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Beautiful foliage, historic tours and hearty flavors abound in the Palmetto State
When cooler temperatures roll around and summer comes to a close, travel enthusiasts turn their attention to fall foliage and the best destinations for an autumn escape. While South Carolina may not be the first that comes to mind for some, those who are in the know can attest that the Palmetto State, with its impressive 47 state parks, offers some of the best opportunities to see breathtaking fall foliage, savor satisfying cuisine and take in a bit of history along the way. Some of South Carolina’s most notable fall destinations are below.
The Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway
Travel the Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway (SC Hwy 11) for a scenic drive through the northwest corner of the state. English and French fur traders as well as the Cherokees once used the 112-mile highway. With the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop, travelers will enjoy stunning fall colors and views, great hiking trails and locally grown apples. The route also includes the Poinsett Bridge, South Carolina’s oldest bridge, constructed in 1820 to connect Greenville to Asheville.
Visit the Mountain Bridge Wilderness & Recreation Area (accessible by SC Hwy 11) for a bit of serenity and nature’s finest views. Often touted by visitors and locals as the best place to view South Carolina’s fall foliage, the area offers close proximity to Caesars Head State Park, Jones Gap State Park, Raven Cliff Falls and the Middle Saluda River, one of the state’s most scenic mountain rivers. Along this scenic route, visitors will enjoy South Carolina’s beautiful mountain waterfalls, including Whitewater Falls, which boast a total drop of 900 feet. The complete chain of waterfalls along the North and South Carolina border is the highest falls series in eastern North America.
State Parks and Historic Sites
Visit Oconee Station State Historic Site and complete a 1.5-mile hike for the reward of beautiful fall colors. Previously a military compound and then a trading post, the site offers a look back at 18th- and 19th-century South Carolina. The hiking trail connects hikers to a trail that leads into Sumter National Forest and includes Station Cove Falls. Visitors may witness a wedding taking place here at the Symmes Chapel, or "Pretty Place," a favorite wedding venue that sits on top of Standing Stone Mountain and features a breathtaking view.
As The Birthplace of Barbecue, South Carolina offers much more to fall travelers than stunning foliage. Favorite fall activities across the state highlight Halloween, Thanksgiving and, of course, mouthwatering barbecue.
Festivities for the Fall Traveler
In North Augusta, many locals and visitors enjoy Halloween activities such as the “Spirits of Hallowed Eve Dinner” and “All Hallowed Eve Ghost Walk & Illusion Show” with spooky entertainment and spirited food and drink. Charleston abounds with Halloween spirit and fright night festivities. A favorite activity among fall travelers is the Haunted City Jail Tour offered by Bulldog Tours. The tour takes participants to The Old City Jail, home to Charleston’s infamous criminals, pirates and Civil War prisoners from 1802 to 1939.
There is a great reason to include the L.W. Paul Living History Farm in Conway, SC, in a fall visit to South Carolina. In November, the farm hosts its popular Fall Harvest & Syrup Day, which showcases syrup making, blacksmithing, saw milling and peanut picking, along with entertainment and a pumpkin pie contest for children. A visit to the farm anytime in the fall allows visitors to sample life on the “One Horse Family Farm,” observing and participating in traditional activities typical in Horry County from 1900 – 1955.
Barbecue-Inspired Thanksgiving
For those considering a visit during Thanksgiving, South Carolina is a wonderful place to gather around an inviting table with family and friends. With both traditional favorites and regional specialties, you’ll savor the best pork (barbecue) and homestyle fixin’s. Around Thanksgiving, it is also common for restaurants to use their smokers, as well as grills and fryers, to add a bit of Southern flair to their turkeys.
Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, a new addition to the Myrtle Beach area, invites guests to pick up a smoked turkey to serve at their own Thanksgiving table. Some barbecue spots will even smoke turkeys brought in by their customers. To learn more about Thanksgiving offerings across the state, visit DiscoverSouthCarolina.com for a free SC BBQ Trail Map that features nearly 200 barbecue restaurants, as well as recipes, tips, information on special events and more.
Explore South Carolina in the fall and you’ll find that it is “just right” for an unforgettable seasonal adventure. South Carolina is just right for vacations, with enticing outdoor experiences in each of its diverse regions, including 187 miles of Atlantic coastline, lake regions and coastal plain in the Midlands and deeply forested Blue Ridge Mountains in the upper west corner. Moderate year-round temperatures attract millions who enjoy South Carolina’s natural resources and inspiring historical attractions as well as fine dining, charming small towns and world-renowned golf experiences.
For additional information regarding South Carolina's vast array of unique opportunities for enrichment, excitement and escape, as well as a free copy of our special downloadable/printable South Carolina Barbecue Trail Map, featuring more than 200 barbecue restaurants, please visit DiscoverSouthCarolina.com or SouthCarolinaParks.com.
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