Experience Fall Foliage in Lake Hartwell Country

Lake Hartwell Country
Oct 1
3 min read

When many Americans think of quintessential fall weather – the crisp air; leaves changing color from lush green to warm red, orange, and yellow; wisps of fog rolling over mountaintops – a small, colonial town in New England usually comes to mind. Hocus Pocus, Gilmore Girls, Dead Poets Society: they all point to the northeastern United States as the pinnacle of autumnal charm. But we’re here to argue that a different region should take the crown! Lake Hartwell Country offers all the same great weather and whimsy – without the crowds. Join us this October for a trip through our magnificent corner of South Carolina, and you’ll be amazed at what you see.

A car drives toward the camera on a two-lane paved road. The trees alongside and behind the road are turning bright autumnal colors, and the mountain behind the road is covered in reds, oranges, and golds as fog rolls over. — Yes, this is Lake Hartwell Country! Eastatoee Valley, to be exact.

When is peak fall foliage season in Lake Hartwell Country?

Typically, the best fall foliage can be spotted between late October and early November. Depending on how the year’s weather has been, this window can vary, but up here in mountainous Lake Hartwell Country we often begin to see the first signs of red and orange in mid-October. You can even check this real-time map to see the beautiful autumn colors spread across the state. Red maples are some of the first trees to change color, followed by some of our other native trees, like hickory, dogwood, and sweetgum. Oaks, on the other hand, are usually the last type of tree to spin their green leaves into gold. With our wide range of tree species, you should be able to see the foliage changing colors for 5 to 6 weeks this autumn!

Waldrop Stone Falls, a short, tiered waterfall, gushes down the rocks amidst piles of red maple leaves. Some green and gold plants and leaves frame the falls. — Not all trees change color at once, making for striking scenes like this one at Waldrop Stone Falls.

What scenic drives can I take to view fall foliage?

Many of Lake Hartwell Country’s most scenic drives wind through the higher elevations of the foothills, immersing you in cooler air and the first trees in the state to turn vivid new hues. One of our favorite drives is Highway 28, tracing a path from bustling downtown Anderson all the way up through the rural, wooded mountain paths near Walhalla and Mountain Rest. Along the way you’ll have plenty of chances to stop and soak in nature, including trails to hike to Yellow Branch Falls or Issaqueena Falls. Highway 76, veering further southwest than Highway 28, passes through Westminster and Long Creek before reaching the mountains. And Highway 178, cutting north through Pickens County, takes you through Jocassee Gorges, an isolated and primeval protected forest. No matter which road you take, you’ll experience uniquely beautiful landscapes and small towns, all nestled amidst eye-catching autumn scenery.

Two men face away from the camera on a golf course. One man has just teed off and the other watches from alongside a golf cart. The trees are turning fall colors and the mountains lay behind the golf green. — Scenic "drives" can mean two different things! You can still see the foliage from golf courses, too.

Which state parks have the best fall foliage?

No matter which state or county park you choose, you’ll be able to see stunning fall foliage thanks to Lake Hartwell Country’s lush forests. However, we love the mountainous parks in Pickens and Oconee Counties for their unparalleled views. Table Rock State Park in particular offers a breathtaking panorama from the top of Table Rock. Though the 3.6-mile trail to the top of the mountain (7.2 miles round trip) is very strenuous, experienced hikers can ascend over 2,000 feet to the summit and see the spectacular scenery for miles around. Other trails in the park are easier, and the Lakeside Trail and Carrick Creek Trail also provide gorgeous views of the foliage along more family-friendly paths. Just about 15 miles to the southwest lies Keowee-Toxaway State Park, which has its own zipline. What better way is there to experience beautiful fall foliage than soaring right through the middle of it? 10 different ziplines and a suspended bridge take guests through more than 1.5 miles of forested canopy, where you can not only see the beautiful fall leaves, but you can reach out and touch them!

Oconee State Park in the fall. A body of water stretches out from the camera under a blue sky with wispy clouds and gold, green, and red trees span the shorelines. — Oconee State Park offers miles of tree-covered shoreline.

It's time to cement Lake Hartwell Country in South Carolina as the premier autumn destination! Pack a blanket and your favorite picnic lunch and hit the road this October to see the best quaint towns, mountainous landscapes, and dazzling fall foliage Lake Hartwell Country has to offer. Where will your path lead?