Autumn may be the perfect time for a visit to South Carolina’s Upstate. The 10 counties at the top of the state border North Carolina and Georgia in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains. 

Take advantage of the Upstate’s gorgeous natural resources to keep moving and improve your health. 

Abbeville 

Connect with nature by camping at one of the best campsites in the state in Calhoun Falls State Park*. Camping has many benefits. Even if you aren’t up for an overnight stay, enjoy an afternoon in the park. Walk the 1.75-mile trail or play tennis or basketball at the courts. Play is important for all ages.   

Anderson 

Anderson County is home to beautiful state parks, including one at Lake Hartwell. But you’ll also find several county parks for an outing. At Dolly Cooper Park*, there’s plenty of fun for the whole family with sports fields, playgrounds, a disc golf course, a walkway that is accessible to people with disabilities, and access to the Saluda River. Grab a paddle and take to the water. Even in autumn, you can benefit from time on the water. 

Cherokee 

Enjoy nature and history on the Overmountain Victory National Historic Trail*. This trail stretches across four states and follows the route used by patriot militia during the Revolutionary War*. Nearby Kings Mountain State Park* and Kings Mountain National Military Park continue the history tour*. Every November, history comes alive with demonstrations of an 1800s Piedmont farm. 

Greenwood 

This history-rich region continues in Ninety Six National Historic Site*. This site includes a paved 1-mile walking trail. Primitive trails and paths for horses also run throughout the area. While on these historic trails, see what kind of wildlife you can find. Bird-watching is known to improve mood and mental health.   

Greenville 

You have plenty of activities to occupy your time in Greenville, but don’t skip a visit to Unity Park*.

Take your bike for a spin around the Swamp Rabbit Trail Network*, a 28-mile multiuse greenway. Biking is good for all ages and can be easy on joints. 

Laurens

Bordering the Midlands, Laurens County connects with the Francis Marion and Sumter national forests*. There are plenty of hiking trails. But it is also known to mountain biking enthusiasts for FATS*, or the Forks Area Trail System, a 37-mile multiloop trail system*.  

Oconee  

The westernmost county in South Carolina, Oconee has plenty of stunning nature to keep you busy. Chase waterfalls here. A few to note: Lower Whitewater Falls*, Yellow Branch Falls* and Kings Creek Falls*. If you stop at Devils Fork State Park*, you’ll find more waterfalls nestled along picturesque Lake Jocassee.  

Pickens 

Get to the top of the state in Pickens with a visit to Sassafras Mountain, the highest point in the state at 3,553 feet. It is one of South Carolina’s seven wonders. From the observation tower, you can get incredible views of the Blue Ridge Mountains. 

The Foothills Trail* includes a Sassafras Mountain hiking trail*. The trail is an easy 2.1 miles. 

Spartanburg 

Immerse yourself in the changing seasons at Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve*. You can get fit in the garden* by challenging yourself to exercises along the walk.  

Union 

Explore the state’s complex history at Rose Hill Plantation State Historic Site*. The site offers a setting for exploring the experiences of enslaved people and the impact of the families who lived and worked on the site. On two short hiking trails, you can stroll the grounds and immerse yourself in nature.