Hill Recreation Area on the Savannah River offers access to a swim beach for those hot summer days.

A kayaker works against a gentle current on the Savannah River.

Boating the J. Strom Thurmond Reservoir is made easy by several boat launches available to the public, one of which is here at Clarks Hill Recreation Area.

A visitor walks along the dock at the J. Strom Thurmond Recreation Area.

A white-gabled church represents the sense of history one feels on the Savannah River Scenic Byway.

The Willington Presbyterian Church was founded in 1813 by famous educator, Dr. Moses Waddel.