Fall Leaf Peeping and Eatin’ Guide: Best Scenic Spots and Local Eats
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 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 abundant wildlife. The path also connects to the Swamp Rabbit Trail to extend your fall leaf journey.
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.
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.
Hagood Mill Historic Site and Folklife Center
While in the Pickens area exploring Big Rock, be sure to check out SC’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”.
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.
Campbell’s Covered Bridge
35.0858° N, 82.2641° W
Next road trip – Route 25 to Flat Rock, NC. First stop – Campbell’s Covered Bridge. Built in 1909, this is the oldest standing covered bridge in South Carolina.
Flat Rock Village Bakery provides a heart to the historic village of Flat Rock by producing an amazing array of organic brick-oven breads, rustic handcrafted pastries, dark roasted organic coffees, and super fresh organic salads, sandwiches, and wood-fired pizzas.
Source: www.flatrockwoodfired.com/bakery
Pearson’s Falls and Glen
35.2177° N, 82.3355° W
Pearson’s Falls and Glen is a beautiful botanical preserve located near Saluda, NC. The hike to Pearson’s Falls is a short ¼ mile making it perfect for families with plenty of benches and picnic tables.
Gorges State Park
35.0916° N, -82.9185° W
The drive into Gorges State Park is breathtaking. Be sure to stop by their impressive Visitors Center.
How do you pronounce it? Gorges or Gorgeous?
Working up an appetite? Add the Historic Toxaway Market or Falls Cafe and Bar (Open Sundays) to your list of places to try.
Nicola the Trail Cat from Pleasant Ridge Park says thanks for going “off the grid” (literally) with us this fall!
Load up on freshly baked goodies at Upcountry Provisions, eat a hardy breakfast at The Hungry Drover, or stop by Yellow Ginger for some serious grub before checking out our next autumn adventure.
Paris Mountain State Park
34.9384° N, 82.3908° W
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)!
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.
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 HOT apple cider for $1
Wayside Wildcat
35.0761° N, 82.5963° W
Roadside + waterfalls + boiled peanuts = all things good in life.
Bonus: 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.
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 restaurant before the parking lot entrance.
Route 25 has amazing stops, the foodie highlight being Flat Rock Village Bakery.
Saluda, NC
35.2362° N, 82.3493° W
Welcome to charming Saluda, NC, where the views are breathtaking and the food is out of this world.
While in Saluda, make sure you grab a bite to eat at The Purple Onion. Really though, look at our friend – have you ever seen so much joy?! That’s just how good this place is. Go drool over their menu here. You’re welcome
Keowee Toxaway State Park
34.9319° N, 82.8864° W
This hike. That lake. Those views! Welcome to our next stop, Keowee Toxaway State Park. This tops our list of nearby places to escape to this fall. With it only being 35 miles outside of Greenville, it’s an easy trip and one you won’t forget anytime soon. A moderate hike brings prime views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and Lake Keowee, leaving us completely awe-inspired.
Hungry for something local? Just 15 minutes away, give Sisters Restaurant a try. We hear their brunch is hot and tasty.
Gorges State Park has no shortage of amazing trails. We decided on the Rainbow Falls Trail, a strenuous 3 mile out and back hike to both Rainbow Falls and Turtlebacks Falls. The trail follows the Horse Pasture River upstream, and we can’t think of a better way to experience fall than deep in the woods, listening to the sounds of water flowing by. The moment you turn the corner and see the 150’ Rainbow Falls…just incredible.
Tip: Do NOT turn around just yet! Turtleback Falls is only a quarter mile up the trail and is well worth the extra steps.
Pleasant Ridge Park
35.0864° N, 82.4799° W
We are winding down our fall adventures at Pleasant Ridge County Park, home of Camp Spearhead and Camp Courage. Hike or bike your way through the crisp autumn air on the JFA Trail.
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