Take This Gorgeous Fall Foliage Road Trip To See South Carolina Like Never Before
Each year the fall season brings with it the promise of a sunburst of colors in much of the Palmetto State as the trees morph into living art exhibits. If you’re planning an excursion to take in the sights, then the Farmer’s Almanac is predicting peak fall foliage from October 19th through November 4th. We’ve put together a road trip on one of the upstate’s scenic byways that’ll have you enjoying the sights, sounds, and even the smell of fall as you meander along the highway. We’ve even added some points of interest to see along the way. Embark on this scenic adventure and experience the best fall foliage in South Carolina.
During these uncertain times, please keep safety in mind and consider adding destinations to your bucket list to visit at a later date.
The main road you'll be traveling on is the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway, a.k.a. SC-11. The drive time is under five hours, but you'll want to allow much more time for gawking, sightseeing, and in general...just taking your time and enjoying the day.
The tour starts in front of Limestone University in downtown Gaffney. Have fun!
Established in 1845, Limestone University is the third oldest college in South Carolina. The campus is stunning, especially when the leaves are changing. This is a great place to start your fall foliage tour, even if you're just driving by the campus as you get underway. The magnificent building in the photo above can be seen from the intersection of College Drive and Griffith Street in downtown Gaffney. Google Map location and coordinates.
From here, the pre-charted Google map will take you onto SC-11 to enjoy the fall foliage en route to the next stop.
Located near Chesnee, this national treasure commemorates a significant battle fought here during the Revolutionary War. After you finish marveling at the fall colors in South Carolina, peek in the log museum for exhibits from the American Revolutionary War before you hit the road for more sightseeing.
Hungry yet? Take a slight detour from SC-11 to stop at an Upstate icon for a quick bite before hitting the trail. Bantam Chef has a unique "museum" in the dining room, featuring a 1950s Studebaker and more! You'll enjoy the food, the atmosphere, and refueling in this great eatery along your route to view fall foliage in South Carolina.
4. Head back out onto SC-11, The Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway.
Note: If you have rose-colored sunglasses, this is probably a good time to put them on. Auburn lenses make fall colors in South Carolina look even more amazing.
Take a left onto SC-14 E and then a right onto 414 (you can also just follow the Google Map link above) and head over to pay homage to the last of the old covered bridges in South Carolina. Campbell's Covered Bridge is a a well-preserved piece of South Carolina history. Even if you've seen it before, you'll love renewing your connection to this relic in this beautiful fall setting.
6. Fred W. Symmes Chapel, a.k.a. Pretty Place - Cleveland, SC
There's no other view like it in South Carolina. The stunning images you'll capture here will inspire you for the rest of your life. Built as a chapel for the youth camp, Symmes has become a popular place for weddings. For that reason, be sure you call before you plan your fall foliage trip in South Carolina. If there's an event taking place then you won't be permitted to enter. So call, and if the venue is closed you may want to plan to come back to just this one spot on another weekend. You can contact them ahead of time at (864)836-3291. Here is their website.
This is one time you don't have to haul yourself up to the TOP of Table Rock for the breathtaking view. You'll find the entrance to this state park right on SC-11 where you can pull in and admire this monolitic landmark in all its fall splendor right from the parking area. It's one of the most spectacular places to see the best fall foliage in South Carolina.
8. Lake Jocassee - Salem
Lake Jocassee Road, Lake Jocassee Rd, South Carolina 29676, USA
Take a detour off SC-11 and head over to the welcome center at Devils Fork State Park. Get an up-close look at South Carolina's own "grand canyon" and the beautiful fall colors smattered on the plunging mountain-scapes surrounding this man-made lake.
The short hike down to the observation deck at Issaqueena Falls north of Walhalla makes this small detour worth the effort. You'll veer off SC-11 for just a few minutes and head to Stumphouse Tunnel Park just north of Walhalla. The trailhead to Isaqueena Falls is located in the park. If you have time, you can also explore the Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel on this detour before heading back to SC-11, the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway.
10. Lake Hartwell State Park (en route to Interstate 85) on SC-11
After Issequeena Falls hit the road again for more gorgeous fall foliage in South Carolina. Just before you get to Interstate 85, and the end of this tour, you'll have the option to stop at Lake Hartwell State Park. Here, you can admire the clear water and the red outline the soil makes all the way around the lake. Lake Hartwell is gorgeous any time of year, but especially in the fall.
Fall colors in South Carolina are unbelievably gorgeous. The window of opportunity to see the leaves changing colors is so small it makes the event even more special. This fall foliage road trip through South Carolina’s beautiful upstate is perfect for seeing our state as you’ve never seen it before.
Will you take this road trip to see the best fall foliage in South Carolina? Is autumn your favorite season? What are your favorite things to do in fall in South Carolina? We’d love to know in our comments!
The OIYS Visitor Center
Best Fall Foliage In South Carolina
August 15, 2019
Elisa Regulski
What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in South Carolina?
South Carolina sees the most vibrant fall colors from the middle of October through early November. It’s wise to plan your autumn adventures in advance. South Carolina’s fall colors don’t last long, and they’re too beautiful to miss.
Where are the best places in South Carolina to see fall foliage?
South Carolina is full of gorgeous places to see fall foliage. Cowpens National Battlefield, located in Gaffney, looks especially beautiful this season. Colorful leaves cover the ground and the crisp autumn air hits you in the face. You’ll also see some splendid sights along The Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway. Just stare out the window and stare into the picturesque views. Table Rock State Park is another popular place to gaze at the autumn scenery. No matter where you go, you’re certain to find some lovely views.
What are the best South Carolina hikes to take in the fall?
The Glassy Mountain Trail, located near Pickens, is a popular destination for fall hiking. It’s easy to see why people love it so much — the breezy trails and sweeping views are incredibly relaxing. At only 1.6 miles long, this short hike is perfect for a family outing. The Canal Trail inside Landsford Canal State Park is another amazing place to hike in the fall. This trail is only 1.5 miles long, but it’s packed with jaw-dropping sights, even if the fall colors aren’t as brilliant as those found further in the Upstate.
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Robin Jarvis is a travel writer and editor for OnlyInYourState.com with a bachelor's degree in Journalism. Her love for travel has taken her to many parts of the world. She's lived in the Carolinas for nearly three decades and currently resides in Charleston. When she's not working, she loves to cook with friends and check out new adventures. General questions and FAM tours: rjarvis@onlyinyourstate.com.
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