South Carolina is a big, beautiful state with so much to see in comparatively oh so little time.
Forty Acre Rock is one of those must-see places, but one that most don't get around to actually seeing. The Forty Acre Rock Heritage Preserve has been hailed as one of the best single-day hikes in the whole state. In addition to the big reveal when you get to the Forty Acre Rock, there's also a waterfall, a cave and a beaver pond along the way. If that's not enough, then a couple of the trails wind alongside a beautiful little creek.
Here's an incredible look at that "big reveal" at Forty Acre Rock.
Although not a super short hike, there are two options for getting to the rock, so pick your starting position carefully. One of them is longer, more scenic and moderately more difficult than the other. You can find a trail map here with parking areas indicated as well. Note that parking in the upper parking area will give you an easier walk in, but much less adventure.
What did you think of the drone footage? A big thank you to Drones In SC for the amazing job in capturing and editing the footage. Great work! You can see more of their drone footage here.
Are there other areas of the Palmetto State you'd like to see drone footage of? We'd love to hear your suggestions in the comments below or on our Only In South Carolina Facebook page.
South Carolina may never rank as a top ten place to view fall foliage, but that doesn’t mean our state doesn’t get some beautiful autumn color. In fact, each year as the fall season approaches many wonder: When do leaves change color in South Carolina? And if you’ve ever felt that our state got a raw deal when it comes to pretty, colorful leaves during the fall, you may change your mind after seeing our suggestions for the best times and places to go leaf-looking around here, as shown on the South Carolina fall foliage map 2024:
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As you can see from the map when you change the date, the colors of fall in South Carolina are expected to reach their peak by the end of October and into the early days of November. The best places to view the colors of fall in South Carolina really depends on what type of scenery you prefer.
If you're at a higher elevation such as in the mountains, you're able to see vibrant foliage for miles! One interesting vantage point to see fall colors in South Carolina is from a suspension bridge like this one along the Gum Gap Trail in Caesar's Head State Park, located in Cleveland within the area predicted to peak around the middle of October.Another trail within this state park, Dismal Trail Loop, was named by Travel + Leisure as a best hike in North America for fall.
There's something about beautiful autumn color framing water features, like with this waterfall in Table Rock State Park in Pickens, another location for your mid-October leaf-looking adventures.
The Fred W. Symmes Chapel, known as Pretty Place because of its incredible views, is a wonderful fall foliage viewing spot in South Carolina. A part of YMCA Camp Greenville, located in Cleveland, be sure to check the visitation schedule before visiting to ensure it's open to the public during the time of your visit.
Located in Landrum, Campbells Covered Bridge is the only covered bridge remaining in South Carolina. You'll see the best fall color at this spot around the middle of October. This expansive view comes from Jumping Off Rock Overlook in Sunset, which is predicted to peak around the same time.
Issaqueena Falls, a 100-foot cascade waterfall in Walhalla, makes for one of the most picturesque fall landscapes in South Carolina and it's even more beautiful surrounded by fall foliage! Prefer a serene lake scene? Lake Jocassee's undeveloped shoreline makes another postcard-worthy fall sight that looks like it will be best seen about the third week of October.
Predicting what nature will do is a difficult task and is successful at times, while others not so much. Time will tell how good these predictions are! We do hope the information is helpful as you plan out your fall foliage adventures for this year.
What is your favorite South Carolina spot for viewing fall foliage?
South Carolina's habitat diversity intrigued early explorers in the 18th century, and it continues to do the same today. Within a relatively small geographic area, you'll find mountains, foothills, piedmont, blackwater rivers, cypress swamps, the coastal plain, salt marshes, and sandy beaches. While our mountains and beaches are garnering the bulk of the attention, other incredible wonders often go largely unnoticed. Such is the case with an area found in Hitchcock Woods in Aiken, South Carolina that looks like a miniature Grand Canyon. Let's explore this underappreciated spot together.
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Hitchcock Woods is the largest privately-owned urban forest in the United States consisting of a vast 2,100 acres and 70 miles of sandy trails which have been enjoyed by both pedestrian and equestrian users since the early 1800s. Aiken was a popular winter colony frequented by the wealthy from the northeastern area of the country.
The canyon area has some steeper hiking and features chalk cliff formations that are believed to be around several hundred years old, forming from the natural erosion of the sandy soil.
Hitchcock Woods is a favorite spot in Aiken for some. Who would have ever thought you could stumble onto a miniature Grand Canyon in the middle of the woods in South Carolina?
Although Aiken is known for being a winter colony, it's a wonderful place to visit any time of year. Book the Idyllic Horse Cottage that's close to downtown and has been freshly updated with decor reflecting the city's sporting life. It's the perfect place to stay while exploring Hitchcock Woods and more in Aiken, South Carolina!
