In South Carolina, this showcase is best observed in the Upstate. The mountains become a magnet for thousands of onlookers each year as October rolls around.

Due to a variety of impressive mountain, lake and forest landscapes, the Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway (SC 11) has always lived up to its name. With the advent of fall, it puts an exclamation point behind it. This attractive route skirts the Blue Ridge escarpment with several access points into state parks along the way. Each location offers unique settings for appreciating fall foliage.

In northern Greenville County, the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area consists of Jones Gap and Caesars Head State Parks. From SC 11, driving north on US 276 leads motorists to Caesars Head where a wonderful overlook affords a panoramic view of the forest cloaked in colorful tapestry. A network of 50 miles of hiking trails full of opportunities to excite your senses in autumn exists within the boundaries of Jones Gap and Caesars Head. Heading south on US 276 takes you into Greenville. Minutes from downtown is an oasis of forest that makes up Paris Mountain State Park, where several trails wind through stands of hardwoods that paint the mountain in vibrant color each fall.

Table Rock State Park, located in northern Pickens County, has 10 miles of popular trails awaiting hikers. Many vantage points for taking in autumn�s splendor exist from the top of granite outcrops along the trails, on park roads and from the day-use areas. Usually calm, the park lakes can create stunning reflections of the shoreline and mountains beyond. Table Rock also provides access to the Foothills Trail and a section of the Palmetto Trail that links to US 178. About 14 miles west of Table Rock is Keowee- Toxaway State Natural Area where more trails and vantage points across a branch of Lake Keowee are splendid sites for viewing nature�s beauty.

Devils Fork State Park in Oconee County provides the only public access to boaters on Lake Jocassee, with more than 70 miles of wooded shoreline. The water makes for a beautiful foreground when viewing fall color by boat or from shore to shore. Sumter National Forest stretches from Lake Jocassee to the Chattooga River, creating a haven for leaf lookers along the trails and roadways in the �Golden Corner� of the state.

Oconee State Park along SC 107 in the heart of the forest district brings visitors in close proximity to several waterfalls and hiking trails. From Oconee, the Foothills Trail extends more than 75 miles to Table Rock and the Mountain Bridge Wilderness Area, passing through the Jocassee Gorges and other wild, scenic areas. The Oconee Connector Trail can be followed from the park as well along a ridge with great views before it leads down to Oconee Station State Historic Site. Wherever one chooses to enjoy the spectacular back drop of fall colors, the season begins by mid October with the peak normally occurring the last two weeks of October. However, if your visit is later, you won�t be disappointed as good color lingers in some areas through the first two weeks of November. Keep in mind that higher elevations generally tend to show the best colors earlier, followed by the lower elevations a little later. Why not head for the hills this fall? You�ll be glad you did

For more information on places to stay, check out the home page of Greenville.com for a wide variety of inns and hotels in various locations, styles, and price ranges.

As we progress through autumn, Greenville.com will provide area information about the best sites for enjoying the color season.

For more information on places to stay in the Upstate, check out the lodging page of Greenville.com for a wide variety of inns and hotels in various locations, styles, and price ranges.

(Story probided by Scott Stegenga, Interpreter, Table Rock State Park. Image provided by Cherokee Foothills Scenic Highway.)

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