Sassafras Sunset Drive & Picnic

"I can see for Miles!" - Sassafras Mountain Drive and Dine.  

Drive, Eat and View.. Take a drive with the Club to South Carolina where we'll enjoy a picnic together and then drive to the top of Sassfras Mountain to view the Sunset from the Highest Point in South Carolina with 360 degree views of North and South Carolina and Georgia.

The first drive of 2021 will take the Club on a drive along the Broad River to a picnic and then to the top of Sassafras Mountain to view the sunset from the highest point in South Carolina. For North Carolinians the 3,335’ foot mountain top isn’t that high, but the 360 degree view is spectacular.  With clear weathe we'll enjoy views of Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina.

From the Lookout Platform, you overlook the 50,000 acre Jocassee Gorges, named among “50 of the World’s Last Great Places” by National Geographic Magazine. On a clear day there are 30-50 mile views of Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina.  The overlook platform that sits on the border of South and North Carolina is an easy walk from the parking lot so everyone should be able to enjoy the view.

Bob Disney and Dave White have planned a drive that will start in Mills River at the Storage Depot.From Mills River we’ll use East Fork Road and US-178 to enjoy some Porsche driving and see some of the North Carolina countryside.  East Fork Road follows along the East Fork of the French Broad River, one of the great trout fishing streams of Western North Carolina.

To be Covid safe this Drive and Dine will feature a “bring-your-own” picnic lunch that we will enjoy prior to the stop at the top of Sassafras Mountain.  The Picnic will be held at the Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center for the Blind.  "Indoor Facilities" are available to freshen up after the drive and then we'll enjoy our picnic dinner enjoying the mountain air while sitting at the outdoor picnic tables for Covid safety and social distancing.

The Club will be making a contribution to the SC Center for the Blind for use of the facilities.  We will also pass a hat if you would like to make a personal contribution.

 Drive Meet-Up Details

Location:  Storage Depot, 132 Cross Road Dr, Mills River, NC (Off 280/191 Boyleston Highway)

Meeting Time:   Drive Group 1:  3:00 pm, Drive Group 2:  3:15 pm, Drive Group 3:  3:30 pm

Picnic:  5:30 - 6:45 p.m.

Picnic Location:  Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center for the Blind, 123 Hancock Road, Sunset, SC

Sunset Walk and Viewing:  7:00 -7:45 p.m.  (We will be departing post Sunset and driving mountain roads so cautious driving will be required.)

DRIVE GROUP ASSIGNMENTS AND FINAL DRIVE DETAILS will be emailed to you on Wednesday, March 17.