Fall Foliage

In South Carolina, the fall foliage showcase is best observed in the upstate. The mountains become a magnet for thousands of onlookers each year as October rolls around.

Color Update:  November 26, 2007 - Final Report this year

 
The peak of fall color is behind us now and what remains is fading fast. The bright colors of the maples and hickories that had the hillsides all ablaze, have fallen with the winds and rain of late November. Lingering colors have become subtle and muted with the main foliage display coming from a variety of oaks. American beech trees along the stream courses will hold the majority of their withered, tan leaves from now until early spring when new growth will force them to drop off. The last week of November brought welcome rain to our drought stricken state and even though the colors are no longer brilliant, observing the landscape in wet conditions gives the forest an attractive, fresh look.

December is upon us and the last of the leaves to yet fall will soon take their place on the forest floor to replenish the soil with additional nutrients. It was another late arrival for the colors of autumn this year but no matter when it comes, it will always be a time to enjoy the change of the seasons and the beauty of our forest lands.

Check out this great article on great places to view fabulous fall color in state parks.