The Fall Foliage At These 12 State Parks In South Carolina Is Stunningly Beautiful
It won’t be long before Autumn will be rolling across our state and naturally it will come to the northern part first. We also have to consider the fact that the fall foliage tends to be the most striking in the mountainous region of our state. We have numerous state parks in the upstate that present fabulous opportunities to view the fall foliage when it’s at its peak. Why am I writing this article now, in the middle of September, you ask? Because, I wanted you to receive this information early so that you can plan and mark it on your calendars. The peak for South Carolina is mid October to late November and somethings the beginning of December…you know how crazy our weather can be! This way you have about a month to plan your trips with family and friends, get your cameras ready for lots of clicks, and to plan an unforgettable weekend or vacation.
1. Caesar's Head State Park
Jeff Walters/Flickr
This state park is connects with Jones Gap State Park better known as the Mountain Ridge Wilderness. That's a lot of land and a lot of foliage to view! Take the Raven Cliff Falls trail for some awesome sights! Here's the general area address and contact information: 8155 Geer HWY | Cleveland, SC 29635 | Phone: 864-836-6115
This state park has been open since the 1930's and is known for great hiking. How best to see the changing of the leaves? Get out those boots guys! Here's their address and contact information if you want to ask the best times possible for fall foliage peak: 759 State Park DR | Chester, SC 29706 | Phone: 803-385-2680
Lake Jocassee is a huge draw for this state park and can you image that with the background of all those colors? Here's their address and contact information: 161 Holcombe CIR | Salem, SC 29676 | Phone: 864-944-2639. Note: the view of Lake Jocassee in the photo above is from Jumping Off Rock and not from Devil's Fork State Park.
This park has great views and, in my opinion, all these areas can give you amazing peace and relaxation! Please make note that this particular state park has very little parking so you could have problems in that department. However, if you visit Caesar's Head or this one they allow you to venture between the two as they connect to make one very large area! Here is their contact information just in case you want to check on best available times: 303 Jones Gap RD | Marietta, SC 29661 | Phone: 864-836-3647
Most people say that this is the most beautiful state park of all the state parks. I can't say that, I think they're all great in their own ways. You'll see some stunning vistas here so be prepared to say a lot of "Ooos" and Ahhs". Here is there contact information: 108 Residence DR | Sunset, SC 29685 | Phone: 864-868-2605
Kings Mountain is one of parks that is also a Revolutionary War site. There are tons of hiking trails here so it's perfect for foliage sightseeing. You may want to call if you're going to go in November as they have a lot of special events during this particular month. Here's their information: 108 Residence DR | Sunset, SC 29685 | Phone: 864-868-2605
This is another Revolutionary War site that not only offers you gorgeous views of what Autumn has, but also some great history. Here's their information: 398 State Park RD | Clinton, SC 29325 | Phone: 864-938-0100
This state park has trails that serve as the southern trailhead for the foothills. Here's their information in case you need peak times for foliage and such: 624 State Park RD | Mountain Rest, SC 29664 | Phone: 864-638-5353
There's so much going on here. You can hike into Sumter National Forest, see Station Cove Falls, and it's not too far from Oconee State Park. As you can see from above, the fall foliage will be magnificent here. Here's their information for you: 500 Oconee Station RD | Walhalla, SC 29691 | Phone: 864-638-0079
This is a hustling and bustling state park so if you're looking for something a little more quiet and a little less crowded then this may not be the park for you. Just due to its general location, there are a lot of visitors. Here is their information for you: 2401 State Park RD | Greenville, SC 29609 | Phone: 864-244-5565
This park has been called, "The Mountains of the Midlands". It has a little of everything and a lot of amazing sights when the seasons change. Here is their information for you: 6660 Poinsett Park RD | Wedgefield, SC 29168 | Phone: 803-494-8177
Named for the towering mountain, this state park will show you amazing things when the seasons start to change as you can see by the photograph above. Just think, that is just one view and one picture. I can only imagine what it's like to be there. Here's their information for you: 158 Ellison Ln | Pickens, SC 29671 | Phone: 864-878-9813
All of these state parks have places to stay and not all of them are rustic either. A good many of them have really nice cabins so even if you don’t like to camp, you can stay right where all the beauty is unfolding. Entrance to the state parks is very reasonable so it’ll be a wallet-friendly place to visit. Just remember, time will pass before you know it. So, go ahead and make those plans for visiting at least one of these places. And, if you don’t mind, share all those gorgeous pictures with us! I would love to see them.
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Gwen is an author, artist, illustrator, graphic designer, mother, wife, and part-time super hero. She loves to tackle her dreams head on and takes life by storm. Coffee is her best friend and a good book cannot be beat! When does she have the time, you ask? Well...do you really need that much sleep?
