As the nights get longer and winds get cooler, you will notice the leaves changing their shades from green to yellow, red and orange. This means the fall season is finally upon us! Travel to different areas across South Carolina in fall to witness the changing colors of fall foliage during the autumn months. This is one of the best seasons to go out into nature and explore the excellent outdoors. Stop searching fall foliage near me. Here is an overview of some of the best spots for fall in South Carolina where you can see the foliage.
Fall In South Carolina: Where To See The Leaves
Caesars Head State Park
Caesars Head State Park is located 25 miles north of downtown Greenville along the North Carolina border, at the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. This park is one of the best places to visit if you wish to enjoy the fall colors amidst tumbling waterfalls, craggy mountain summits and grassy meadows. The park is also home to over 60 miles of hiking trails which will take you through the rich forestry.
If you want to enjoy the vibrant fall colors without having to take a hike, head straight to the Visitor Center. From here, you will get wide views of the surrounding terrain. You may even spot bald eagles and peregrine falcons which are common this time of the year. It is an excellent way to enjoy fall in South Carolina.
Jones Gap State Park
The Jones Gap State Park is spread over 3000 acres of pristine mountain woodlands deep within the Mountain Bridge Wilderness region. These regions are known for their winding forest trails, cascading waterfalls and the flowing waters of the Middle Saluda River.
Head to the Jones Gap Falls and Falls Creek Falls to capture stunning backdrops for fall foliage photography. If you are a first-time visitor, we highly recommend you take a moment to enjoy the flowing waters and sounds of the Middle Saluda River. There are also several campsites throughout the park that you can reserve early on.
Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area
Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area is located just along the South Carolina border, near Cleveland. Caesars Head connects to the Jones Gap State Park to form this 13,000-acre territory of pristine southern mountain forestry. The entirety of the region is home to several hiking trails, waterfalls and summits that will give you fantastic panoramic views of Blue Ridge Mountain.
If you are here to relax and simply spend some time in the great outdoors, head to their nearby camping sites or picnic areas.
Table Rock State Park
Head to the northern part of South Carolina where you will find the stunning 3,083-acre Table Rock State Park, the perfect spot for fall in South Carolina. Besides simply enjoying the fall foliage, there is plenty to do during your visit. Head out early for a sunset hike or check out the many overlooks spread around Table Rock, offering breathtaking views of the natural wildlife.
The park further houses two stunning park lakes, the 36-acre Pinnacle Lake and the 67-acre Lake Oolenoy, alongside picnic shelters, cozy cabins and standard campsites where you can spend the day.
Saluda Riverwalk
The Saluda Riverwalk is part of the 3 main river walks in the Colombia region. This Riverwalk is completely paved, wide and perfect for hiking, walking, jogging and even biking. It runs for 7.3 miles and provides you with a beautiful sightseeing experience as it runs parallel to the Saluda River.
One fun fact about the Riverwalk is that it leads to Boyd Island. If you continue to the path, you will come across a bridge that will lead you to the island where you can continue to explore the changing fall foliage.
Lake Jocassee and Jocassee Gorge
Lake Jocassee is one of the most serene lakes in South Carolina, covering 7,565 acres, and is an amazing area for to witness fall in South Carolina. A 4,300-acre chunk of Lake Jocassee is considered part of the Jocassee Gorge. In totality, the gorge covers over 50,000 acres of lush forestlands, several waterfalls, an extensive network of hiking trails and stunning natural beauty that will leave you breathless.
We recommend taking a waterfall tour offered by several local tour guides around the region. The tour will cover the half-dozen or so waterfalls located along the 75 miles of shoreline of the scenic lake, surrounded by brilliant fall colors. It is one of the best places to see fall foliage.
Sassafras Mountain
Sassafras Mountain, rising to an elevation of 3,560 ft, is one of the highest points across the state of South Carolina. The fall season is one of the best times of the year to visit this spot and enjoy the magnificent scene laid out.
The mountain had a large observation tower at the top, providing you with a 360-degree view of the surrounding terrain. On a clear day, you can see as far as 40 miles, making it a fantastic spot to view the changing fall colors.
Raven Cliff Falls South Carolina
The Raven Cliff Falls is one of the highest waterfalls in South Carolina and a local favorite, tumbling from a height of 400 ft. The waterfall has been named after the countless ravens that breed in the towering cliffs that form the tip of the waterfall.
You can visit the falls by following the 2.2-mile one-way Raven Cliff Falls Trail. You will spot its trailhead nearly 1 mile north of the Caesars Head State Park Visitor Center. This trail may be moderately strenuous but it is extremely rewarding when you finally reach the picturesque finish line.
Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway
The Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway offers one of the most scenic routes through northwest South Carolina. It lies just beyond the low Piedmont hillsides along the Blue Ridge Mountains. The byway extends from the I-85 at the North Carolina Border to the I-85 near the Georgia line, a total 118-mile drive. You can finish the drive in around 4 hours with plenty to see along the way.
Spot the changing colors of the fall foliage around the surrounding terrain. Along the way, you will also find antique shops, roadside restaurants, hiking trails, waterfalls and much more! It is a fantastic way to observe fall foliage South Carolina.
Cypress Gardens SC
The 170-acre Cypress Gardens are one of the most popular gardens in South Carolina, known not only as a popular venue for exploring fall colors but also as a popular filming site for many of Hollywood’s most popular romantic blockbusters. This includes the likes of “The Notebook,” “The Patriot,” “Cold Mountain,” and “Swamp Thing.”
You will love its swamp boat rides, wildlife exhibits and beautiful Lowcountry landscape, all elevated with the myriad of fall colors. There are three miles of walking paths and nature trails that wind around the swamp gardens; take your time to explore them! It is one of the best places to enjoy Carolina in the fall.
Falls Park On The Reedy
Falls Park On The Reedy is located at the center of Fall Park in the heart of downtown Greenville, SC. This is one of the most beloved parks around South Carolina, known for its artistic, quaint beauty and family-friendly atmosphere.
The park features beautiful walking trails, waterfalls, picnic areas, public art, lush gardens and beautiful stoneworks. You can easily find a peaceful spot and enjoy fresh fall colors. There are also two eateries within the park, so don’t forget to grab a bite while you are there. The park offers an excellent retreat to enjoy fall in the south.
Congaree National Park
The Congaree National Park in South Carolina is home to towering trees and giant hardwoods, forming one of the highest canopies in the world. This 27,000-acre park is a safe sanctuary for several plants and animals and provides you the perfect opportunity to enjoy the fall leaf colors in the tranquil wilderness.
One of the most popular activities to do at the park is to walk along its 4 kilometers of boardwalks or 40 kilometers of hiking trails. This is a unique option for fall in South Carolina!
Lake Keowee (Keowee Toxaway State Park)
The Keowee Toxaway State Park in Pickens County in South Carolina is located along the shores of Lake Keowee. A short half-mile trail will take you to Lake Keowee where guests can enjoy fishing, kayaking, canoeing or generally take in the serene views. There are also several camping sites (with electrical and water hookups) and a rental cabin located close to Lake Keowee where visitors who wish for a more extended trip can settle in.
If you want to explore nature’s artwork up close, you can take a scenic drive through the Park, giving you gorgeous views of the surrounding forestry.
Issaqueena Falls
Issaqueena Falls is a 100 ft cascading waterfall located in the Stumphouse Tunnel Park in South Carolina. The falls are truly one of the most beautiful natural waterfalls in the region and are pretty easy to access. You will have to take a short, but easy quarter-mile hike to the Issaqueena Falls.
To reach the falls, drive to the Stumphouse Tunnel Park along SC 28 and park in the parking area. Now head to the west side of the parking lot where you will spot the trailhead. A short 15-minute hike from here will take you straight to the falls.
Kings Mountain SC
Kings Mountain SC is a 6,883-acre state park offering several outdoor activities and plenty of natural wildlife scenery, perfect for visitations during the chilly fall weather. Beyond viewing the beautiful fall colors, visitors can also enjoy the many hiking trails spread around the state park, bring a packed picnic or enjoy fishing and seasonal canoe rentals. It is a must-visit place to enjoy South Carolina in the fall.
You can also stay overnight at the park at King Mountain thanks to the campground accommodations, including electrical and water hookups. If you live in the Charlotte area and want to witness fall in South Carolina, this is a great spot!
Hickory Knob State Park
The Hickory Knob State Park is a full-service golf resort and state park combined in one located along the wooded shoreline of the 71,000-acre Strom Thurmond Reservoir. The state park offers surprisingly pleasant amenities with its 18-hole golf course where you can enjoy a lovely game of golf amidst the new changing fall colors.
Visitors can also head to their buffet restaurant for a meal, try their luck at their archery range, or simply enjoy a boating session with their friends and family. There are also several campsites around the region that you can check out if you are interested in a more extended visit.
Fall in South Carolina: Final Thoughts
South Carolina is home to some of the most beautiful natural parks, lakes, winding hiking trails and mountain ranges, all of which are perfect for visitations during the breezy autumn weather. You will enjoy having a peek at the changing leaf colors with each passing day. If you are not sure where to start, check out the list we have compiled above!
Looking for fall festivals while visiting SC: click here!
