Oh, Autumn … how do we love thee? Let us count the ways! Whether it’s sweater weather, the return of pumpkin spice in the marketplace or football games in stadiums, picturesque scenery in nature, or some other reason, there’s a certain obsession with the autumn season shared by many of us. This time of year has even created a hobby around the changing of leaf colors, affectionately called leaf looking. Did you know there’s a route in our state that leads to the most stunning fall foliage in South Carolina that you’ve ever seen?
Motorcycle tourists, in particular, will especially appreciate this gorgeous ride.
Yves Marcoux/Getty Images
Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway 11, considered one of the best motorcycle rides in the state, perhaps because it’s simply one of the 7 Best Backroads In South Carolina, begins at I-85 in the small town of Fair Play and technically ends in Gaffney. However, we will only be traveling a portion of the overall route in our fall foliage viewing adventure, because you do not want to miss this view!
US Dept of Transportation/Federal Highway Administration The trip is just under an hour total if you drive straight through.
Time your trip so you can stop by Habanero’s Mexican Grill in Tamassee for some authentic Mexican eats, rumored to have the best wings ever!
Habanero’s Mexican Grill/Facebook You can expect good, friendly service, too … just not habaneros, ironically. About the halfway point during our journey, you’ll have about another half-hour to our destination. And what a treat you are in for!
After that second leg of the ride, we reach our journey’s end at Table Rock State Park, one of the state’s top places for amazing views of vibrant fall leaves.
Jolby Marcel One of 47 state parks, the cooler temperatures of the mountainous setting at Table Rock are refreshing after the hot summer months as well as partially responsible for the spectacular fall landscape. This view is seen from Table Rock Trail, one of over a dozen trails at the park.
From another perspective from this trail, you can see more of one of the two lakes at the park, showing off the colorful foliage in its reflection.
Jolby Marcel/AllTrails
Don’t forget to slow down and go at whatever pace your body and fitness level can handle at this higher level of elevation!
ron murphy/AllTrails Also, this particular trail is over 3.5 miles one-way and considered strenuous.
There are a couple of easy trails at Table Rock State Park, but one of them is a connector trail between a moderate-to-strenuous trail and the final trail we will take a look at in a moment that is very strenuous. Here’s a quick snapshot of the vivid leaf scenery that can be seen from the Pinnacle Lake Trail Loop, just under two miles in length and considered an easy hike.
Amy Counihan/AllTrails
Now for those who can handle a very strenuous trail, here’s a sampling of what you’ll see from the Pinnacle Mountain Trail! It stretches for just over 4 miles one way.
Brandy Mauldin/AllTrails
Mike Andrews/AllTrails Waterfall sounds bring in-person imagery on the trail to life!
If you’re unable to get to higher ground for those angles, you can still get differing perspectives from wherever you are. Look up!
BlueGoa/Flickr Seriously, what’s not to love about fall foliage? Especially for South Carolina die-hard college football fans, who get to see their team colors abundantly expressed in nature.
Even in a single leaf, the Gamecocks get a hat tip. Don’t be upset, though, Tigers. We’ve already seen plenty of orange on display!
Nick Vidal-Hall/Flickr
Mark your calendar to take advantage of these remarkable views soon. Visit the South Carolina State Parks’s official website for more information, and check out their Table Rock webcam for a live look at the foliage, especially if you’re unable to travel to experience it in person. And be sure to check the Best Times to View Fall Foliage to maximize your chances of gauging the ideal window for catching the leaves at their peak splendor of color for the season.
Yves Marcoux/Getty Images
US Dept of Transportation/Federal Highway Administration
The trip is just under an hour total if you drive straight through.
Habanero’s Mexican Grill/Facebook
You can expect good, friendly service, too … just not habaneros, ironically. About the halfway point during our journey, you’ll have about another half-hour to our destination. And what a treat you are in for!
Jolby Marcel
One of 47 state parks, the cooler temperatures of the mountainous setting at Table Rock are refreshing after the hot summer months as well as partially responsible for the spectacular fall landscape. This view is seen from Table Rock Trail, one of over a dozen trails at the park.
Jolby Marcel/AllTrails
ron murphy/AllTrails
Also, this particular trail is over 3.5 miles one-way and considered strenuous.
Amy Counihan/AllTrails
Brandy Mauldin/AllTrails
Mike Andrews/AllTrails
Waterfall sounds bring in-person imagery on the trail to life!
BlueGoa/Flickr
Seriously, what’s not to love about fall foliage? Especially for South Carolina die-hard college football fans, who get to see their team colors abundantly expressed in nature.
Nick Vidal-Hall/Flickr
Have you found a favorite spot for viewing fall foliage in South Carolina? Please do tell us in the comments below!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Table Rock State Park, 158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
