North Carolina & South Carolina in the Fall

When you think of vacationing in the American South, you probably picture historic Southern mansions, lounging on oceanside beaches with a glass of sweet tea and of course, world-famous Southern comfort food. Every spring and summer, tourists migrate south in search of these little luxuries, plus the company of the good-natured locals known for their hospitality.

Hiking in the Carolinas

Considering the Carolinas have some of the most spectacular fall foliage in the country, we’d be remiss not to mention myriad places where the Carolinas show off their changing leaves best. Hiking is one of the greatest ways to get up close and personal with the fall foliage, and the Carolinas’ Blue Ridge Mountains have well-maintained hiking trails and beautiful scenic outlooks to take in the autumn season.

For determined hikers, North Carolina’s Gorges State Park has some of the top trails and renowned foliage in the state. The challenging hike is worth the effort once you see the 150-foot Rainbow Falls, named for the sparkling rainbows caused by the billowing clouds of mist at the base of the falls.

Along the North Carolina and South Carolina border lies the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, 11,000 acres of forest perfect for appreciating the region’s natural beauty. Hike alongside the Middle Saluda River, enjoy lunch on a quaint picnic table and spend a peaceful night at rustic campsites as the mosquito season (thankfully) comes to an end. Just southwest of this picturesque area, don’t miss the opportunity to climb the Sassafras Mountain Observation Tower for a breathtaking view of South Carolina from the state’s highest point.

Scenic Routes through North Carolina & South Carolina

As you move through South Carolina’s upstate forests, take the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway to see scores of apple orchards, lakes and rivers. As you travel south along the road, you’ll come across Lake Jocassee, a huge reservoir in Devils Fork State Park that is a great site for camping and hiking.

While traversing the colorful trails of upstate South Carolina, you’ll come across cascading waterfalls. Near Oconee, take the trails up to Issaqueena Falls or Hidden Falls, or if you’re looking for an easier hike, visit the stunning Brasstown Falls or King Creek Falls, which also has a small beach.

Across the border, climb aboard the Great Smoky Mountains Railroad Excursion in Bryson City to see the fiery leaves of North Carolina’s sugar maples as you chug alongside the Tennessee and Nantahala rivers. Depending on the train experience you select (there are many options!), pit stops include a breathtaking break inside the Nantahala Gorge or a shopping excursion through the charming town of Dillsboro. If you are looking for a shorter afternoon excursion in the area, you can also take in the sights and breathe in the fresh, fall mountain air on a comfortable open-air gondola.

North Carolina’s Storied Beauty

If you’re interested in more than the splendor of the woodlands, the Carolinas have plenty for the cosmopolitan traveler to enjoy. Upstate North Carolina’s Asheville is nestled in mountains so stunning that they attracted the attention of one of America’s wealthiest families. Built in 1895, the sprawling Biltmore Estate will sweep you back to the glamorous Gilded Age, when the illustrious Vanderbilt family would summer in North Carolina. Today, it remains one of the largest homes in the U.S. and an attractive destination for visitors who want to walk the gardens, relax at the spa, sample the local wines and tour the historic mansion.

A short drive over from Asheville lies Black Mountain, a small town known to attract crafty artisans, poets, painters and musicians—due to the celebrated experimental art college in town. Grab a bite to eat in one of the adorable bistros that line the walkable downtown area, peruse the art galleries or explore the idyllic LakeTomahawk Park until the sun sets over the mountains. You’ll quickly discover why Black Mountain is dubbed“The Prettiest Small Town in America.”

South Carolina Must-See’s

One of the many delights of the Palmetto State is Greenville, aka America’s “Friendliest City” according to Condé Nast Traveler. When visiting, be sure to see Falls Park on the Reedy, a 32-acre park adjacent to downtown Greenville in the historic West End district. The Liberty Bridge is the only single-sided suspension bridge in the Western Hemisphere and allows visitors to take in skyline views as they walk over the picturesque Reedy River Falls.

A crisp fall day wouldn’t be complete without a walk down Main Street, where you’ll find coffee shops, breweries and ample opportunity to indulge in Southern soul food and barbecue. Experience South Carolina’s coastal culture in Charleston, one of the jewels of the East Coast. After perusing the popular City Market, explore the harbor on a boat tour, meander the cobblestone streets on foot or tour the city in a horse-drawn carriage. However you choose to peruse, you’ll experience stunning privately-owned homes, historic buildings-turned-museums and beautiful places of worship that earned Charleston the nickname of the “Holy City.”

Unique within the region, North Carolina and South Carolina boast access to beaches, mountains, big cities and charming small towns. It's no surprise that visitors flock to these areas during the warm months, but as the weather becomes milder, the Carolinas’ natural beauty turns a new leaf that you certainly won’t want to miss.