10 Easy Road Trips From Anderson, SC: Fun Things To Do Just Outside The County
If you live in
Anderson, South Carolina, you already know it’s a cozy place to call home. But sometimes, you just want to hop in the car, grab a coffee, and see what’s waiting a short drive away.
The good news? Within about an hour or so from Anderson, you’ll find waterfalls, mountain views, small-town charm, and even some surprising food and drink spots. The best part: all of these road trips are
out of Anderson County, but still close enough for a simple day trip.
Below are
10 short road trips near Anderson, SC, all in the surrounding counties of:
- Oconee County, SC
- Pickens County, SC
- Greenville County, SC
- Laurens County, SC
- Abbeville County, SC
- Hart County, GA
- Elbert County, GA
1. Chase Waterfalls at Issaqueena Falls & Stumphouse Tunnel (Oconee County, SC)
If you love a mix of history, scenery, and a little mystery, this is a great first stop.
Stumphouse Tunnel Park near Walhalla offers:
- Issaqueena Falls – a beautiful waterfall just a short walk from the parking lot.
- Stumphouse Tunnel – an unfinished 19th-century railroad tunnel you can walk into.
The hike to the waterfall overlook is fairly easy, making it good for kids and casual walkers. The tunnel, on the other hand, is cool, damp, and dark, so you’ll want a flashlight or your phone light.
From Anderson, it’s usually under an hour by car, depending on your side of town. It’s a simple drive and feels like you’ve stepped into another world once you hit the mountains and tall trees.
Tip: Wear shoes with good grip. Rocks near the waterfall can be slick, especially after rain.
2. Explore Downtown Greenville & Falls Park on the Reedy (Greenville County, SC)
Looking for city energy without a big-city headache?
Greenville, SC is your answer.
In about 35–45 minutes, you can be walking through:
- Falls Park on the Reedy – a gorgeous park right in downtown with a waterfall and the famous Liberty Bridge.
- Main Street – full of restaurants, local shops, ice cream spots, and breweries.
You can park once and spend hours:
- Strolling the riverfront paths
- Grabbing lunch on a patio
- Letting the kids play on the grass near the falls
If you’re used to Anderson’s quieter pace, Greenville can feel like a mini vacation without going far. It’s one of the most popular
day trips from Anderson, SC for good reason.
Personal note: I once stopped here “just for lunch” on a road trip and ended up staying until sunset wandering the park. It has that kind of pull.
3. Hike & Picnic at Table Rock State Park (Pickens County, SC)
If you’re craving mountain views, head to
Table Rock State Park in Pickens County.
This park offers:
- Challenging trails to the top of Table Rock Mountain
- Shorter, easier walks around the lake
- Picnic areas and a swimming area (seasonal)
The full hike to the top is steep and can take several hours, so plan accordingly with water and snacks. But you don’t have to summit to enjoy it. Even the lower sections of trail and the lake area are peaceful and scenic.
From Anderson, expect about a 1 to 1.25 hour drive. Once you see the massive rock face rising above the trees, you’ll know you’re close.
Tip: For a relaxed day trip, bring a cooler, pack a picnic, and enjoy the lake views without tackling the full hike.
4. Step Back in Time in Abbeville’s Historic Town Square (Abbeville County, SC)
For a slower-paced road trip with tons of charm, head to
Abbeville, SC, about 35–45 minutes from Anderson.
Downtown Abbeville feels like a movie set, with:
- A classic brick town square
- The historic Abbeville Opera House
- Local shops, cafes, and restaurants
You can:
- Walk the square and snap a few photos
- Grab lunch or coffee at a local spot
- Check if there’s a play or concert at the Opera House
It’s a simple, low-stress outing. If you like small towns with a strong sense of history, this is an easy win.
Idea: Pair Abbeville with a short scenic drive around the nearby countryside for a full afternoon escape.
5. Relax by the Water at Lake Hartwell, GA Side (Hart County, GA)
You might know Lake Hartwell from the South Carolina side, but crossing into
Hart County, Georgia gives you a slightly different perspective and some fun little spots.
Head toward
Hartwell, GA, about 30–40 minutes from Anderson, and you’ll find:
- Public lake access areas
- Boat ramps and fishing spots
- Picnic areas and small parks
This is a great road trip if:
- You like to fish
- You own a boat or kayak
- You just want to sit by the water and unwind
The lake is huge, so you can easily find a quiet corner, especially on weekdays.
Tip: Stop in downtown Hartwell for a snack or dinner on your way back to Anderson.
6. Visit Hartwell, GA’s Charming Downtown & Dam Views (Hart County, GA)
While you’re in Hart County, don’t just stick to the shoreline.
Downtown Hartwell itself is worth a visit.
You’ll find:
- Local shops and boutiques
- Casual diners and cafes
- Murals and historic buildings
A short drive from town takes you near the
Hartwell Dam area, where you can often:
- Walk around designated overlook areas
- Enjoy views of the lake and dam
This combo of small-town streets plus big-lake scenery makes Hartwell an easy and enjoyable
road trip from Anderson, SC, especially for a relaxed Saturday.
7. Hunt Waterfalls in Oconee County: Chau Ram & More (Oconee County, SC)
If Issaqueena Falls got you hooked, Oconee County has more waterfall fun up its sleeve.
One good place to start is
Chau Ram County Park near Westminster, usually about an hour from Anderson.
Here you’ll find:
- A pretty waterfall where the Chauga River drops over rocks
- Short hiking trails
- Picnic areas by the river
You can also use this as a base to explore other nearby waterfalls in Oconee County, since the area is packed with them.
Idea: Make a waterfall “wishlist” and see how many you can visit in one day, then head home to Anderson tired but happy.
8. Enjoy College-Town Energy in Clemson (Pickens County, SC)
Just across the county line,
Clemson is technically in Pickens County (and a bit in others), and it’s a super easy trip from Anderson, often under 30 minutes.
Even if you’re not a big college sports fan, Clemson offers:
- A walkable downtown with restaurants and bars
- The Clemson University campus, which is lovely for a stroll
- Lake Hartwell views near campus
During football season, the town can be busy and electric. In the off-season, it’s calmer but still a fun place to grab a bite, walk around, and feel that college-town buzz.
Tip: Visit on a non-game weekend if you prefer less traffic and easier parking.
9. Take a Country Drive to Laurens & Its Historic Square (Laurens County, SC)
If you enjoy peaceful drives and old-fashioned downtowns, head east into
Laurens County.
The city of
Laurens, SC has:
- A traditional town square with a courthouse in the middle
- Historic buildings and churches
- Locally owned restaurants and shops
The drive from Anderson usually takes about an hour, depending on your route. It’s a great choice if you:
- Like photography
- Enjoy local history
- Prefer calm, uncrowded places
You can walk the square, grab lunch, and be back home in time for dinner.
10. Cross Into Georgia for Elberton’s Granite & Small-Town Vibes (Elbert County, GA)
For something a bit different, head to
Elberton in Elbert County, Georgia, often called the “Granite Capital of the World.”
From Anderson, it’s usually around 45–60 minutes by car, depending on your route across the state line.
Around Elberton, you can:
- Drive past granite yards and monuments (you’ll see why the town has its nickname)
- Walk around the small downtown area
- Enjoy nearby lake areas and countryside views
This isn’t a flashy tourist town, but that’s part of its charm. It’s a laid-back, off-the-beaten-path
road trip from Anderson when you want something different from the usual spots.
Tips for Planning Your Anderson, SC Road Trips
To make these
short road trips from Anderson smooth and enjoyable, keep a few basics in mind:
- Check drive times ahead: Most of these are in the 30–75 minute range, depending on traffic and your exact starting point.
- Pack a simple day bag: Water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, and maybe a light jacket.
- Wear comfortable shoes: Even “easy” outings often involve some walking.
- Look up hours and fees: Parks and historic sites sometimes have entrance fees or set hours.
If you plan to visit waterfalls or state parks, it’s smart to bring a towel and maybe a change of clothes, especially if kids are with you—they always seem to find the water.
Ready to Hit the Road From Anderson?
You don’t have to drive far from Anderson, SC to feel like you’ve gone on a real adventure. From:
- Waterfalls in Oconee County
- Mountain views in Pickens County
- City life in Greenville
- Quiet small towns in Abbeville, Laurens, Hart, and Elbert Counties
there’s always somewhere new to explore within an easy drive.
Have you tried any of these road trips from Anderson? Do you have a favorite hidden spot in one of these counties?
Share your experiences in the comments, and let me know which trip you’re planning next!
If you found this guide helpful, please
share it with friends and family in the Anderson area who might be looking for new weekend ideas. Your shares and comments help keep guides like this going and help more people discover just how much there is to do near Anderson, SC.
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