This South Carolina Bike Ride Leads To The Most Stunning Fall Foliage You've Ever Seen
By AnneMarie|Published October 05, 2022
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AnneMarie
Author
South Carolina has been home for AnneMarie since 2001. Her favorite part of the state is Lake Jocassee. An App State alumna, it's always the mountains; the lake bonus makes it heavenly. When not writing about the state, she may be spending time with family, relaxing by the pool, or out somewhere enjoying nature.
Oh, Autumn … how do we love thee? Let us count the ways! Whether it’s sweater weather, the return of pumpkin spice in the marketplace or football games in stadiums, picturesque scenery in nature, or some other reason, there’s a certain obsession with the autumn season shared by many of us. This time of year has even created a hobby around the changing of leaf colors, affectionately called leaf looking. Did you know there’s a route in our state that leads to the most stunning fall foliage in South Carolina that you’ve ever seen?
Motorcycle tourists, in particular, will especially appreciate this gorgeous ride.
Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway 11, considered one of the best motorcycle rides in the state, perhaps because it’s simply one of the 7 Best Backroads In South Carolina, begins at I-85 in the small town of Fair Play and technically ends in Gaffney. However, we will only be traveling a portion of the overall route in our fall foliage viewing adventure, because you do not want to miss this view!
You can expect good, friendly service, too … just not habaneros, ironically. About the halfway point during our journey, you’ll have about another half-hour to our destination. And what a treat you are in for!
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After that second leg of the ride, we reach our journey’s end at Table Rock State Park, one of the state’s top places for amazing views of vibrant fall leaves.
One of 47 state parks, the cooler temperatures of the mountainous setting at Table Rock are refreshing after the hot summer months as well as partially responsible for the spectacular fall landscape. This view is seen from Table Rock Trail, one of over a dozen trails at the park.
From another perspective from this trail, you can see more of one of the two lakes at the park, showing off the colorful foliage in its reflection.
Also, this particular trail is over 3.5 miles one-way and considered strenuous.
There are a couple of easy trails at Table Rock State Park, but one of them is a connector trail between a moderate-to-strenuous trail and the final trail we will take a look at in a moment that is very strenuous. Here’s a quick snapshot of the vivid leaf scenery that can be seen from the Pinnacle Lake Trail Loop, just under two miles in length and considered an easy hike.
Now for those who can handle a very strenuous trail, here’s a sampling of what you’ll see from the Pinnacle Mountain Trail! It stretches for just over 4 miles one way.
Seriously, what’s not to love about fall foliage? Especially for South Carolina die-hard college football fans, who get to see their team colors abundantly expressed in nature.
Even in a single leaf, the Gamecocks get a hat tip. Don’t be upset, though, Tigers. We’ve already seen plenty of orange on display!
Mark your calendar to take advantage of these remarkable views soon. Visit the South Carolina State Parks’s official website for more information, and check out their Table Rock webcam for a live look at the foliage, especially if you’re unable to travel to experience it in person. And be sure to check the Best Times to View Fall Foliage to maximize your chances of gauging the ideal window for catching the leaves at their peak splendor of color for the season.
Have you found a favorite spot for viewing fall foliage in South Carolina? Please do tell us in the comments below!
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