Soon we will be fascinated with the beautiful colors that the season brings. Ranger Scott Stegenga at Table Rock State Park provides a weekly report starting in October and running through mid-November.
October 23, 2024
The recent cooler nights have coaxed the leaves to exhibit a noticeable change in the last week. Although battered by Helene, the high points have very little green showing, compared to lower elevations. Hickory trees are beginning to show some nice yellow, and maples are intensifying their reds and oranges. Oaks always cross the finish line last for color change so we have a little way to go yet before peak. Another week should bring even more pleasing views of the fall forest.
October 16, 2024
September saw amounts of 18-20 inches of rain in the mountains, with about 80% of that coming in three days, concluding with Hurricane Helene’s wrath. Not a drop of rain has fallen yet through the first half of October. So many factors of weather can affect fall foliage. The majority of the forest is quite green in lower elevations. The upper reaches have taken on a brownish appearance. The canopy took a big hit from Helene’s rain and wind. Many-an-oak’s canopy is now on the forest floor. No bright colors are present but hints are evident along forest edges and from understory trees. Sourwoods and dogwoods still support red leaves. Maples and Sweetgums are beginning to join in with red and purplish hues. The yellow Tulip Poplars have been mostly stripped of their brighter array by Helene. After increased soil moisture in late summer, abundant sunshine and chilly overnight temperatures over the next several days should help spur more changes as we look forward to the end of the month.
October 9, 2024
The deep green of summer has taken on a tired look as chlorophyll begins to fade. Sourwoods and Dogwoods have begun to show us our first reds and Tulip Poplars are adding yellows to the landscape. The effects of Helene removed a ton of leaves from the upcoming autumn show by taking down scores of hardwoods but what remains will do their best to provide us the color we anticipate later in the month.
Keep a live look on the fall foliage from the Upcountry with our Table Rock webcam, and don’t miss SC State Park’s fall foliage reports posted each Thursday here.
What we have to look forward to:
Also, check out this story on fall foliage viewing in our state parks and visit our State Parks Facebook Page and post your best photos of fall foliage across our parks.
Looking for an easy fall hike? Check out this story about three beautiful hikes to take this fall!
Best Parks for Fall Foliage Viewing
- Caesars Head State Park
- Chester State Park
- Devils Fork State Park
- Jones Gap State Park
- Keowee-Toxaway State Park
- Kings Mountain State Park
- Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
- Oconee State Park
- Oconee Station State Historic Site
- Paris Mountain State Park
- Poinsett State Park
- Table Rock State Park
Read more about color change and autumn here.
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Read more at our comprehensive fall color guide: Finding Fall Foliage in Upcountry South Carolina.