10 Things to do this Autumn in Upstate South Carolina
Disclaimer: We are not paid to promote any restaurant, hotel, activity, product, or attraction. All opinions are subjective and based on our personal experience. Your experience may be different.
Colorful leaves, cozy sweaters, football, brisk weather, pumpkin everything….there really is no better season than the fall. South Carolina does not typically come to mind first when planning a fantastic autumn destination for most. However, the Upstate, a name given to the 10 counties which make up the Northwestern portion of the state, is actually a fantastic leaf peeping destination. The proximity to the beautiful Blue Ridge mountains & mild climate leads to unending opportunities for recreation. While living in the Greenville area, I took so many daytrips to all the beautiful state parks and waterfalls in the region. This is an amazing area for nature lovers, especially during the wonderful fall season.
Fall is one of the best times of the year to plan your trip to the Upstate region. The air is drier, the temps much cooler, and the tourist crowds have begun to die down. And, most importantly, lovely fall foliage can be seen throughout the region. While the rest of the state is still quite warm this time of year, the this mountainous region – thanks to its’ higher elevation – sees a dramatic drop in temps. In fact, I loved the mild four season climate. I love all seasons but fall being the longest is definitely a bonus! The season here often stretches well into the winter months. Instead of months of snow, you get to enjoy fall a little longer.
From pumpkin patches, to fall foliage hikes and scenic drives, to seasonal festivals and fairs, the area is alive with that special fall vibe which most of us love. There are so many ways to take in the beauty of the Upstate’s lingering autumn season. Greenville is not only a great starting point for many great day trips, but also home to numerous amenities of its’ own.
Check out my favorite ways to enjoy the fall months!
1. Take a hike
Upstate SC is an oasis for nature lovers, hikers, and mountain bikers. There are dozens of state parks and recreational areas to explore. Prime leaf peeping often arrives the 3rd-4th week of October, and often lingers on throughout November. Whether you are a beginning or avid hiker, there is something for fitness lovers of all abilities. I never got bored driving to these parks each weekend. As someone who loves nature and hiking, this region truly does not disappoint.
Some trails feature spectacular mountain vistas, some terrific leaf peeping, others prime views of a spectacular waterfall…while a few of the best offer a bit of everything. My favorite hotspots I recommend adding to your fall bucket list include:
- Paris Mountain State Park near Greenville
- Table Rock State Park in Travelers Rest
- Caesar’s Head State Park in Cleveland
All 3 of these parks offer trail options ranging from easy nature strolls to all day intense adventures. Caesar’s is home to one of the state’s tallest waterfall, while Paris Mountain is a great place to enjoy lakeside activities like kayaking, and Table Rock is an ideal place to enjoy a low-key creekside stroll.
2. Visit a local pumpkin patch
This region offers no shortage of family-owned local farms, many of which put on a festive fall celebration each year. Unfortunately, the majority of these charge exorbitant entry fees and are hardly worthy of the fee based on the lackluster attractions & hefty crowds. Growing up in the Midwest, I am used to have many fabulous pumpkin patches and fall festivals to choose amongst, so the options here have been a bit of a dissapointment. One exception is Stewart Farms in Enoree where you pay per activity as opposed to paying extra fees for activities which you are not interested in.
This farm offers a themed wagon ride out to a patch where you can cut your own pumpkin. There’s also a great little corn maze, which is tame enough daytime for families and scary enough at night for those seeking a Halloween fright. Also on-site is a small store selling local jams, honey, and other regional products. Not really much in the way of festive decor, however, nothing says fall like a fresh day out at the farm. So, escape the clutter of the city for a few hours and enjoy some good old-fashioned fun on the farm.
3. See the last remaining covered bridge in the state
Just outside of the small town of Landrum in the Northeastern portion of Greenville county stands the last remaining covered bridge in the state. I really love traveling to see these historic reminders of the past. It is like a step back in time and I would like to see as many as possible before they all disappear.
Campbell’s Covered Bridge was constructed in 1909 and is 38 feet long and 12 feet wide. Although you can plan your visit at any time of the year, the atmosphere during the fall season with the colorful backdrop is simply unmatched. As most covered bridges have not stood the test of time, a drive here is a must for the nostalgia factor alone.
The drive over from Greenville is quite beautiful too, consisting of quiet woodsy countryside, with plenty of leaf peeping opportunities throughout October and November. Along the way be on the lookout for boiled peanut stands – these tasty Southern style treats are worthy of the detour!
More info on Campbell’s covered bridge
4. Check out a mesmerizing waterfall
One of things I loved most about living here was the easy access to waterfalls. Some of these you can see via a short hike, while others require an intense back country journey. My favorite intermediate option is the 2 mile out-and-back trek to Raven Cliff falls in Caesar’s Head State Park. This hike is fairly challenging and steep at times, although nothing too overwhelming, and thus, you will see plenty of families and casual hikers out enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
After taking a stroll through the woodsy forest, which is ablaze with gold, red, and orange hues in the peak of fall, you will arrive at an observing deck which looks out onto the amazing 400+ foot tall Raven Cliff falls. For a more direct view, you can choose to hike a strenuous 8 mile loop trail. This intense hike requires a lot of time and endurance and advance planning with proper hydration and snacks.
Check out more of my favorite waterfall hikes
5. Treat yourself to a pumpkin spice latte
For many, the fall season does not technically start until Starbucks rolls out its’ classic Pumpkin Spice Latte, better known as the PSL. I am a fan of black coffee with nothing added, however, I occasionally make an exception for this seasonal drink. Sipping this perfectly spiced pumpkin concoction really makes it feel like fall is in the air. After a long hot summer season, I long for cool temps and pumpkin everything and a pumpkin spice latte really makes everything feel a bit more festive.
While Starbucks seasonal drinks are great, it’s always nice to support local businesses. Fortunately, Greenville is home to a number of great independent coffee shops, many of which offer their own version of the Pumpkin Spice latte.
The coffee scene here is pretty fantastic for a small city and I have enjoyed making various local cafes my pre-hiking destination nearly every weekend. Both the Swamp Rabbit Cafe and The Village Grind use real pumpkin in their drinks. No matter which local business you choose, you are guaranteed a steaming mug of fall’s best indulgence.
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