You may be asking yourself “Where did summer go?” We know the feeling, but never fear! With the incoming fall season, there are some brightly colored days ahead in the Palmetto State. Each year at this time everyone is always asking the 64 million dollar question about the peak leaf-peeping dates, so if you’re thinking ahead and wondering when to see fall colors in South Carolina, then here are some insights about the best dates for each part of the state – as determined by the experts at the Smoky Mountains. Check out the South Carolina fall colors map and plan some amazing autumn adventures in the Palmetto State this season. Happy fall, y’all!
So sit back, set a calendar reminder, South Carolina, and wait for the fall foliage to sweep through the state this season!
Hunter Desportes/Flickr As seen in the fall colors map for South Carolina, most parts of the state are expected to see some fall foliage by the second and third week of October, although those along the coast from the Lowcountry to the Georgia border will be a bit behind the rest of the state.
Between October 24 and 31, much of the Palmetto State will be nearing peak fall foliage, according to the prediction map from Smoky Mountains.
-ted/Flickr As you can see by the map (which is very general), the colors may also begin to change as far toward the coast as the Midlands at around this time. But hold off on any big travel plans to see the full effects! The best is yet to come.
They won’t be lagging too far behind, and a beautiful drive along one of the state’s scenic byways may be in order very soon.
Flickr/Anand Khatri We have previously published road trips for fall foliage, and each includes some amazing places to stop along the way including a waterfall and a lake. The drive time is only a little more than 90 minutes, but with the suggested stops you could easily stretch this activity out to a full day of nothing by outdoor fun and leaf peeping. Check out the entire South Carolina Fall Foliage Road Trip and plan an autumn adventure!
See the transformation firsthand with a couple of visits to Jumping Off Rock Overlook.
Flickr/Keelan Jones To catch the first glimpse of fall in the Palmetto State head to this overlook in Sunset known as “Jumping Off Rock.” You’ll have front-row seats for the splendid colors of autumn in the Jocassee Gorges, recently named one of the “World’s Last Great Places” by National Geographic. The overlook is accessed via Horsepasture Road near the community of Rocky Bottom off U.S. Highway 178, about 8 miles north of the intersection of Scenic Highway 11 and U.S. Highway 178 in northern Pickens County. There are several overlooks on Horsepasture Road. 448 Horse Pasture Rd, Sunset, SC 29685, USA
Between October 31 and November 7, most of South Carolina will be at, or just past, peak fall color.
toastal_OLD/Flickr
During this time, head to Table Rock State Park for some fantastic photo opportunities of the state’s largest landmark and possibly the best place to see fall colors in South Carolina. With any luck, this year will be a burst of color that covers the entire mountain.
Flickr/Joe Plocki You’ll see the enormous Table Rock for miles as you roll over the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway making your way to the state park. You can spend the day chasing brightly lit trees across the landscape before heading home along the same colorful route. 158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
In another part of the state this week, you could see some leaves changing color in South Carolina at Chester State Park in Chester.
Google local/Bruny Irizarry 759 State Park Rd, Chester, SC 29706, USA
Over in the Aiken area, head to Redcliffe Plantation during this week to see the beauty of the bright colors against the sky.
Facebook/South Carolina Parks 181 Redcliffe Rd, Beech Island, SC 29842, USA
The closer you get to the coast, the less you’ll notice them, but follow these guidelines for when to see falls colors in South Carolina and you’ll be ahead of the game. What are your plans for viewing the best fall colors in the Palmetto State this year? Have you used the South Carolina fall colors map to plan your seasonal adventures before? We’d love to know in our comments.
Hunter Desportes/Flickr
As seen in the fall colors map for South Carolina, most parts of the state are expected to see some fall foliage by the second and third week of October, although those along the coast from the Lowcountry to the Georgia border will be a bit behind the rest of the state.
-ted/Flickr
As you can see by the map (which is very general), the colors may also begin to change as far toward the coast as the Midlands at around this time. But hold off on any big travel plans to see the full effects! The best is yet to come.
Flickr/Anand Khatri
We have previously published road trips for fall foliage, and each includes some amazing places to stop along the way including a waterfall and a lake. The drive time is only a little more than 90 minutes, but with the suggested stops you could easily stretch this activity out to a full day of nothing by outdoor fun and leaf peeping. Check out the entire South Carolina Fall Foliage Road Trip and plan an autumn adventure!
Flickr/Keelan Jones
To catch the first glimpse of fall in the Palmetto State head to this overlook in Sunset known as “Jumping Off Rock.” You’ll have front-row seats for the splendid colors of autumn in the Jocassee Gorges, recently named one of the “World’s Last Great Places” by National Geographic. The overlook is accessed via Horsepasture Road near the community of Rocky Bottom off U.S. Highway 178, about 8 miles north of the intersection of Scenic Highway 11 and U.S. Highway 178 in northern Pickens County. There are several overlooks on Horsepasture Road.
448 Horse Pasture Rd, Sunset, SC 29685, USA
toastal_OLD/Flickr
Flickr/Joe Plocki
You’ll see the enormous Table Rock for miles as you roll over the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway making your way to the state park. You can spend the day chasing brightly lit trees across the landscape before heading home along the same colorful route.
158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
Google local/Bruny Irizarry
759 State Park Rd, Chester, SC 29706, USA
Facebook/South Carolina Parks
181 Redcliffe Rd, Beech Island, SC 29842, USA
For more seasonal autumn fun, check out these scenic South Carolina country roads that are pure bliss in the fall.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
The OIYS Visitor Center
South Carolina Fall Colors Map September 18, 2022 Sarah M. What is there to do in South Carolina in the fall? South Carolina’s year-round mild climate means you can enjoy outdoor activities nearly all year in the Palmetto State. But if it’s wholesome family fun you seek, then fall is a great season to enjoy only moderate temperatures while partaking in some of the state’s best outdoor adventures and attractions. From state parks to the state’s beaches, fall is a wonderful time to enjoy the great outdoors. In addition, the fall season welcomes many fall and harvest festivals taking place between September and December that offer wonderful opportunities to explore the Palmetto State — one small town at a time. From Walhalla’s Oktoberfest (third weekend in October) to Irmo’s Okra Strut (last weekend in September) and many more, you’re sure to find a fall festival you’ll want to return to year after year. (View some of the best fall festivals in South Carolina and plan some fun!) Where can I see the best fall foliage in South Carolina? Those visiting from the North may find South Carolina’s fall foliage a bit perplexing. Perhaps the first state moving southward where colors don’t have a dramatic statewide transformation, the Palmetto State has an oddball peak fall foliage map. Follow the expected guidelines for peak dates in the article above and make plans to visit the Upstate during the peak weeks to guarantee you’ll see the most dramatic fall colors possible in South Carolina. For ways to enjoy the fall foliage this year, take a scenic drive on one of the state’s scenic byways. Nothing beats a drive through the countryside when seeking out fall colors. You can also make plans to take a seasonal trek on one of the best fall hikes in South Carolina! However you choose to enjoy the transformation, getting outdoors and exploring the state promises to be not only fun, but it is also beautiful during autumn. Why should I visit South Carolina in the fall? Visiting South Carolina any time of year brings a wealth of ways to enjoy the state. Soon after school starts back in the fall, most family vacations have come to an end for the season so a visit in the fall offers both cooler temperatures and less humidity, as well as fewer other people clamoring to see the same sights you’re headed to see. Regardless of the time of year you head to South Carolina, the trip will be filled with memories to last a lifetime.
The OIYS Visitor Center
South Carolina Fall Colors Map
September 18, 2022
Sarah M.
What is there to do in South Carolina in the fall? South Carolina’s year-round mild climate means you can enjoy outdoor activities nearly all year in the Palmetto State. But if it’s wholesome family fun you seek, then fall is a great season to enjoy only moderate temperatures while partaking in some of the state’s best outdoor adventures and attractions. From state parks to the state’s beaches, fall is a wonderful time to enjoy the great outdoors. In addition, the fall season welcomes many fall and harvest festivals taking place between September and December that offer wonderful opportunities to explore the Palmetto State — one small town at a time. From Walhalla’s Oktoberfest (third weekend in October) to Irmo’s Okra Strut (last weekend in September) and many more, you’re sure to find a fall festival you’ll want to return to year after year. (View some of the best fall festivals in South Carolina and plan some fun!) Where can I see the best fall foliage in South Carolina? Those visiting from the North may find South Carolina’s fall foliage a bit perplexing. Perhaps the first state moving southward where colors don’t have a dramatic statewide transformation, the Palmetto State has an oddball peak fall foliage map. Follow the expected guidelines for peak dates in the article above and make plans to visit the Upstate during the peak weeks to guarantee you’ll see the most dramatic fall colors possible in South Carolina. For ways to enjoy the fall foliage this year, take a scenic drive on one of the state’s scenic byways. Nothing beats a drive through the countryside when seeking out fall colors. You can also make plans to take a seasonal trek on one of the best fall hikes in South Carolina! However you choose to enjoy the transformation, getting outdoors and exploring the state promises to be not only fun, but it is also beautiful during autumn. Why should I visit South Carolina in the fall? Visiting South Carolina any time of year brings a wealth of ways to enjoy the state. Soon after school starts back in the fall, most family vacations have come to an end for the season so a visit in the fall offers both cooler temperatures and less humidity, as well as fewer other people clamoring to see the same sights you’re headed to see. Regardless of the time of year you head to South Carolina, the trip will be filled with memories to last a lifetime.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
South Carolina’s year-round mild climate means you can enjoy outdoor activities nearly all year in the Palmetto State. But if it’s wholesome family fun you seek, then fall is a great season to enjoy only moderate temperatures while partaking in some of the state’s best outdoor adventures and attractions. From state parks to the state’s beaches, fall is a wonderful time to enjoy the great outdoors.
In addition, the fall season welcomes many fall and harvest festivals taking place between September and December that offer wonderful opportunities to explore the Palmetto State — one small town at a time. From Walhalla’s Oktoberfest (third weekend in October) to Irmo’s Okra Strut (last weekend in September) and many more, you’re sure to find a fall festival you’ll want to return to year after year. (View some of the best fall festivals in South Carolina and plan some fun!)
Where can I see the best fall foliage in South Carolina?
Those visiting from the North may find South Carolina’s fall foliage a bit perplexing. Perhaps the first state moving southward where colors don’t have a dramatic statewide transformation, the Palmetto State has an oddball peak fall foliage map. Follow the expected guidelines for peak dates in the article above and make plans to visit the Upstate during the peak weeks to guarantee you’ll see the most dramatic fall colors possible in South Carolina.
For ways to enjoy the fall foliage this year, take a scenic drive on one of the state’s scenic byways. Nothing beats a drive through the countryside when seeking out fall colors. You can also make plans to take a seasonal trek on one of the best fall hikes in South Carolina! However you choose to enjoy the transformation, getting outdoors and exploring the state promises to be not only fun, but it is also beautiful during autumn.
Why should I visit South Carolina in the fall?
Visiting South Carolina any time of year brings a wealth of ways to enjoy the state. Soon after school starts back in the fall, most family vacations have come to an end for the season so a visit in the fall offers both cooler temperatures and less humidity, as well as fewer other people clamoring to see the same sights you’re headed to see.
Regardless of the time of year you head to South Carolina, the trip will be filled with memories to last a lifetime.
