by: Jen Charles (@nativegvlgirl) + Off the Grid Greenville
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Your ultimate “off the grid” fall foliage and food guide. From near and far to barbecue and baked goods, we’ve got you covered.
Stay safe while leaf-peeping friends!
Furman Bell Tower | 56.3341° N, 102.8845° W
Furman’s campus is consistently named one of the most beautiful in the country, and we completely agree. Located just minutes from Greenville off of Poinsett Highway, Furman is the perfect spot to take in the gorgeous changing colors autumn brings. Enjoy an easy 1.5-mile walk around Furman Lake, where you will come across the melodious Bell Tower, an amphitheater, and an abundance of wildlife. The path also connects to the Swamp Rabbit Trail to extend your fall leaf peeping journey.
Hangry yet? Load up on fresh baked goodies at Upcountry Provisions, eat a hearty breakfast at The Hungry Drover, or stop by Yellow Ginger for some serious grub before checking out our next autumn adventure. #supportlocal
Paris Mountain State Park | 34.9384° N, 82.3908° W
With 15 miles of trails ranging from easy to difficult, Paris Mountain is definitely Greenville’s ultimate backyard playground. Only minutes from downtown, you truly feel as though you are deep in the mountains, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Fall is an exceptionally beautiful time to visit this gem.
The F-Mart will greet you with hot dogs and more as you make your way to our next stop, Jones Gap State Park.
Jones Gap State Park | 35.1255° N, 82.5703° W
Welcome to Jones Gap, a magical, lush mountain cove with over 60 miles of trails ranging from easy to difficult, a trout pond and fish hatchery exhibit, waterfalls, picnic tables, and campgrounds. We cannot think of a better way to take in the beautiful colors of fall than a day at Jones Gap.
Parking is limited, so get there early (especially on weekends)!
Jones Gap State Park, Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is gorgeous, but for us, the actual trail is what makes this one of our favorites. There’s just something magical about hiking deep in the forest, surrounded by lush green mountain laurel, leaves changing to deep reds and bright yellows, and listening to the cool water of the Middle Saluda River rushing by. Considered difficult, Rainbow Falls Trail is 2.2 miles one way.
Afterwards, Burly Bill’s BBQ can fill the “gap” in your tummy with barbecue everything.
Get ready…we have only just begun. We’re on top of the world at our next spot.
Big Rock Mountain | 34.9576133°N, -82.790137°W
Big Rock is an excellent spot for memorable adventures this fall. Thanks to Carolina Climbers Coalition and Naturaland Trust for creating 40+ challenging routes, all overlooking our beautiful upstate.
While in the Pickens area exploring Big Rock, be sure to check out S.C.'s largest waterwheel at the Hagood Mill Historic Site and Folklife Center. One of the oldest working gristmills, circa 1825, is still full of life. With festivals every third Saturday of the month, nature trails, a moonshine still, and a blacksmith shop there is plenty to explore.
DYK: You can view prehistoric Native American rock carvings here at the Hagood Creek Petroglyph Site?
End your day exploring Pickens with locally sourced appetizers and Elysian Night Owl pumpkin ale (tis’ the season) at the Appalachian Ale House, a “prohibition style speakeasy”.
Welcome to the spectacular Route 276, the ultimate day trip.
Meet Paulie, who will greet you with boiled peanuts, drinks, snacks, and mountain crafts as you as you pull into Wildcat Wayside.
*Don’t miss the strawberry lemonade.
Wayside Wildcat | 35.0761° N, 82.5963° W
Roadside + waterfalls + boiled peanuts = all things good in life.
Follow an easy one-mile loop with a waterfall at the top.
DYK: The US National Park Service created wayside parks during the Great Depression, giving “motoring” folks beautiful, easily accessible spots to park, relax, and enjoy the local area.
Bald Rock Heritage Preserve | 35.0827° N, 82.6213° W
Bald Rock Heritage Preserve is must as you continue along to Caesar’s Head. This enormous slab of graffiti-covered rock has endless views of Greenville and Pickens Counties, but the star of the show is definitely Table Rock in the distance.
Caesars Head State Park | 35.1059° N, 82.6261° W
With breathtaking views of our beautiful upstate, Caesars Head never gets old. In the mood to hike? That’s covered too with over 60 miles of hiking trails nearby.
Grab a bite to eat at the Mountain House Restaurant (or at least try the fudge - you won’t be sorry).
