Looking for the best places to see fall foliage in North Carolina and South Carolina? You’re in the right place. From epic mountain drives to peaceful lakeside views, the Carolinas offer some of the most stunning autumn color on the East Coast.
Whether you’re planning a weekend fall getaway, scenic drive, or simply searching for leaf-peeping spots near Charlotte, here are the top destinations for fall leaves in NC and SC.
🚨 Before You Go: Check Trail & Road Conditions
Due to recent weather events such as Hurricane Helene, as well as seasonal maintenance closures, some mountain roads, hiking trails, and overlooks may be temporarily inaccessible. Always check official state park or DOT websites before traveling to ensure access.
🍂 Best Places to See Fall Colors in North Carolina
1. Blue Ridge Parkway (Near Asheville, NC)
The Blue Ridge Parkway in the fall is a must-see. Known for its panoramic overlooks and fiery foliage, it’s one of America’s best fall drives.
Popular stops:
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Craggy Gardens Overlook
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Linn Cove Viaduct near Grandfather Mountain
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Mount Mitchell State Park Access
Some sections may still have closure alerts — visit the NPS Blue Ridge Parkway Road Status page for live updates.
2. Grandfather Mountain & Linville Gorge
Home to the famous Mile-High Swinging Bridge, Grandfather Mountain in fall offers incredible long-range views bursting with color.
Certain trails and parking areas may have limited access — confirm conditions before heading out.
3. Blowing Rock & Boone, NC
These quaint mountain towns are perfect for a relaxing fall weekend filled with scenic drives, coffee shops, and harvest festivals.
4. Chimney Rock State Park
Enjoy reflections of golden leaves as you take in panoramic views from Chimney Rock’s overlook.
🍁 Best Places to See Fall Foliage in South Carolina
1. Table Rock State Park (Pickens, SC)
One of the best fall hiking destinations in South Carolina, Table Rock offers lakeside trails and postcard-worthy views of the mountains.
2. Caesars Head & Jones Gap State Parks
Located in the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, these parks offer dramatic overlooks, scenic winding drives, and dense forests that glow with color.
3. Lake Jocassee
For a peaceful experience, kayak or book a boat tour to enjoy fall reflections on the lake — a favorite spot for photographers.
4. Paris Mountain State Park (Greenville, SC)
Perfect for families, this park features easy hiking trails, boardwalks, and lakeside views, making it one of the top fall destinations near Greenville.
🍎 Quick Fall Day Trips Near Charlotte
If you’re looking for easy fall foliage trips within an hour of Charlotte, check out:
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Crowders Mountain State Park (NC) — Short hikes with rewarding overlooks
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Kings Mountain State Park (SC) — Peaceful wooded trails
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Daniel Stowe Botanical Garden — Gorgeous fall flowers and seasonal displays
Final Tip: Plan Ahead & Stay Flexible
Fall in the Carolinas can be unpredictable — peak leaf season varies by elevation, and weather events like Hurricane Helene may affect access. When in doubt:
✅ Check park websites before heading out
✅ Have backup destinations nearby
✅ Pack layers — mountain temps change fast!
