I don’t know about you, but the cooler morning weather in Greenville this week has me super excited that fall is right around the corner! It is the best season after all! The beautiful fall leaves, picking apples and eating apple cider donuts, cozy sweaters and plaid, annual cabin trips, pumpkin carving; what could be better?!
If you think about it, the fall season is littered with opportunities to EAT: football tailgates (go Tigers!), Halloween parties, bonfires with s’mores, and Thanksgiving dinner (or dinners if you’re like my family).
In order to not feel guilty about stealing some of your kiddo’s candy at Halloween, make sure you stay active this fall! I’ve comprised a bucket list of all the hiking spots I’d like to hit in between now and the end of October. Hopefully I’ll see ya out there as well!
Sassafras Mountain
- Address: 123 Hancock Road, Sunset, SC 29685
- Distance from GVL: ~35 miles (~ 1 hour drive)
- Difficulty Level: Easy to strenuous. If you want to get to the overlook without doing all the work, you can drive up the mountain in your car and take a short walk to the breathtaking view. However, if you want to burn some calories, you can access the Foothills Trail and hike 4.7 miles to Chimneytown Gap.
- Notable: At the summit, 4 states can be viewed: North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Georgia. It is the highest point in South Carolina at 3,553 feet tall.
Mountain Bridge Wilderness
- Address: 8155 Geer Highway, Cleveland, SC 29635
- Distance from GVL: ~31 miles (~50 minute drive)
- Difficulty Level: Easy to strenuous. Offers trails for any activity level.
- Notable: Known as the most complex trail system in South Carolina, the Mountain Bridge Wilderness encompasses 11,000 acres and includes Cesar’s Head State Park and Jones Gap State Park (can gain access through either park). Enjoy not only hiking, but also trailside camping, picnic areas, and fishing. This area can be crowded at times, so be sure to get there early.
Table Rock
- Address: 158 Ellison Lane, Pickens, SC 29671
- Distance from GVL: ~26 miles (~40 minutes)
- Difficulty Level: Easy to strenuous. This park includes six trails which serve both beginners and experienced hikers. The Table Rock Trail and the Pinnacle Mountain Trail are the most strenuous at 3.6 miles one way and 4.2 miles one way, respectively.
- Notable: Table Rock State Park is as an access point for the 80-mile Foothills Trail and includes over 3,000 acres, a campground, and a swimming hole.
Chimney Rock
- Address: 431 Main Street, Chimney Rock, NC 28720
- Distance from GVL: ~54 miles (~1 hour, 15-minute drive)
- Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate-strenuous. With 5 different trails throughout the park, there is a trail for all activity levels.
- Notable: If you’re feeling up to the challenge, climb the 499 steps on the Outcroppings Trail to the 315-foot tall Chimney Rock. The views here are phenomenal!
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and enjoy the beautiful outdoors! Be sure to bring water, snacks, and some cash as each state park has an admission fee. Comment below with your favorite places to hike in Upstate SC and the surrounding areas!
