Explore All of South Carolina This Fall
Sept. 16, 2021
South Carolina is beautiful all year, but autumn in the Palmetto State might be the perfect time to explore all its natural resources. From the Piedmont to the Lowcountry, here are some ideas for getting outside this fall to see our beautiful state.
Upstate
It is difficult to find a more perfect time to visit the Blue Ridge Mountains in South Carolina. The fall brings changing colors and crisp afternoons. That makes it an ideal time to get outside for a hike. Some trails in the area can be a difficult challenge while others are perfect for someone just starting out.
Before getting out on a trail, do the research and carry a map. The South Carolina State Parks has trail maps for all of its parks.
For a strenuous hike, check out Table Rock’s trails to the top of Pinnacle and Table Rock mountains. For something less demanding, check out the easier trails along the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, a series of trails connecting Jones Gap and Caesars Head that offers some of the best views in the state.
In the Upstate, you will also find spots for apple picking, a fun outing for the whole family.
Jones Gap State Park.
Midlands
The middle part of South Carolina has just as much beauty and activity as the rest of the state in the fall. With cooler temperatures, it can be the perfect time to visit a local farm to pick a pumpkin, get lost in a corn maze or pick up fresh produce.
The Midlands is also home to several of the state’s beautiful rivers. Pick up a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard to go for a paddle and see the state from the water. At Congaree National Park, the state’s only national park, traveling by water can be the best way to see the landscape and explore the area.
In Sumter, the Little River Blueway includes backwaters and a vast marsh ecosystem. Explore the area from Hickory Knob State Resort Park. In Aiken, visitors can explore the Edisto River’s scenic trail by canoe at Aiken State Park. Goodale State Park in Camden offers some of the best kayaking in the state.
Lowcountry
Summertime might seem like the best time to explore the South Carolina Lowcountry, but fall is also a good time to get outside to appreciate the scenery near the coast. Botany Bay Plantation Heritage Preserve on Edisto Island offers miles of beaches for exploring the coastal habitat. Edisto Beach State Park has an environmental learning center for visitors to explore sea life and more.
At the Dorchester State Historic Site, you can walk among preserved archaeological remains of the colonial town for a peek into early South Carolina history and stunning views.
Pee Dee and Grand Strand
Exploring the state by bike can be a great way to get outside in the fall, and the Grand Strand has great bike trails for all riding levels. The Waccamaw Neck Bikeway is a 12-mile path that runs from Murrells Inlet to Huntington Beach State Park. For advice on how to get started biking, read our blog.
Take a walk around a local farmers market. Shopping at local farmers markets benefits the whole community. It supports local farmers and puts fresh, whole foods in your kitchen.
In the fall, you’ll also find plenty of opportunities to get outside to run or walk a 5K. There are ample training programs that make completing the 3.1-mile distance doable for most fitness levels. Search for races in your area online.
No matter where you live or what part of the state you visit, autumn is a great time to get healthy outside. For more inspiration, read our blog.
Congaree National Park. Photo courtesy of Ashley Auspelmyer.
Botany Bay.
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