Fall is the perfect season to don your flannel and lace-up your hiking boots before hitting the trails. Not only is the crisp weather ideal for trekking, but the fall foliage is almost on full display in parts of the Upstate. Here are four of our favorite trails during fall.
Oconee State Park, 624 State Park Rd., Mountain Rest, SC | 54 miles from downtown Greenville
Route: Station Cove Falls Trail
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Length: 0.5 miles
This gentle trail is perfect for snapping an autumnal picture. You may spot the vibrant colors of rhododendrons, tall oaks, and poplars as you make your way to the falls.
Paris Mountain State Park, 2401 State Park Rd., Greenville, SC | 6 miles from downtown Greenville
Route: Lake Placid Loop
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Length: .75 mile loop
Take it easy on this trail with lake views and (mostly) flat ground. Go at golden hour and catch the maples and oaks in the glittering light.
Table Rock State Park, 158 Ellison Ln., Pickens, SC | 25 miles from downtown Greenville
Route: Carrick Creek Trail
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Length: 2 mile loop
Take this more challenging trail if you can handle some steep elevation changes. Be sure to check out the observation deck and spot all the fall colors of the mostly oak-hickory forest.
Cedar Falls State Park, 201 Cedar Falls Rd., Fountain Inn, SC | 20 miles from downtown Greenville
Route: The Natural Trail
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Length: 1.5 miles
This family friendly trip offers views of the Reedy River. and all its oaks and hickories. Within the park, the Reedy River widens to over 200 ft. in a cascade over rocks and boulders.
Need more recommendations? Check out our full guide to Carolinas hiking.