Fall in Upstate South Carolina is truly the most beautiful season. We have the amazing privilege to be so close to the Foothills of the Smokey Mountains and just a 40 minute drive places you on the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina where the fall colors come alive.
Over the years we've been able to witness some truly beautiful moments of fall colors and, although we're not predicted to have amazing color this year, I wanted to share some of our favorite places to escape to around Greenville.
Bald Rock Preserve
Location – Marietta, SC
Driving Distance from Greenville – 35 mins
We've gone to Bald Rock countless times over the past 10 years. It's a no hiking outlook that offers a beautiful overlook of Table Rock, Greenville, and the mountains in between. It'll probably be mid-November before you can get a glimpse of color sprinkled through the evergreens below, but on a cool, sunny day there's no better place to picnic.
Justus Orchard
Location – Hendersonville, NC
Driving time from Greenville – 55 minutes
Justus Orchard is one of those places I could visit every weekend in the fall. It's a very peaceful apple orchard, especially when you get to the backside of the orchard to visit the donkeys and horses. It's nestled in the mountains so while there's no vista the trees change to a beautiful deep red most years and the air feels just a little cleaner away from the city.
Hot Air Balloon Ride Over the Blue Ridge
Ok, so this one is cheating a bit, but it did offer the most spectacular fall foliage views. For those of you who don't know, Lee proposed to me on this hot air balloon ride and it was quite possibly the most magical thing that's ever happened to me.
There are quite a few independent companies that run hot air balloon rides surrounding the Asheville area and if you're not afraid of heights, put it on your bucket list! We soared so high over the mountains and it was so peaceful and effortless and breathtaking (even without a proposal). Truly my favorite way to see the fall colors!
Craggy Gardens – Blue Ridge Parkway
Location – Blue Ridge Parkway
Distance from Greenville – 1 hr 45 mins
There are so many vistas and stop off points on the Blue Ridge Parkway that you definitely do not even need to get out of your car to see the sights of fall, but if you're itching to go on an easy hike off the Parkway, Craggy Gardens is a great option.
The hike isn't too strenuous although I will admit you don't get much of an end view. You're definitely up high though and is so enjoyable to relax in nature.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Location – Western North Carolina
Distance from Greenville – entrance - 1 hour
Fall foliage on the Parkway definitely lives up to its reputation. We've shot some spectacular color here over the years. If you're coming from Greenville our favorite entrance is off of I-26 just south of Asheville.