Each year the fall season brings with it the promise of a sunburst of colors in much of the Palmetto State as the trees morph into living art exhibits. If you’re wondering “When do the leaves change in South Carolina?“, then keep in mind that South Carolina fall foliage typically peaks between mid-October and early November. We’ve put together a road trip on one of the upstate’s scenic byways that’ll have you enjoying the sights, sounds, and even the smell of fall as you meander along the highway. We’ve even added some points of interest to see along the way, and we’ve got a Road Trip Essentials Packing List & Guide that will help you plan your trip. Embark on this scenic adventure and experience the best fall colors in South Carolina.

Get ready to see some of the most spectacular fall colors in South Carolina. The main road you'll be traveling on is the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway, a.k.a. SC-11. The drive time is under five hours, but you'll want to allow much more time for gawking, sightseeing, and in general...just taking your time and enjoying the day.

The tour starts in front of Limestone University in downtown Gaffney. Have fun!
Google Maps
Here's your itinerary. You can open it on Google Maps online to view and then send or save it to your smartphone to have for the trip.
1. Limestone University, Gaffney
Limestone University, 1115 College Dr, Gaffney, SC 29340, USA
Facebook Limestone University
Established in 1845, Limestone University is the third oldest college in South Carolina. The campus is stunning, especially when the leaves are changing. This is a great place to start your fall foliage tour, even if you're just driving by the campus as you get underway. The magnificent building in the photo above can be seen from the intersection of College Drive and Griffith Street in downtown Gaffney. Visit Google Maps for the location and coordinates and the Limestone University website for additional details.

From here, the pre-charted Google map will take you onto SC-11 to enjoy the fall foliage en route to the next stop.
2. Cowpens National Battlefield, Gaffney
Flickr/David Ellis
4001 Chesnee Hwy, Gaffney, SC 29341, USA
Flickr/anapaulamm
Located near Chesnee, this national treasure commemorates a significant battle fought here during the Revolutionary War. After you finish marveling at the fall colors, peek in the log museum for exhibits from the American Revolutionary War before you hit the road for more sightseeing. It's one of the most underrated national parks in South Carolina.
3. Optional Food Stop: Bantam Chef, Chesnee
Trip Advisor/Hooked_on_travel77
Bantam Chef in Chesnee South Carolina, 418 S Alabama Ave, Chesnee, SC 29323, USA
TripAdvisor Hooked_on_travel77
Hungry yet? Take a slight detour from SC-11 to stop at an Upstate icon for a quick bite before hitting the trail. Bantam Chef is a restaurant with a unique "museum" in the dining room, featuring a 1950s Studebaker and more! You'll enjoy the food, the atmosphere, and refueling in this great eatery along your route.
4. Head back out onto SC-11, or the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway.
Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway, Cherokee Foothills Scenic Hwy, Chesnee, SC, USA
Google Maps [streetview]
Note: If you have rose-colored sunglasses, this is probably a good time to put them on. Auburn lenses make the fall colors on the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway look even more amazing.
5. Campbell's Covered Bridge, Landrum
Trip Advisor/Susan B

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R84W/TripAdvisor
171 Campbell Covered Bridge Rd, Landrum, SC 29356, USA
Cecillia B/TripAdvisor
Take a left onto SC-14 E and then a right onto 414 (you can also just follow the Google Map link above) and head over to pay homage to the last of the old covered bridges in South Carolina. Campbell's Covered Bridge is a well-preserved piece of South Carolina history. Even if you've seen it before, you'll love renewing your connection to this relic in this beautiful fall setting.
6. Fred W. Symmes Chapel, a.k.a. Pretty Place, Cleveland
Facebook Pretty Place
100 YMCA Camp Rd, Cleveland, SC 29635, USA
Flickr/Jeremy Taylor
There's no other view like it in the state, which makes it quite possibly the best place for viewing fall colors in South Carolina. The stunning images you'll capture here will inspire you for the rest of your life. Built as a chapel for the youth camp, Symmes has become a popular place for weddings. For that reason, be sure you call before you plan your fall foliage trip in South Carolina. If there's an event taking place then you won't be permitted to enter. So call, and if the venue is closed you may want to plan to come back to just this one spot on another weekend. Along with being a beautiful place to see fall foliage, it's also the best place to watch the sunrise in South Carolina. You can contact them ahead of time at (864)836-3291. Visit the Pretty Place page on the Camp Greenville website for more information.
7. Table Rock State Park, Pickens
158 E Ellison Ln, Pickens, SC 29671, USA
Flickr/David Ellis
This is one time you don't have to haul yourself up to the TOP of Table Rock for the breathtaking view. You'll find the entrance to Table Rock State Park right on SC-11 where you can pull in and admire this monolithic landmark in all its fall splendor right from the parking area. It's one of the most spectacular places to see the best fall foliage in South Carolina.
8. Lake Jocassee, Salem
Lake Jocassee Road, Lake Jocassee Rd, South Carolina 29676, USA
The weekend tourists/TripAdvisor
Take a detour off SC-11 and head over to the welcome center at Devils Fork State Park. Get an up-close look at South Carolina's own "grand canyon" and the beautiful fall colors smattered on the plunging mountain-scapes surrounding Lake Jocassee.
9. Issaqueena Falls, Walhalla
TennSouth Photography/Instagram
Stumphouse Tunnel Road, Stumphouse Tunnel Rd, South Carolina, USA
Papa-Ratzo/TripAdvisor
The short hike down to the observation deck at Issaqueena Falls, north of Walhalla makes this small detour worth the effort. You'll veer off SC-11 for just a few minutes and head to Stumphouse Tunnel Park just north of Walhalla. The trailhead to Isaqueena Falls is located in the park. If you have time, you can also explore the Stumphouse Mountain Tunnel on this detour before heading back to SC-11, the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway.
10. Lake Hartwell State Park (en route to Interstate 85) on SC-11, Fair Play
19138 SC-11, Fair Play, SC 29643, USA
Flickr/Scott Ritchie
After Issequeena Falls hit the road again for more gorgeous fall foliage in South Carolina. Just before you get to Interstate 85, and the end of this tour, you'll have the option to stop at Lake Hartwell State Park. Here, you can admire the clear water and the red outline the soil makes all the way around the lake. Lake Hartwell is gorgeous any time of year, but especially in the fall.

If you’ve ever been one to ask, “When do the leaves change in South Carolina?” now you know! South Carolina fall foliage is unbelievably gorgeous. The window of opportunity to see the leaves changing colors is so small, which is different from our friends who live in the northern areas of the country, and it makes the brief season here even more special. This fall foliage road trip through South Carolina’s beautiful upstate is perfect for seeing our state as you’ve never seen it before.

Will you take this road trip to see the best fall colors in South Carolina? Is autumn your favorite season? What are your favorite things to do in South Carolina in the fall? We’d love to know in the comments!

Leaf-peeping season means the holidays are right around the corner. Check out this video from us at OnlyInYourState to see one of the most magical Christmastime events in South Carolina, the Greenville Gingerbread Show:

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More to Explore

Best Fall Foliage In South Carolina

Elisa Regulski | August 15, 2019

What is the best time to see peak fall foliage in South Carolina?

The best time to see peak fall foliage in South Carolina is:

  • From the middle of October through early November

It’s wise to plan your autumn adventures in advance. South Carolina’s fall colors don’t last long, and they’re too beautiful to miss. 

Where are the best places in South Carolina to see fall foliage?

Some of the best places in South Carolina to see fall foliage are:

  • Cowpens National Battlefield, Gaffney

It looks especially beautiful this time of year. Colorful leaves cover the ground and the crisp autumn air hits you in the face.

Just stare out the window at the picturesque views

This is another popular place to gaze at the autumn scenery.

No matter where you go, you’re certain to find some lovely views. 

What are the best South Carolina hikes to take in the fall?

In our opinion, some of the best South Carolina hikes to take in the fall are:

This trail is a popular destination for fall hiking. It’s easy to see why people love it so much -- the breezy trails and sweeping views are incredibly relaxing. At only 1.6 miles long, this short hike is perfect for a family outing.

The Canal Trail is another amazing place to hike in the fall. This trail is only 1.5 miles long, but it’s packed with jaw-dropping sights, even if the fall colors aren't as brilliant as those found further in the Upstate.

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