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.

Fall Foliage Updates

Each week, on this webpage, we will give you fall color updates from the South Carolina Mountains, to help you plan your fall vacation around the turning of the leaves. 

Science of Fall Color

Why do certain leaves turn certain colors?  Why do they turn at all?  Check with Park Interpreter Scott Stegenga as he explains the science of the fall color change in layman's terms!

Best Places to View

Interested in some of the best places to view fall foliage in South Carolina?  We've compiled a list of some of the coolest views in state parks, some you might recognize, and some you've probably never thought of -- all fantastic!

Scenic Highway 11

Due to a variety of impressive mountain, lake and forest landscapes, the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (SC 11) has always lived up to its name. With the advent of fall, it puts an exclamation point behind it. This attractive route skirts the Blue Ridge escarpment, with several access points into state parks along the way. Each location offers unique settings for appreciating fall foliage.