Sweater Weather: Cooler Days in Lake Hartwell Country

It’s officially sweater weather here in Lake Hartwell Country – that time of year when the crisp air and occasional frosty mornings make you want to bundle up and burrow into blankets by a roaring fire. But we’ll let you in on a little secret: it’s also a fantastic time to get outside and embrace the chill! Layer up and hit the trails for a rewarding outdoor excursion. We promise the blankets and bonfire feel even better after a day immersed in nature!

Break out those winter coats and hit the trails!

Where can I hike in colder weather?

Though the wind might whip around you at the top of a mountain, you’ll also be able to see for miles further than normal, thanks to the sparse foliage of late fall and early winter. That’s why we think mountain hikes in Lake Hartwell Country are even better this time of the year. Table Rock Trail and Pinnacle Mountain Trail are both longer, more strenuous hikes in Table Rock State Park, and they offer amazing vantage points from their summits. Make sure to wear layers, as you’ll feel a difference in temperatures as you hike skyward!

We also love wooded sections of the Foothills Trail, which weaves along the northern border of Lake Hartwell Country and North Carolina. Some of our favorite paths span the Chimneytop Gap to Laurel Fork Falls trail segment. Approximately 10 miles of easy to moderate trails connect these endpoints via Laurel Valley, and unique features like high ridges and rock outcrops, several waterfalls, and rustic bridges accent your hike. There’s nothing quite so serene as pausing on one of the wooden bridges and soaking in the quiet forest! And make sure to keep an eye out for any wildlife that might be hidden between the tree trunks – critters are much easier to see without dense summer thickets all around. 

What will you see at the end of the path?

Where can I bike in colder weather?

The Lake Hartwell Country trails aren’t just limited to hiking. Many are also bike-friendly, offering mountain biking trails for all levels of experience. Bikers are also likely to encounter less traffic when hitting the trails in cooler weather, making for a smoother ride from start to finish. The Fants Grove Trail System in Clemson Experimental Forest offers more than 35 miles of bike trails, and its popularity among bikers ensures that trails are clearly marked and maintained even in cooler months. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to see Lake Hartwell along the ride, as the trail offers beautiful lake views.

For those who prefer keeping their tires on firm pavement, the Doodle Trail connects Easley and Pickens and offers 7.5 miles of paved trail between the two downtowns. With wooded sections throughout and hubs at both ends, bikers can surround themselves with natural scenery without straying too far from civilization (and heated restaurants). Pop that sweater back on and cap off your ride with a drink or meal at either end. In Pickens, we recommend the Coyote Coffee Café, a local coffee shop that’s just a quick pedal down Main Street. In Easley, The Silos is one of our favorites, thanks to its unique environment and wide variety of food and drink offerings – not to mention its outdoor firepits, perfect for staying warm.

Ready to hit the pavement? The Doodle Trail takes you between Pickens and Easley.

What else can I do in colder weather in Lake Hartwell Country?

Even if you aren’t big on hiking or biking, there are still plenty of ways to dive into the great outdoors in Lake Hartwell Country – even in November. No matter if you have your own steed or want a guided outing on experienced trail horses, some area trails are open to horses and riders. Lake Hartwell Country is a great place for a ride, regardless of if you prefer a flatter, lakeside trail or your horse is ready to tackle more mountainous terrain. If you need someone to lend a hand (or a rein), Horseback Waterfall Tours, based in Pickens, offers tours with a guide and horses who know the area, so you can enjoy your afternoon on horseback without worrying about where you’re going.

As the weather gets even colder in late November and into December, scenic drives are a relaxing – and cozy – way to explore! You’ll still want to bring sweaters and blankets, as many scenic highways and overlooks have places to pull over and get out of your car, but a scenic drive (with heated seats turned on) can be a blissful way to cheer up an early winter day.

A horseback ride through the mountains will get your blood pumping!

Whether you prefer to get around Lake Hartwell Country on four wheels, four hooves, two tires, or your own two feet, there is always plenty to see and do. Don’t let chillier weather keep you stuck indoors! Embrace sweater weather this November and make some warm memories for years to come.