2025's Towns In South Carolina That Come Alive In The Fall
South Carolina in the fall is a magical destination that tourists ought to include in their travel plans. The mild temperatures, optimal humidity, and clean, crisp air culminate in the perfect conditions to venture outside and spectate the dazzling fall foliage, particularly in the Upstate. Unlike summer, the crowds are more manageable and the accommodation rates less exploitative. Furthermore, communities usher in the season with themed festivals and family-friendly events that bring out their unique traditions and characters.
Whether you're looking to sip hot cider while strolling through historic downtowns, hike scenic trails blanketed in fiery reds and golden yellows, or experience a small-town harvest festival that makes you feel like being home away from home, South Carolina delivers. From the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Pickens to the charming village of Walhalla, here are towns in South Carolina that come alive in the fall.
Cheraw
Christened "The Prettiest Town in Dixie," Cheraw's unequalled beauty comes into perspective between mid-October and early November, when the changing foliage achieves its richest shades, under 2 hours from Myrtle Beach. The crisp air lures vacationers to the great outdoors for easygoing hikes along the wooded trails of Cheraw State Park. Vibrant colors of crimson, mustard, and brown dominate the park as you trudge through the fallen leaves, with the colors reflecting off the shimmering waters of Lake Juniper.
This is the perfect opportunity to go on a paddling trip on the water for a unique perspective of the fall scenery or play low-key golf with peers on the manicured greens of the Cheraw State Park Golf Course. The season also coincides with the South Carolina Jazz Festival, which draws hundreds to the Town Green and Centennial Park for a celebration of music and art, where the sweet tunes of jazz music fill the air.
Pickens
This beautiful mountain town in Upcountry South Carolina puts on a remarkable autumn spectacle, with the fall foliage reaching its peak color in late October. You can credit its proximity to Table Rock State Park, which presents one of the most famous leaf-peeping locations in the state. Several viewpoints in the area place tourists in the ideal platform to enjoy front-row views of the fall scenery. You can endure the demanding climb up the Table Rock Summit Trailhead to take advantage of sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes from Table Rock Viewpoint.
Meanwhile, the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Byway cascades through the town, inviting vacationers to savor the autumn show from behind the windshield. Townsfolk also come out in numbers to mark the annual Pickens Appalachian Folk Festival, which pays tribute to the unique Appalachian heritage with bluegrass music, artisanal vendors, great food, and family fun.
Walhalla
Walhalla's location at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains endows it with exquisite natural scenery that comes into its own at peak fall foliage between mid- and late-October. Autumn enthusiasts can enjoy a time-lapse of transitioning leaves by driving along the Falling Waters Scenic Byway, which starts in Walhalla, winding through the dense woods of Sumter National Forest, to the Blue Ridge Escarpment.
Alternatively, they can take a 15-minute hike to Issaqueena Falls, where a 100-foot cascade leaves leaf-peepers in awe. There is an observation deck on the site, from where you can see brown, red, and yellow hues from the surrounding jungle reflecting off the glassy waterfall. Thousands turn out to mark a long-held tradition during the Walhalla Oktoberfest, which honors the town's German heritage through delicious German dishes, craft beers, live music, dance, and more.
Cleveland
Cleveland's tiny population of just over 1,000 explodes into several thousands as droves of excited leaf-peepers descend upon this Greenville County village to experience its fascinating fall colors. With the season reaching its pinnacle in late October, adventurers head to Caesars Head State Park to check out the brilliant display of golden yellows, burnt oranges, and wine reds. Some of the most spell-binding views await at Caesar's Head Overlook, which delivers sweeping panoramas of the park's colorful canopy against the dramatic backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Guests have a unique opportunity to chase stunning waterfalls in Cleveland's countryside, and a mile-long trek along the Wildcat Wayside Nature Trail ends at the Instagram-worthy Wayside Falls. Festival lovers can look forward to the Asbury Hills Fall Festival, which incorporates hayrides, archery, rock climbing, face painting, and other kid-friendly activities to signal the arrival of autumn.
Orangeburg
80 miles from Charleston and popularly known as "Garden City," Orangeburg's abundance of pristine natural areas and proximity to Congaree National Park put it among towns in South Carolina that come alive in the fall. The best fall colors are on display from mid-October to early November, with most people making their way to the serene grounds of Edisto Memorial Gardens. This heavenly sanctuary spans over 175 acres and explodes into a kaleidoscope of autumn colors between its floral displays and the transitioning tree leaves.
There is no better way to savor the season's crisp air than with an easygoing tee time at the Orangeburg Country Club, where manicured greens contrast against a hedge of shaded woodlands, and players savor terrific views of the Edisto River. Finally, the Orangeburg County Fair headlines the autumn events with a tapestry of fun experiences to celebrate the community's agricultural heritage, including carnival rides, livestock shows, food, and more.
Fountain Inn
Fountain Inn is a lively community in Laurens and Greenville counties with immense natural beauty, which visitors love to explore at the peak of autumn colors in late October. The town is home to Cedar Falls Park, which treats fall foliage enthusiasts to a terrific spectacle of colors, with changing leaves reflecting off the flowing waters of the Reedy River as it cascades over dramatic boulders and rocks. This 90-acre oasis provides a serene and secluded atmosphere, with gentle hiking and mountain biking trails. The Hidden Pasture Unicorn Farm holds its Fun Fall Fest, which delights families with pony rides, petting farms, pumpkin decorations, and other forms of entertainment.
Downtown Fountain Inn bursts to life with the annual Aunt Het Fall Festival & Car Show, as thousands of residents flood the streets to check out craft exhibitions, enjoy live music, admire a car show, and savor delicious food in a down-home atmosphere.
Spartanburg
This underrated gem in Northern South Carolina boasts some of the most awe-inspiring fall scenes in the region, reaching its peak foliage in late October and early November. Spartanburg has no shortage of green spaces where you can admire the transitioning leaf colors, starting with Hatcher Garden and Woodland Preserve. This 10-acre park welcomes families to walk on crunchy leaves along its gentle trails and revel in the brilliant canvas of crimson, yellow, and orange on the trees.
The colors are just as spectacular throughout the 7,000 acres of Croft State Park. Meanwhile, the conditions are perfect to explore over 20 miles of pathways on foot or horseback and see the trees reflecting in the park's two lakes. Autumn is a lively period in downtown Spartanburg, with residents coming out to mark the Hub City Brew Fest with delicious craft beer and food on the menu.
Long Creek
This sleepy village in Oconee County gets a new lease of life from mid-October when the fall colors transform it into a visual wonderland. Set on the scenic banks of the Wild and Scenic Chattooga River, the town boasts untouched wilderness areas, deep gorges, and intense rapids that complement the autumn colors. Venturing into the great outdoors, along the Brasstown Falls Trailhead, brings you to a multi-tier waterfall that tumbles 50 feet into the Chattooga River.
Guests will fancy a paddling tour with Chattooga Wildwater, allowing them to take in the sea of fall colors as they reflect dramatically on the shiny river surface. Meanwhile, the Chattooga Belle Farm welcomes families for a range of an array of fall-themed fun across its 200-acre property. These include picking your own apples, grapes, and blackberries, live music, and petting farm animals.
Final Thought
Whether chasing waterfalls amid the transitioning jungle of Long Creek or attending a themed festival in downtown Fountain Inn, these are only a handful of towns in South Carolina that come alive in the fall. There is much more to experience, with each destination offering a unique blend of scenic beauty, rich culture, and seasonal charm in the United States. From vibrant foliage to harvest festivals, fall brings out the best in these hidden gems for solo and group travelers alike.
