3 SC state parks among the best hidden gems for fall foliage in the US, ranking shows. Here’s why
With fall having officially started on Sep. 23, the season’s sights and activities aren’t far behind.
Although most places to witness the changing of the seasons in a natural landscape occur in the northern regions of the country, three locations within South Carolina were recently named as some of the best spots nationwide to view the season’s colorful fall foliage, according to a recent survey by mixbook.
The first of these places is Caesars Head State Park.
This locale was voted the best place in the Palmetto State, following a survey of 3,000 nature enthusiasts, as the hidden gem in South Carolina people wanted to experience most for seasonal fall foliage.
The state park can be found in Cleveland at 8155 Greer Highway and is on the Blue Ridge Mountains of South Carolina. Its location allows for panoramic views of the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area and its accompanying fall sights amid the changing of the seasons.
The area is made up of several trails, a rock formation and the “Devils Kitchen” area.
One of the most popular trails includes a 4-mile, round trip Raven Cliff Falls hiking trail, which leads to a scenic overlook where hikers can view the 420-foot Raven Cliff Falls, detailed Bryn Harmer, the state’s park manager, on the Caesars Head website.
For those interested in visiting, the state park has an interpretive center, gift shop, bookstore and several picnic areas for guests’ enjoyment. Admission for trail access costs $3 per adult, $1.50 for seniors, $1 for children aged 6-15 and children aged 5 or younger are free. Pets are allowed on property under given regulations.
Although revealed to be the best place to view the bright colors of the upcoming fall foliage in South Carolina, Caesars Head ranked 62nd overall in the survey.
The next destination named in the Palmetto State from the survey was Jones Gap State Park, which landed in 72nd overall.
Jones Gap can be accessed in Marietta at 303 Jones Gap Road and has over 65 miles of trails for hikers to explore.
Coincidentally, Jones Gap and Ceasars Head are joined by Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, which is a 13,000-acre area of southern mountain forest.
Jones Gap State Park features two scenic waterfalls, trout fishing, hiking and more.
Admission to the park is $6 for adults, $3.75 for seniors aged 65 and older, $3.50 for children aged 6-15 and free for children aged ages 5 and under. Pets are allowed under given regulations.
Lastly, the third South Carolina site to place in the survey was Sesquicentennial State Park.
This state park is among the top places in the Palmetto State to view the colorful fall foliage the season brings and can be found in Columbia 9564 Two Notch Road.
This Midlands destination is one of the more family-friendly areas on the list and even offers a 2-acre fenced-in dog park, splash pad, lake for paddling and fishing, picnic shelters and 12 miles of hiking and biking trails.
“Sesqui” also ranked 131st out of the total 150 named locations.
Admission to the park is $6 for adults, $3.75 for seniors aged 65 and older, $3.50 for children aged 6-15 and free for children aged ages 5 and under.
