Exploring Fall in the South: Travel Guide To Scenic Destinations
As summer turns to cooler days and shorter daylight, fall becomes the perfect time for an adventure. Luckily, the South has colorful leaves to view, cute towns to visit, and unique cultural spots to experience. Explore our fall travel guide highlighting the best travel spots in the South, inviting you to see Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama’s beautiful scenery and history.
Georgia
Blue Ridge Mountains
The Blue Ridge Mountains are beautiful in northern Georgia, filled with bright reds, oranges, and yellows during fall. Known for amazing views and various hiking trails, they’re great for hikers and bikers wanting to stroll or ride through the splendor of fall colors. Visitors can also check out the scenic railway or explore the art galleries and shops in the mountain town of Blue Ridge.
Tallulah Gorge State Park
People who love the outdoors will enjoy Tallulah Gorge State Park. The park comes alive with colorful fall foliage, highlighting its amazing natural sights. You can see a deep gorge stretching two miles long, beautiful waterfalls, and thick forests. When the park is adorned with vibrant leaves during the fall, it becomes a perfect spot for hiking, photography, and white-water kayaking.
Savannah’s Historic District
Savannah is a city where history and nature unite beautifully, especially in the fall. The historic district looks amazing, with streets lined with trees and Spanish moss dangling down. If you can’t wait for Halloween, get into the spirit by learning about Savannah’s spooky past by hunting ghosts with paranormal experts at The Historic Savannah Theatre, taking a walking tour around the city’s most haunted sights, or exploring gruesome stories at The Savannah Underground.
Amicalola Falls State Park
Autumn is a great time to visit Amicalola Falls State Park. For a serene experience, listen to the sounds of the falling foliage crunching beneath your feet as you hike the Appalachian Approach Trail. And don’t miss out on the aesthetic photos you’ll capture of Georgia’s 729-foot waterfall surrounded by leaves of reds, oranges, and yellows.
Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest
Explore the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forest this fall, where adventure awaits across 867,000 acres. Hike, fish, and camp among stunning nature as autumn leaves turn the forest into a colorful masterpiece. You can also drive on the Russell-Brasstown Scenic Byway for even more amazing views.
South Carolina
Congaree National Park
Congaree National Park offers a special fall experience with its diverse wildlife and tall hardwood trees. With cooler temperatures, exploring the boardwalks and hiking trails is a great time. You can also paddle along Cedar Creek to see the beautiful fall colors reflected in the calm water.
Charleston
In the fall, Charleston is charming with its cobblestone streets and old antebellum buildings, which perfectly complement the autumnal atmosphere. Enjoy the cool weather by walking along the Battery promenade or checking out the historic district. You should also try the local oyster roasts when you get the chance. They’re a special Southern fall and winter tradition of cooking oysters over an open fire and sharing them with family and friends.
Greenville
Greenville sits at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains and has a bustling downtown with unique shops and cozy cafes. When it’s fall, visit Falls Park on the Reedy, which has a waterfall and a suspension bridge with amazing views. With autumn’s colors and magic, imagine how the surroundings will look!
If you plan to visit in October, don’t miss out on Bank of America’s annual Fall for Greenville festival. This three-day fall celebration features over 50 local restaurants serving over 250 dishes, 50 beers on tap, wine vendors, and over 80 musical acts on six stages. It is a must-do for foodies and music lovers alike.
Table Rock State Park
South Carolina’s Table Rock State Park is great for fall adventures. Located in the upstate, it has hiking trails with amazing views of colorful leaves and tall mountains. Visiting in the fall is a must as the bright autumn colors make the park even more beautiful, enhancing its already lovely landscape.
Alabama
Cheaha State Park
Take in the stunning views from Mount Cheaha, Alabama’s tallest point, at Cheaha State Park in Talladega National Forest. With comfy cabins and cozy camping spots, this fall getaway offers fun outdoor activities and wide-open views, perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy nature’s colorful autumn beauty.
Bankhead National Forest
Explore the beauty of Bankhead National Forest, where the Sipsey Wilderness trails are full of vibrant autumn foliage. Known as the Land of a Thousand Waterfalls, it’s a great place to take photos of waterfalls surrounded by colorful leaves. You can also hike, picnic, or just relax and enjoy the calm surroundings and wildlife, making it a perfect spot for fall adventures.
Little River Canyon
Little River Canyon is a must-see for nature lovers as autumn colors illuminate the canyon walls in the fall. You can take scenic fall trips with a car or RV by driving it along the rim, enjoy an outdoor meal among the foliage, or explore trails that cut through this amazing place. Don’t miss out on the walking paths, as they can lead you to waterfalls and rugged cliffs that you can overlook.
Oak Mountain State Park
The largest state park in Alabama, Oak Mountain State Park, is perfect for outdoor autumn fun. The trails go through bright forests that turn colorful in the fall, making them great for hiking and biking. You can also paddle on the tranquil lake or enjoy a horseback ride. With red and gold leaves everywhere, it’s also a great spot for picnicking, fishing, or enjoying the outdoors.
Huntsville Botanical Garden
Huntsville Botanical Garden is another excellent place to enjoy fall in Alabama. The beautiful garden has autumn-themed exhibits and events that visitors will love, such as Festifall. It is a vibrant celebration of the fall season, where the garden transforms into a wonderland of autumnal beauty with family-friendly activities for all ages. One of the festival’s highlights is the scarecrow trail, featuring creative scarecrows set against the fall foliage.
Plan Your Autumn With Otter Self Storage
Are you too busy decluttering your home to enjoy all the Southern fall has to offer? Make the most of your autumn by organizing with Otter Self Storage! Our Georgia and South Carolina storage solutions are convenient, affordable, and protected with AI security.
Organize your belongings while clearing space at home for the memorabilia and souvenirs you’ll bring from your autumn visits. Choose Otter Self Storage today to simplify your life this season. Contact us and reserve your unit now!