Oh, it's that time of year when you just can't wait to get out of the house on those precious weekend days that have become way too short and the time between them has become way too long! The mornings are glorious and if you find a beautiful shade somewhere then midday is not so bad either. If you have lived in South Carolina a long time then you are pretty acclimated to the way summers are here. So, you want to get out of the house and a picnic sounds really nice, but you may not know where to go. A basic picnic is nice. You can even have them in your backyard if you like, but a picnic where you can go and have some adventure is even better! Well, I picked out 16 of the best places in South Carolina to have that awesome picnic you're wanting.
1. Andrew Jackson State Park, 196 Andrew Jackson Park RD
This beautiful state park has fishing, hiking, boating, and boat rentals. It also has a museum and an amphitheater. Their picnic shelters they are usually rented, but otherwise they're first come, first serve.
This park offers boating, fishing, canoeing, paddling, and hiking. They have boat and canoe rentals as well. They also have picnic shelters for rent, but if they are not reserved than they are on a first come, and first serve basis.
Baker Creek is located on the shores of Lake Thurmond and offers a good variety of things to do besides getting away from the city for a bit. They offer fishing, boating, hiking, and mountain bike trails. There are also two picnic spots that are first come, first serve basis with no reservations needed.
The best kept fishing spot in Barnwell County or so they say! There is fishing, of course, as well as boating, and a small hiking trail. There are also picnic areas that are available for reservation, but if they are not reserved then they are available on a first come, first serve basis.
A majestic mountainous park boasting beautiful fishing areas with rainbow and brown trout, some of the most challenging hiking trails, and picnic spots for your enjoyment. There is more! They have a Visitor's Center and a gift shop.
Ever seen a state park that has a golf course? How about an equestrian trail? Well, this one does and has more too! There is boating, fishing, and hiking. There are picnic shelters for reservation, but if they are not reserved then it is on a first come, first serve basis for free.
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7. White Point Garden, 2 Murray Blvd, Charleston, SC 29401
This is a beautiful picturesque garden park near the Charleston battery. There are paved walking trails and picnic areas available. As well as, military statues and cannons for you to explore.
8. Francis Marion National Forest, 2967 Steed Creek Rd, Huger, SC 29450
Hurricane Hugo nearly destroyed this beautiful place, but it still stands today! If you decide to go here you can go camping, hiking, boating, biking, and horseback riding. There are 4 beautiful picnic areas for you to choose from too!
9. Sumter National Forest, 20 Work Center Rd, Whitmire, SC 29178
Charles Pinckney National Historic Site was the only place that was owned by a signer of the Constitution. The beauty of the places begs for you to sit and have a picnic under the shade of a tree.
11. Congaree National Park, 100 National Park Road
This park offers primitive camping, hiking, canoeing, and bird watching. However, there is no telling what you might see there! There is a really nice elevated walkway through the park for others who want to take a safer route to look around and picnic places for you to sit and enjoy the tranquility of the park itself.
12. Cowpens National Battlefield, 4001 Chesnee Hwy, Gaffney, SC 29341
They boast a Visitor's Center and a museum. There is a laser disk presentation show there every hour, there is a small shop, a battlefield trail that is partially paved, an auto loop road, and a picnic area that offers grills and restroom facilities. Covered picnic areas are available for a small fee.
This is a state park that shows us the history of the Revolutionary War that was fought here in South Carolina and especially the battle on Kings Mountain. There is a visitor center as well as statues for you to see. This park also adjoins Kings Mountain State Park which offers camping, picnic areas, and a living history farm.
There is so much to do here that you will want to go back again and again. Yes, there is a picnic area for you to use, but there is so much more to include: hiking, bird watching, wildlife watching, Ranger-led tours, and special events. Call ahead and see when they are doing the special events so you won't miss them!
Which one are you going to visit first? Not only are they superb picnic areas, but there is so much more to do other than eat. Remember, calling ahead in some of these places will guarantee you a sheltered picnic area if you like. Don't forget the insect repellant! Mosquitos and such can get pretty bad in some areas. Be safe and have fun! Summer is upon us and it's time to celebrate the sun!
Your Ultimate Guide To Fall Attractions And Activities In South Carolina
Ready to plan your perfect autumn season? Check out the 15 best things to do in South Carolina this fall, filled with pumpkin patches and fall foliage.
It can be overwhelming at times thinking and planning all the best things to do in South Carolina in the fall. There are so many options, it can be hard to find where to start! That's where we come in. We've created the ultimate guide to enjoying South Carolina in the fall, from the best fall activities to the most fulfilling pumpkin patches. When the weather cools down and the leaves start showing off their colors, South Carolina becomes a fall playground you won’t want to miss! From mountain views of South Carolina fall foliage to mouthwatering seasonal treats at your local farm, this guide will take you on a fun-filled tour of the best fall things to do in the Palmetto State. So, throw on your favorite sweater, and let’s dive into all the fall goodness that awaits.
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South Carolina Fall Foliage: Where To Go In South Carolina For Fall Foliage
Autumn colors at the Audubon Swamp in Charleston, SC.
One of the highlights of South Carolina's fall activities is viewing the fall foliage. As the leaves pop into jaw-dropping shades of red, orange, and gold, the Palmetto State offers some seriously stunning fall foliage spots. Mark your calendars, because peak viewing times in South Carolina vary by region from mid-October to mid-November. Take a look at this SC fall foliage map for more current information.
1. Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway
Location: Greenville County, South Carolina
Wow Factor: Some of the best views in the state.
Need To Know: Will take you from the Georgia/South Carolina border.
Ready to see South Carolina in all its autumn glory? Take a drive along the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway. This winding route takes you through the stunning Blue Ridge Mountains, which is prime fall foliage viewing. Plus, you’ll pass by orchards, waterfalls, and quaint small towns, giving you plenty of excuses to stop, snap some photos, and soak in the fall magic.
2. Fred W. Symmes Chapel, a.k.a. Pretty Place, Cleveland
Location: Cleveland, South Carolina
Wow Factor: Known as "Pretty Place" because of its amazing mountaintop views.
Need To Know: No charge to enter when open to the public. Check the visitation schedule before going.
Perched high atop the Blue Ridge Mountains, Fred W. Symmes Chapel is an open-air chapel that offers magical views of the sprawling valley below. Think this is beautiful during spring and summer? Just wait until you see it transform into a breathtaking sea of fall colors as the leaves change! You'll feel like you stepped into a hidden sanctuary surrounded by the most stunning autumn colors in the state.
3. Issaqueena Falls, Walhalla
Location: Walhalla, South Carolina
Wow Factor: A 100-foot high cascade waterfall.
Need To Know: Will take a 15-minute hike to get to.
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Issaqueena Falls in Walhalla is a must-visit during fall, offering the perfect pairing of cascading water and vibrant autumn foliage. As the leaves turn, the 100-foot waterfall stands out dramatically against the seasonal backdrop. The short, scenic hike to the falls is made even more magical by the crisp fall air and the surrounding forest bursting with color. This is an absolute fall must!
Are you on the hunt for the best pumpkin patches in South Carolina? You're in luck because South Carolina has some pretty phenomenal farms where you can pick your very own pumpkins. Maybe you have a local farm where you get your pumpkins every year, or perhaps you're ready to get out and explore something new. Regardless, we have you covered.
4. Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch, Mount Pleasant
Location: Mount Pleasant, South Carolina
Wow Factor: It's been running for 28 years!
Need To Know: Admission for adults is $15, children under two are free. Pumpkins are available by the pound!
The Boone Hall Pumpkin Patch is one of the largest fall festivals in the state that just started as a small pumpkin patch in the 1990s. This annual tradition brings together guests of all ages for some memorable seasonal entertainment. Admission to the pumpkin patch varies for adults, with children under two entering for free. The event is held every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday beginning towards the end of September and running through the weekend before Halloween.
5. Cotton Hills Farm, Chester
Location: Chester, South Carolina
Wow Factor: Cotton Hills Farm has been in the Wilson Family since 1882.
Need To Know: Fall fun takes place every Saturday in October.
Having been in the Wilson Family since 1882, Cotton Hills Farm offers a fall experience every year that people come from all over for. Why? Because Cotton Hills Farm is South Carolina’s biggest pumpkin grower! Celebrating the harvest every Saturday in October, you don't want to miss out on this. Fall wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the largest pumpkin farm in the Palmetto State!
6. West Farm Corn Maze, Moncks Corner
Location: Moncks Corner, South Carolina
Wow Factor: Also includes a themed corn maze every year!
Need To Know: Runs October 2 through November 3, 2024. Weekday and weekend prices differ.
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The West Farm Corn Maze in Moncks Corner is a fall favorite for families every year. Open Wednesdays through Sundays from October 2 through November 3, 2024, guests can enjoy a whole variety of fall fun, from the sprawling pumpkin patch to the themed corn maze. At a new location this year for the 20th anniversary, mark your calendars for a unique autumn adventure.
7. Denver Downs, Anderson
Location: Anderson, South Carolina
Wow Factor: Owned by the Garrison family since 1869
Need To Know: More than 35+ fun-filled family activities for kids of all ages.
Denver Downs in Anderson, South Carolina is so much more than a pumpkin patch and corn maze. On select weekends from the end of September through mid-November, this farm transforms into the ultimate fall festival. Sure, the pumpkin patch is one of the major draws for visitors, but there are so many fun-filled farm activities, that it's easy to spend the entire day here.
Best Fall Festivals In South Carolina
Three quarter length of a mother with her two young daughters picking pumpkins for Halloween at a pumpkin patch field in Newcastle, England on a nice day in October. The kids are dressed up in Halloween outfits.
If you're searching for fall activities near me, you might only find the bigger events and festivals, and not get to those small town gems we all know and love. Sometimes the best fall festivals in South Carolina are the annual ones that happen locally, which is why we've come up with a few tried-and-true festivals to check out this fall.
8. Beaufort Shrimp Festival, Beaufort
Location: Beaufort, South Carolina
Wow Factor: This year is the 30th anniversary!
Need To Know: October 4-5, 2024
The Beaufort Shrimp Festival is the perfect way to kick off fall in coastal South Carolina! Held in charming downtown Beaufort, this two-day event celebrates the local shrimp harvest with delicious seafood dishes, live music, arts and crafts, and a whole lot of Lowcountry fun. If you're a seafood lover, the Beaufort Shrimp Festival serves up a taste of Southern hospitality you won’t want to miss!
9. Fall for Greenville, Greenville
Location: Greenville, South Carolina
Wow Factor: The largest food and music festival in the Upstate.
Need To Know: October 11-13, 2024
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Fall for Greenville is the ultimate celebration of food, music, and local flavor in the heart of downtown Greenville. Every October, this lively festival transforms the city into a foodie’s paradise with over 50 restaurants offering tasty bites, plus live entertainment on multiple stages, local craft brews, and family-friendly activities. It’s the perfect way to enjoy the crisp fall weather while sampling some of the best eats Greenville has to offer.
10. The Harvest Festival, North Charleston
Location: North Charleston, South Carolina
Wow Factor: Admission and parking are free!
Need To Know: Saturday, October 19, 2024 – 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Ready to embrace the season’s festivities in North Charleston? The Harvest Festival is held annually and is a one-day festival filled with family fun. With hayrides, pumpkin carving, and games, it’s a great opportunity to enjoy the cool Charleston autumn air and immerse yourself in the harvest spirit. Plus, you can't beat free admission AND parking!
11. South Carolina Pecan Festival, Florence
Location: Florence, South Carolina
Wow Factor: The area’s largest event, drawing over 50,000 attendees each year.
Need To Know: Saturday, November 2, 2024 - 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The South Carolina Pecan Festival in Florence is a nutty celebration not to be missed. Held every year, this delightful event showcases everything pecan, from tasty treats and pies to pecan-themed crafts and activities. With live entertainment, a variety of food vendors, and family-friendly fun, it’s a perfect way to enjoy a day out while savoring the rich, buttery flavor of one of South Carolina's favorite nuts!
Free & Cheap South Carolina Fall Activities
Table Rock mountain tinged with pink at sunrise over misty lake
In my humble opinion, the best places to visit in South Carolina in the fall are the ones that won't leave you scrambling to recoup your spending. Fall doesn't have to be an expensive season, folks! There are tons of free and cheap things to do in the fall in South Carolina that won't break the bank. Check out some of our favorites.
12. Visit Table Rock State Park, Pickens
Location: Pickens, South Carolina
Wow Factor: A 3,083-acre park at the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains.
Need To Know: Admission prices vary depending on age.
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Nothing is cheaper in price but richer in experience than planning a visit to Table Rock State Park during the fall. As the leaves change to brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold, the park's stunning mountain views and serene hiking trails come alive with autumn beauty. Hike to the summit for breathtaking panoramas or enjoy a peaceful stroll by the lakeside. You'll want to bring a camera for this one because these views will "rock" your world.
13. Explore history at the Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site, Clinton
Location: Clinton, South Carolina
Wow Factor: A historic site dating back to the 1700s.
Need To Know: Picnic tables are available, and pets are allowed.
Visiting the Battle of Musgrove Mill State Historic Site during autumn offers the perfect combo of history and seasonal charm. As you explore the site where a significant Revolutionary War battle took place, you’ll be surrounded by an extra layer of beauty to the historic landscape. The chill of the air paired with the colorful backdrop makes it a perfect time for a scenic and educational outing, where history and nature merge.
14. Hike Stumphouse Mountain Park, Walhalla
Location: Walhalla, South Carolina
Wow Factor: Explore the Stumphouse Tunnel, originally a railroad tunnel.
Need To Know: $5 per vehicle or annual passes available.
What could be more cost-cutting than hiking through nature?! Luckily for us, natural beauty doesn't cost much, which is why we recommend checking out Stumphouse Mountain Park in Walhalla, South Carolina. The chill of the fall air makes hiking through this park even more enjoyable, so make sure to pack for a cozy outing. The park’s diverse landscapes—from colorful forests to striking rock formations—offer plenty of photo-worthy moments, too.
15. Walk through Campbell's Covered Bridge, Landrum
Location: Landrum, South Carolina
Wow Factor: The oldest covered bridge in South Carolina.
Need To Know: The only remaining covered bridge in the State of South Carolina. Free to walk!
Easily one of the best photo opportunities in South Carolina during fall, Campbell's Covered Bridge is a true gem of the season. The signature pop of red paint paired with the backdrop of color from the leaves changing, creates a truly spectacular sight. It’s an ideal place for a leisurely stroll, a scenic photo op, or simply enjoying the peaceful fall ambiance.
What do you think of these incredible South Carolina fall activities? Did we miss any of your favorites? Drop them in the comments section! Also, before heading out into autumn exploration, check out The North Face shop and bundle up warmly!
Meandering boardwalk trails. A forest of hardwoods. A picture-perfect canopy walk. All this and more can be discovered inside Lynches River County Park, a 676-acre park encompassing some of the most stunning scenery that South Carolina's Pee Dee region has to offer. Come with us as we explore this picturesque — and admission-free — destination.
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As you likely guessed from the name, the Lynches River County Park is situated along the Lynches River between Florence and Lake City, South Carolina. It's something of a hidden gem; few people realize such a treasure trove of natural habitats can be discovered here. Within this one single park, visitors can observe longleaf pine forests, sandhills, and magnificent cypress trees.
Grace S. / AllTrails
For outdoor enthusiasts, there's simply no shortage of adventures to enjoy, such as a handicap-accessible boat launch, geocaching, picnicking, a seasonal Splash Pad, canoe and kayak rentals, fishing, a climbing wall, and, of course, hiking trails. One of the best ways to get familiar with the park is by taking the Lynches River Loop. It's three miles in length, considered easy, and takes hikers about an hour to complete.
There's a lot to appreciate about the trail; namely, that it's rarely crowded. It's also dog-friendly, and parking is easy. Visit after a recent rain and you'll want to wear some sturdy shoes to keep your feet dry. This trail can get pretty muddy.
Boris Budagyan / Google Reviews
For something a bit adrenaline-inducing, head to the canopy walk, which is a couple of suspension bridges high in the trees. It'll give you a refreshing perspective of the park. It's a little wobbly, but this adds to the adventure in our opinion!
Another must inside the park is the LEED-certified Environmental Discovery Center, which features informative displays, educational programming, and interactive exhibits. Throughout the year, the EDC hosts an impressive range of programs and activities, all of which you can see on the park's event calendar.
Joshua Moore / AllTrails
After a day of exploring, those interested in extending their stay can reserve one of the park's campsites. There are also a handful of cabins perched on the river, which are perfect for a rustic park experience. A fee is required for overnight stay.
Have you ever spent time exploring Lynches River County Park? What did you think of your experience there? You can learn more about the trail system at Lunches River County Park when you explore the official AllTrails listing.
