10 Easy Out-of-County Road Trips from Spartanburg, South Carolina
If you live in or near
Spartanburg, South Carolina, you’re in a great spot for quick getaways. Within about an hour or so, you can reach small mountain towns, lakes, waterfalls, historic battlefields, and cozy downtowns—all without hopping on a plane.
This guide shares
10 short out-of-county road trips from Spartanburg, focusing on nearby counties like Polk and Rutherford in North Carolina and Cherokee, Greenville, Laurens, and Union in South Carolina. None of these ideas are in Spartanburg County itself, so they’re perfect when you want to get out of town but not go too far.
1. Polk County, NC – Small-Town Charm in Tryon & Saluda
Head north from Spartanburg and in about 45–60 minutes you’re in
Polk County, North Carolina, home to the artsy town of
Tryon and the mountain village of
Saluda.
Why go: It feels like a mini mountain escape without a long drive.
- Stroll Tryon’s small downtown with its galleries, local shops, and the famous Tryon Horse statue.
- Check out the Tryon International Equestrian Center for horse shows, events, restaurants, and seasonal festivals.
- Walk around Saluda’s historic Main Street and pop into old-time general stores and local cafes.
On a recent Sunday drive, I left Spartanburg mid-morning, had lunch in Saluda, and still made it back home before dark. It felt like a full vacation day packed into just a few hours.
2. Hike & Explore Near Lake Lure – Rutherford County, NC
In neighboring
Rutherford County, North Carolina, the
Lake Lure area is one of the most scenic spots within easy reach of Spartanburg.
- Walk the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge, a former car bridge turned into a beautiful garden walkway.
- Relax at the small public beach in summer or take a lake cruise for mountain views.
- Grab an ice cream or snack along the lakefront and enjoy the breeze.
If you’re a fan of classic movies, you might recognize the area—parts of “Dirty Dancing” were filmed here. It’s a fun spot for couples, families, or even a solo day trip.
3. Chimney Rock Village & State Park – Rutherford County, NC
Just up the road from Lake Lure sits
Chimney Rock Village and
Chimney Rock State Park, another Rutherford County gem.
Things to do:
- Ride the elevator or hike up to the top of Chimney Rock for sweeping views of Hickory Nut Gorge and Lake Lure.
- Hike to Hickory Nut Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls east of the Mississippi.
- Browse souvenir and outdoor shops in the village and grab a burger or pizza.
The rock stairways might look intimidating in photos, but you can take it slow and rest along the way. Many people from Spartanburg head up for the day just to recharge and breathe that crisp mountain air.
4. Gaffney & the “Peachoid” – Cherokee County, SC
About 30–40 minutes from Spartanburg,
Cherokee County, South Carolina is home to
Gaffney and one of the state’s most talked-about roadside sights: the
Peachoid.
- Snap a photo of the giant peach-shaped water tower right off I-85.
- Wander through downtown Gaffney with its historic courthouse and murals.
- Visit the nearby outlet shops for bargains on clothes, shoes, and more.
Is it a little quirky to drive just to see a giant peach? Sure. But that’s part of the fun of
short road trips from Spartanburg—it doesn’t have to be fancy to be memorable.
5. Cowpens National Battlefield – Cherokee County, SC
Also in Cherokee County,
Cowpens National Battlefield is a must-visit for history lovers and anyone who enjoys an easy walk outdoors.
- Learn about the important Revolutionary War battle fought here in 1781.
- Walk or bike the park’s paved loop road and short trails.
- Stop in the visitor center for exhibits and a short film.
The battlefield is peaceful and open, making it a nice choice if you want a gentle walk, fresh air, and a bit of American history all in one stop.
6. Downtown Greenville – Greenville County, SC
If you want more options for restaurants, nightlife, and culture, head about 30–40 minutes west to
Greenville, South Carolina in
Greenville County.
Highlights:
- Stroll along Main Street, lined with shops, cafes, and patios under the trees.
- Walk through Falls Park on the Reedy and across the Liberty Bridge for views of the waterfalls.
- Catch a show, live music, or a seasonal festival downtown.
Greenville works great for date nights, family dinners, or meeting friends halfway. Many Spartanburg locals treat it as their “big city” outing without the hassle of a long drive.
7. Greenville County’s Scenic Drives & State Parks
Beyond downtown,
Greenville County has some beautiful outdoor spots that make easy
day trips from Spartanburg.
Consider:
- Paris Mountain State Park – Hike around the lake, rent a paddleboat, or enjoy a picnic just outside Greenville.
- Traveler’s Rest – A small town north of Greenville, right along the popular Swamp Rabbit Trail, with coffee shops and local restaurants.
- Mountain drives – Head toward the Blue Ridge Escarpment area for winding roads, overlooks, and small roadside produce stands in season.
If you like to mix a little hiking with a nice meal afterward, this area gives you plenty of options.
8. Laurens & Lake Greenwood – Laurens County, SC
To the southwest,
Laurens County, South Carolina offers relaxed, low-key getaways that feel a bit off the typical tourist path.
- Explore downtown Laurens and its historic courthouse square.
- Drive out toward Lake Greenwood for fishing, boating, or a picnic by the water.
- Look for local diners and barbecue joints along the way.
This is the kind of road trip where you roll the windows down, turn up some music, and just enjoy being away from your usual routes and routines.
9. Union & Rose Hill Plantation – Union County, SC
About 45–60 minutes south of Spartanburg in
Union County, South Carolina, you’ll find historic sites and quiet country roads.
One standout is
Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site:
- Tour the restored antebellum house and learn about its history.
- Walk the grounds, gardens, and shaded trails.
- Take photos of the big trees and peaceful landscape.
You can also swing through
Union itself to see the courthouse and grab lunch at a local spot. It’s a calmer, slower-paced trip—perfect when you want to unplug for the day.
10. Cross-County Scenic Loop: Mountains, Mills, and Small Towns
If you’ve got a full day, try a
loop road trip that touches several nearby counties around Spartanburg without staying in Spartanburg County.
Here’s a simple idea:
- Start in Spartanburg and head north into Polk County, NC (Tryon or Saluda).
- Cut over toward Rutherford County (Lake Lure or Chimney Rock area).
- On the way back, swing south into Cherokee County (Gaffney or Cowpens Battlefield).
You’ll see:
- Mountain views and curvy back roads.
- Small-town main streets and local diners.
- Fields, forests, and bits of history tucked along the way.
This style of trip is great if you like to “wing it” a little—stop when something catches your eye, like an antique shop, a farm stand, or a pretty roadside church.
Tips for Short Road Trips from Spartanburg
To make these
out-of-county road trips from Spartanburg even better, keep a few simple tips in mind:
- Leave flexible time. Give yourself room for surprise stops or a longer-than-planned lunch.
- Check hours. Historic sites, small-town shops, and state parks can have seasonal schedules.
- Pack basics. Water, snacks, a light jacket, phone charger, and maybe a small cooler if you buy local goodies.
- Use back roads when you can. Sometimes the “longer” way is actually the most memorable part.
Share Your Favorite Spartanburg-Area Day Trips
These 10 ideas are just a starting point. From
Polk County’s mountain towns to
Greenville’s lively downtown, there are countless ways to spend a day within about an hour of Spartanburg.
Have you taken a fun
road trip from Spartanburg to any of these places?
Did I miss a favorite spot in Cherokee, Greenville, Laurens, Union, Polk, or Rutherford County?
Please share your experiences in the comments below. I’d love to hear where you like to go for a quick escape.
And if you found this guide helpful,
send it to a friend, post it on social media, or share it with your road-trip group. The more ideas we swap, the more adventures we all get to enjoy.
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