Here’s your leaf-peeping guide to parks in the area. This year, the Fall Foliage Prediction Map (credit to SmokyMountains.com) puts the best viewing dates for our area as October 27th (Partial/Near Peak change) through November 3rd (Near Peak/Peak change).
Best Parks for Fall Foliage Viewing:
- With waterfalls –
- Caesars Head State Park – Cleveland, SC. Hike to Raven Cliff Falls! Check out the trail map with more info here.
- Jones Gap State Park – Marietta, SC. Rainbow Falls is the tallest waterfall in South Carolina! Learn more and see trail maps here.
- Oconee State Park – Mountain Rest, SC. From this State Park, jump on the Hidden Falls Trail or head to nearby Issaqueena Falls (~11 minutes by car).
- With lake access/water views:
- Devils Fork State Park – Salem, SC. From Fall Foliage Tours, paddling, boating, and scuba diving, Lake Jocassee is a must-visit.
- Paris Mountain State Park – Greenville, SC. Swim and fish with beautiful foliage views from Lake Placid.
- Keowee-Toxaway State Park – Sunset, SC. Zipline above the beautiful views with access to Lake Keowee at this state park.
- Table Rock State Park – Pickens, SC. With Pinnacle Lake & Lake Oolenoy, plus numerous trails to explore, don’t miss this state park on your list!
- With a side of history –
- Oconee Station State Historic Site – Walhalla, SC. Don’t miss checking out Native American and Revolutionary War history here, and Station Cove Falls.
- Kings Mountain State Park – Blacksburg, SC. Revolutionary War History abounds here, with guided tours, historic gardens, and more!
- Musgrove Mill State Historic Site – Clinton, SC. Check out Revolutionary War monuments and the Battlefield Trail, which ends at Horseshoe Falls.
For more on where to catch the best autumn views: Fall Foliage in Upcountry, SC and Jump into Fall Color in Upcountry, SC.
By Sarah (Moore) Gross, Pimento & Prose Media