Looking forward to Fall

As we near the end of July, most of South Carolina is practically melting with temperatures soaring in the 90s and humidity making it feel even hotter. Although it feels far off, temperatures will soon cool and days will grow shorter, painting South Carolina with vibrant foliage. Here is what we can look forward to this fall!


When do the leaves change color?

Typically, the peak fall foliage season in South Carolina occurs between mid-October and early November. However, the exact timing can vary depending on weather conditions such as temperature and rainfall. 

To stay updated, we recommend checking out our Fall Foliage reports from Ranger Scott at Table Rock State Park, and keeping an eye on our webcams. You can also view the Fall Foliage Prediction Map from the Smoky Mountains.com to help plan your trip.

Why do leaves change color?

 The magic of autumn colors is a result of chemical changes within the leaves. During the spring and summer, tree leaves produce all the pigments we see in the fall, but they make so much of the chlorophyll to help produce food through photosynthesis, that the green masks the underlying reds, oranges, and yellows. As the days become shorter and cooler, the trees prepare for winter by slowing down chlorophyll production. Once this happens, the green color starts to fade and other pigments become visible. Trees then shed their leaves to conserve resources for the winter months ahead.

Where are the best parks for fall foliage viewing?

You can experience leaf peeping throughout South Carolina! Begin your adventures in the mountains in mid to late October and work your way down towards the coast in November. For the most spectacular viewing, visit parks along the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, including Jones Gap, Caesars Head, Table Rock, Keowee-Toxaway, Devils Fork, and Oconee state parks. Some of our other favorites for foliage viewing include Kings Mountain, Paris Mountain, Poinsett, and Chester state parks. 

Check out these other destinations around the Palmetto State for fall foliage viewing and this Fall Trip Itinerary of the Upstate!

What should we do?

There is so much to explore in South Carolina State Parks during the fall (and year-round!). Visit a scenic waterfall, take a fall hike, gather around the campfire at one of our campgrounds, tee off at one of our golf courses, cozy up in a cabin, and check out some of our upcoming Programs & Events!

Featured Events


See more of our seasonal events, here.