HIDDEN TREASURES #2

Welcome to part two in our exploration of the most amazing places in the Central and Southern Appalachian Mountains — this time exploring some of our most fabulous Public Lands.

Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway

Photo by Nicholas T.

One way to start your exploration of the little-known mountains in South Carolina is by driving along S.C. Highway 11, also known as the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway. Curving through what is called Upstate South Carolina, the highway winds along the southernmost edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains past an interesting blend of Civil War history, scenic vistas and quaint mountain towns. The 112-mile byway — listed by motorcycleroads.com as “[one] of the best motorcycle roads east of the Mississippi” — follows what was once a trade route used by the Cherokee Indians and European fur traders.

English Language Learning in Appalachia

Learning English is always difficult. But current aggressive approaches to immigration policy are creating more barriers for learners and the programs that serve them than ever before in Appalachia and beyond.

Seventh-generation Pike County resident and SOLVE steering committee member Larry Thacker and his wife, Sharon, at their home in Pompey.

Landfill Drama

Many residents of Pike County, Kentucky, are breathing a sigh of relief since county commissioners finalized their decision to rescind a contract with an out-of-state waste management company.

Data from MBA, Consumer Price Index, graphic by PowerLines. Learn more at powerlines.org/utility-bills-are-rising

Overdrive: Fossil Fuels in Appalachia

Electricity demand is on the rise. Here, we share snapshots of energy trends in the region and how methane gas, coal and data centers are affecting our communities — and how people are pushing back.

Less Support for Communities with Mine Problems

The Trump administration issued a regulation to weaken the Ten Day Notice process that helps community members call in federal enforcement when state regulators don’t do a good job policing environmental problems at coal mines

TVA Listening Session - August 2025 crowd shot

Chaos at the Tennessee Valley Authority, Cuts to Public Input

The past year has brought turmoil and uncertainty to the Tennessee Valley Authority, the nation’s largest public power provider, and its more than 10 million customers across the Tennessee Valley.

A woman holds a photo of her parents on her phone

Landmark Coal Ash Protections Under Attack

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is planning to eviscerate important, hard-won regulations on coal ash, a toxic waste left after burning coal for energy.

One response to “HIDDEN TREASURES #2 – South Carolina”

Mark

June 11, 2012

I have to absolutely agree that Hwy 11 is one of the prettiest drives. When I first moved to SC I would take 11 every chance I got, even if it meant it would take longer. It is that pretty. And there are plenty of great places to stop along the way to eat, shop or just enjoy nature. Highly recommend!

HIDDEN TREASURES #2 – South Carolina

Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway