Leaf-peeping season is in full swing, and it is the perfect time to get outside with your family before winter keeps us (mostly) inside.
Read below for some of my family’s favorite hikes for fall foliage and chasing waterfalls within a 2-hour drive from the Upstate.
South Carolina
Paris Mountain State Park
Lake Placid Loop
0.9 miles – Easy
Hike around Lake Placid with a small waterfall and a couple bridges. Lake Placid swimming area in front of the visitor center.
Other easy family trails available.
More information available at the visitor center.
Conestee Nature Preserve
Multiple easy family trails available.
Features beautiful hiking through the wildlife sanctuary featuring wetlands, forests, and meadows. Two different playgrounds for children to explore.
Jones Gap State Park
Jones Gap Falls
2.6 miles – Moderate
Trail follows along the Middle Saluda River to a 50-foot waterfall. Can swim in the water during the summer months.
Reservations needed on the weekend before 1:00 p.m. No reservations needed during the week.
Table Rock State Park
Carrick Creek Loop
2.4 miles – Moderate
Trail offers several stream crossings. Small waterfall at the beginning of the trail.
Pinnacle Lakeside Trail
1.8 miles – Easy
Follows around Pinnacle Lake offering wonderful views of the lake and Table Rock.
Caesars Head State Park
Caesars Head Overlook Trail
0.3 miles – Easy
Features beautiful views of the surrounding mountains including Table Rock. Overlook has fenced area if with small children.
Bald Rock Heritage Preserve Trail
1.5 miles – Moderate
Hike to a natural scenic overlook with stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Viewing area does not have fence: careful supervision required.
Jocassee Gorges Wilderness Area
Twin Falls Trail
0.3 miles – Easy
Trail ends at a viewing deck with seating for a 75-foot waterfall.
North Carolina
Nantahala National Forest
Upper Whitewater Falls Overlook Trail
0.4 miles – Easy
Trail leads to an upper and lower observation deck of a 400-foot waterfall.
DuPont State Recreational Forest
High Falls and Triple Falls Trail
3.2 miles – Moderate
Hike leads to two beautiful waterfalls with swimming opportunities if desired (and the weather permits).
Hooker Falls Trails
0.8 miles – Easy
Leads to a wide curtain-like waterfall with swimming opportunities.
Pisgah National Forest
Looking Glass Falls
0.1 miles – Easy
Features a 60-foot waterfall with little hiking.
Cove Moore Falls
1.3 miles – Easy
Features a 50-foot waterfall that cascades over a rock overhang.
Sliding Rock Falls
0.1 miles – Easy
Features a wide, sliding fall that is 18-feet high with swimming opportunities. Fee required for use.
Blue Ridge Parkway
Graveyard Fields Lower Falls Trail
0.6 miles – Easy – Milepost 418.8
Hike to a beautiful waterfall with swimming opportunities.
Black Balsam Knob
1.4 miles – Moderate – Milepost 420
Out-and-back trail via Art Loeb Trail, featuring stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
Frying Pan Mountain Lookout Tower
1.5 miles – Moderate – Milepost 409.6
Hike along a gravel roadbed (Forest Service Road 450) to a 70-foot Fire Tower offering stunning 360-degree views. Use caution when climbing to the top of the fire tower, there are steep stairs and it can be windy at the top.
Important Safety Note:
The hiking routes and skill level recommendations in this blog are based on my personal experiences and observations and may not suit every family’s abilities, fitness levels, or conditions.
Before attempting any hike described here, assess your children’s age and fitness, and your family’s capabilities and reach out to your Parkside provider if you have specific questions about your child’s fitness. Consider weather, terrain, and your own physical condition. Always check local trail conditions and carry appropriate safety gear.
Plan carefully, prepare well, and prioritize safety over convenience, but remember to have fun!
I’ll see you on the trails!
