South Carolina Fall Foliage 2024

From Piedmont to the Blue Ridge Mountains and coastal plains, South Carolina has quite a diversity of landscapes. With 47 state parks, it turns into a leaf-peeping heaven every fall, with colors bursting in every corner. Red maples, box elders, hickories, scarlet and black oaks, birches, and serviceberries create an amazing palette, from golden to bright red.

When do the leaves start to change their colors in South Carolina?

Fall colors become visible around early October, particularly at elevations above 5,000 ft (1,524 m). Dogwood and sourwood trees usually turn first. Later, brilliant maples, oaks, and hickories join in, forming a sea of gold and bronze carpeting the landscapes in every direction. On lower elevations, the peak time to see fall foliage throughout the state falls in late October and runs through early November. However, every year might be slightly different.

Scenic Drives

The Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, running along the border with North Carolina, is a must-see in the fall. Passing through quite a few state parks, the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway is also known as Highway 11 or Keowee Path. The Cherokees and European fur traders once used it. The highway stretches for 130 mi (209 km), starting near Gaffney and ending by Lake Hartwell.

Best places to see fall foliage in Southern Carilona

Jones Gap State Park

If you start your trip on Highway 11, near the border with North Carolina, you will soon reach Jones Gap State Park, rich with oak, hickory, and maple trees. Jones Gap State Park is part of South Carolina's Upstate Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area. The area boasts quite a few historical sights, including Campbell's Covered Bridge and the stone Gothic Poinsett Bridge, the oldest in South Carolina. Additionally, several waterfalls look stunning in the fall: Rainbow Falls, Jones Gap Falls, Buckeye Falls, and Falls Creek. The park is open daily from 9 am to 9 pm. Admission rates are as follows: $6 for adults, $3.75 for South Carolina seniors aged 65 and older, $3.50 for children ages 6-15, and free for children ages five and under.

Caesars Head State Park

The vast Caesars Head State Park is considered one of the best leaf-peeping destinations in the state. The park borders North Carolina and is comprised of dense hardwood forests. Take a hike to Raven Cliff, which leads to 420 ft (123 m) Raven Cliff Falls. You will be treated to stunning views framed with golden foliage. The park is open daily from 9 am to 9 pm. Admission for trail access costs $3 for adults, $1.50 for South Carolina seniors, $1 for children ages 6-15, and is free for children ages five and under.

Table Rock State Park

Table Rock State Park, just southwest of Caesars Head, is another spectacular fall foliage spot with miles of hiking trails. The Pinnacle Mountain Trail and Foothills Trail are the most scenic, with plenty of oaks, maples, and hickories forming beautiful color combinations. Stop by the Kemberling Bridge over Table Rock Lake on the north side of the park for a stunning panoramic shot. The park is open Sunday through Thursday from 7 am to 9 pm, with extended hours until 10 pm on Friday and Saturday. Admission rates are $6 for adults, $3.75 for South Carolina seniors (age 65 and older), $3.50 for children ages 6-15, and free for children ages five and under.

Jocassee Gorges

Lake Jocassee, the north part of Lake Keowee, and Devils Fork State Park belong to the fall bucket list in South Carolina due to the stunning Jocassee Gorges that National Geographic featured in "50 of the World's Last Great Places". The mountains surrounding the lake are completely covered with orange and bronze foliage, forming a unique landscape perfect for fall photography.

Oconee State Park

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountain region, Oconee State Park offers stunning mountainous scenery. Notable trails include the popular Foothills Trail, the Palmetto Trail, and the picturesque half-mile Station Cove Falls trail. The park also features two lakes and numerous cabins for a comfortable stay. The park is open Sunday through Thursday from 7 am to 7 pm and Friday and Saturday from 7 am to 9 pm. Admission is $5 for adults, $3.25 for South Carolina seniors, $3 for children ages 6-15, and free for children ages five and under.

Keowee-Toxaway State Park

Located less than 15 miles down SC 11, Keowee-Toxaway State Park serves as the gateway to the scenic Jocassee Gorges. The park features numerous vibrant hiking trails with stunning fall colors reflecting off Lake Keowee. Additionally, it offers a large three-bedroom rental cabin overlooking the lake with a private dock, making it a popular overnight destination year-round. The park is open daily from 9 am to 9 pm with free admission.

Devils Fork State Park

Devils Fork State Park, located less than four miles from SC 11, offers a diverse array of attractions that make it well worth a visit. Situated on the pristine shores of Lake Jocassee, the park provides the only public access to this crystal-clear lake. Highlights include waterfalls such as Laurel Fork Falls and Wrights Creek Falls, which are best accessed and viewed via boat tours. The park also features a variety of hiking trails and offers a total of 20 rental villas, most of which are situated along the shoreline of Lake Jocassee. The park is open daily from 7 am to 9 pm. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for South Carolina seniors (age 65 and older), $4 for children ages 6-15, and free for children ages five and under. Admission to the park is free every Tuesday.

Kings Mountain State Park

Kings Mountain State Park in Piedmont boasts miles of forested trails ideal for hiking, including supreme routes up Kings Mountain. The park also features two fishing lakes and is adjacent to Kings Mountain National Military Park, a significant Revolutionary War site within the national park system. Local visitors frequently gather at the park for special events, with November being particularly popular for living history demonstrations at the park's replica 1800s Piedmont farm. The park is open daily from 7 am to 9 pm during Daylight Saving Time. Admission costs $3 for adults, $1.50 for South Carolina seniors, and $1 for children ages 6-15. Children ages five and under can enter for free.

The abundance of waterfalls, scenic parks, and mountainous foothills make Sothern Carolina a great choice for a fall-time trip. The northwestern part, known as the Upcountry, lies off the beaten track and away from the crowds, a great secret leaf-peeping destination to discover!