We have several folks providing us with a Fall Foliage Report from various locations in the Upcountry of South Carolina.
November 5, 2026
The leaves are popping along the Wild & Scenic Chattooga River! This shot was taken at Bull Sluice Rapid in Long Creek, where the colors are close to their peak, with some variation depending on elevation and weather. The trees surrounding the river are showing off vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow, making this a great time to take in the fall scenery. If you’re planning a visit, now is a great time to catch the changing leaves along the river! Caroline Beaty with VisitOconeeSC.
November 3, 2026
It never ceases to amaze us how we go from a week away from peak to peak color seemingly overnight. We are still convinced that perfect color at Solitude Pointe Cabins and RV Park is always between Oct 28 and Nov 2. The question is how long into November will it last? Amy
November 2, 2026
It’s time for the magic! Over the next few weeks, the base of the southern Blue Ridge Escarpment dazzles with every imaginable shade of red, green, orange, and yellow. Cruise SC Highway 11, turning north onto most any highway that connects to NC Highway 64, and the blazing color is close, the views of water spilling over rock are intimate, and the wildflowers are still in their glory. It is simply breathtaking, and the roads are not bumper-to-bumper. So while you’re there, take a hike! Experience the best of fall leaf-peeping in Upstate SC! Kay Wade with Jocassee Lake Tours
October 29, 2026
Leaf color at Chau Ram County Park is changing quickly! The southern part of Oconee County is still quite green, with orange and red colors appearing rapidly. The fall colors will most likely peak in 1-2 weeks in the Fair Play, Seneca, and Westminster areas, but will be prevalent through November depending on the weather. Caroline Beaty with VisitOconeeSC.
October 27, 2026
Word on the “internet streets” is that we might be a week later than normal for peak this year. We are definitely seeing more and more new, bright color every day this week. Regardless, this is the perfect time to enjoy some solitude at Solitude Pointe Cabins and RV Park! Amy
Finally we have color on the way. Beautiful yellows, a little red and lots of green to change in the coming weeks. We usually have color almost to Thanksgiving! A great time to plan your Scenic Highway 11 road trip! Laurel Mountain Inn is right in the middle between Gaffney and the SC Welcome Center at Fair Play.
An added surprise, my Rhododendron plants are beginning to bloom with lots of buds waiting to pop! Sherry Schell
Cooler weather and crisp, bright blue mornings equal brighter colors, and the thermometer cooperated this week! Color continues to intensify along the base of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains. This week sees sweetgum trees turning their harlequin colors: deep purples fading to red, pink, orange, and yellow, on a single tree! The outer tips of red maples are brushed with fluorescent orange and yellow is showing up in beeches and hickories. And rhododendron are blooming! That’s right, around the edge of Lake Jocassee, Gorges Rhododendron (with the shorter leaves) are blooming in the sunshine. Feels like spring to them! Kay Wade with Jocassee Lake Tours
October 24, 2026
The fall foliage is really starting to show off at Paris Mountain State Park! Shades of red, green and golden yellow can be spotted along the peaceful shores of the lake.
October 21, 2026
Fall colors are beginning to make their appearance here at The Red Horse Inn! The early-changing trees are showing beautiful shades of red, orange, and gold, with the surrounding hardwoods soon to follow. We expect even more color as Halloween approaches and into early November. It’s a wonderful time to plan a fall getaway, explore the scenic Blue Ridge foothills, and enjoy the changing leaves. Make it an overnight stay and experience the beauty of autumn in the Upcountry! Christian at The Red Horse Inn
The green is slowly giving way to color in the mountains of the Upstate. These delightful, crisp mornings mean the leaves are finally changing. Here at Solitude Pointe Cabins and RV Park, we’re still seeing lots of red, and yellow won’t be far behind. If the past repeats itself, we’ll be seeing peak colors at the end of next week. Amy
October 20, 2026
Scenic Hwy. 11 is showing off some nice fall color this week, with red sourwood trees still taking the lead! Other colors are more subtle, but growing brighter under crisp, clear blue skies. The fade of green continues around the shores of Lake Jocassee, and on sunny days like this, there is plenty of color to see, with beeches growing more golden by the day, and bright yellow grape vines draped over evergreen rhododendrons. Look closely… Carolina rhodos are putting out some autumn blossoms! Kay Wade with Jocassee Lake Tours
October 14, 2026
Week 3 of our fall foliage report is bringing some bold color to Table Rock State Park! We’re seeing deep, dark reds popping throughout the park, and our sourwoods are putting on a beautiful show. This week’s featured sourwood is almost entirely red, with just a little green hanging on!
Keep an eye out for those rich reds as you explore the park, and enjoy these beautiful autumn days while they last. Ranger Ashley Audette
October 12, 2026
Turn down Jocassee Lake Road, and summer green is fading. Chlorophyll slowly degrades in tulip poplars and hickory trees, but the understory of these dense woods is where we find color this week. Paler than they will be, these trees, but blushing brighter by the day. In dappled light, pastel leaves of sourwoods and dogwoods are–as usual–stealing the show from the deeply red leaves decorating sparkleberries and black gums. Out and about on Lake Jocassee, the fade is more pronounced against sloping mountainsides. The pastel colors remind one of fresh peaches, and mangos, and apricots. Black locusts release their yellow leaflets, one at a time, into the smooth, calm water. Kay Wade with Jocassee Lake Tours
The mornings are cool and crisp, the afternoons are delightful and the trees are beginning to show some red and yellow color. It’s our favorite time of year at Solitude Pointe Cabins and RV Park. Amy
October 8, 2026
Fall color is slowly making its way across Table Rock State Park! We’re still seeing plenty of green throughout the park, but if you look closely, you’ll start to spot those first little pops of autumn color. This week’s featured tree is one of our beautiful Tulip Trees, also known as Yellow Poplar or Tulip Poplar. Its large leaves are beginning to turn a beautiful golden yellow, giving us another sign that fall is on its way! Ranger Ashley Audette
October 5, 2026
Anyone who loves this slow, steady transition to autumn should come to Jocassee in early October! From blushing dogwood with their scarlet seeds to the checkerboard colors of black gum trees to the evermore luminous color of sourwoods, seasonal changes are more evident every day. And don’t forget to look for fall flowers on the roadsides! Sunflowers and silver leaved asters and goldenrods are an almost identical shade of golden yellow, mixing with blue asters and mistflower to create quite a show! Our local parks are wonderful places to tune in, slow down, and enjoy the progression! Kay Wade with Jocassee Lake Tours
Things at Solitude Pointe Cabins and RV Park are still mostly green. But as you can see, the reds are starting to show their beautiful color. Amy
At South Cove County Park on Lake Keowee, the foliage is still mostly green, with just a handful of trees beginning to show a hint of fall color. Based on what we’re seeing now, Seneca is in the very early stages of the season. More noticeable color will likely develop over the next 2-3 weeks on Lake Keowee. Peak leaf colors can be expected very late in October or early November. Caroline Beaty with VisitOconeeSC.
October 1, 2026
Fall is just beginning to make its appearance here at Table Rock State Park! While most of our trees are still green, we’re starting to spot the first hints of color. Red Maples, Dogwoods, Sweetgums, and Tulip Poplars are beginning to change, with a few leaves showing off beautiful shades of red, yellow, and gold. Sometimes you don’t have to look far to find fall – this week, one little red leaf on a Red Maple is stealing the show! These subtle changes are a reminder that fall foliage is a gradual process, and every week brings something new to discover. Ranger Ashley Audette
Good morning from Solitude Pointe Cabins and RV Park. It’s going to be another glorious fall day in the mountains. The trees are still mostly green, but we expect peak color to be the end of October. Amy
Did You Know? Without Chlorophyl, leaves would be “Fall colors” year-round. Chlorophyl is the green pigment that allows plants to absorb sunlight and make food through photosynthesis. As the days get shorter in the Fall, the production of Chlorophyll slows down and eventually stops, letting the leaves’ “true” color show.
Keep a live look on the fall foliage from the Upcountry with our Table Rock webcam, and don’t miss SC State Park’s fall foliage reports posted each Thursday here.
What we have to look forward to:
Also, check out this story on fall foliage viewing in our state parks and visit our State Parks Facebook Page and post your best photos of fall foliage across our parks.
Looking for an easy fall hike? Check out this story about three beautiful hikes to take this fall!
Best Parks for Fall Foliage Viewing
- Caesars Head State Park
- Chester State Park
- Devils Fork State Park
- Jones Gap State Park
- Keowee-Toxaway State Park
- Kings Mountain State Park
- Musgrove Mill State Historic Site
- Oconee State Park
- Oconee Station State Historic Site
- Paris Mountain State Park
- Poinsett State Park
- Table Rock State Park
Read more about color change and autumn here.
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Read more at our comprehensive fall color guide: Finding Fall Foliage in Upcountry South Carolina.