Santee National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1942 to alleviate the loss of natural waterfowl and wildlife habitat caused by the construction of hydro-electric projects on the Santee and Cooper Rivers.
The ACE Basin National Wildlife Refuge helps protect the largest undeveloped estuary along the Atlantic Coast, with rich bottomland hardwoods and fresh and salt water marsh offering food and cover to a variety of wildlife.
Following an ancient Cherokee path, this beautiful two-lane road leaves I-85 at Gaffney, makes a 130-mile arc through peach orchards and villages, past Cowpens Battlefield, past several state parks, and over Lake Keowee to meet I-85 again.
Winding along three major lakes, this road crosses four counties. Spring and fall colors are especially beautiful along this easy-travelling river route. Many recreation areas are along the way.