After the stifling dogs days of summer, autumn is ushered in with welcoming arms in South Carolina and there's no better place to witness the change of the season than in the upstate. Recently, we published a timeline for when and where to see fall colors in the Palmetto State (you can read that article here), but a scenic cruise on Lake Jocassee may be the most poetic of spots to take it all in.

Unsurprisingly, National Geographic included the Jocassee Gorges on their list of "50 of the World's Last Great Places" and even though it is a spectacular spring and summer destination, for a few weeks each fall, it lights up with rusty reds, vibrant yellows, and pumpkin orange colors that are astounding.

Seeing the steep mountains that surround the lake covered in fall colors is a sensation that borders on sensory overload — so much so, that you're likely to feel as if it's the first time you're seeing autumn, ever.

There's no better way to see the colors surrounding the lake than by boat. Luckily, Jocassee Lake Tours runs year-round and departs from the docks at Devils Fork State Park in Salem.

Although the tour company doesn't have a sightseeing cruise just for fall foliage, you'll still get a front row seat with any of the tours they offer as long as you time your adventure to line up with when the leaves are changing colors.

And to double your pleasure, you'll be combining their usual tour(s) — they offer several — with the added bonus of seeing fall colors. We suggest the waterfall tour.

Lake Jocassee is spring and waterfall-fed and there are dozens of waterfalls that spill down into the lake year-round. The waterfall tour is ideal for seeing them — and, during 2-3 weeks each fall, is an ideal way to see the fall colors on a lake cruise.

In our recent fall foliage timing article we listed the peak times in this part of the state as between the end of October and the middle of November. But you can always refer to the folks at Jocassee Lake Tours for what current conditions are when you book your cruise.

If the weather is warm on the day you go, wear a bathing suit so you can partake in any spontaneous fun at the lake's many swimming holes.

And if the water level is just right, expect to see a few hidden beaches you just can't get to without a boat!

Without a doubt, Jocassee Lake is one of the world's last great places. Have you visited in the fall during the autumn metamorphosis?

Jocassee Lake Tours has received the TripAdvisor.com Certificate of Excellence for at least the last four consecutive years and maintains a stellar five-star rating among TA reviewers. You can't go wrong with a scenic lake cruise any time of year... Even if you don't make it for leaf peeping season, you'll want to put this fun adventure on your bucket list.

Jocassee Lake Tours offers public tours (meaning you can join others on the tour boat, without booking the entire boat) three days a week every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday. Tours usually take place during midday and last from three to four hours, depending upon the day. The cost is from $45-$50/person, depending upon the day. Sunset, waterfall, and full moon tours are among the tours listed as open to the public. Learn more and book your tour on the official website.

All tours depart from this Address: 161 Holcombe Circle, Salem, SC, 29676