Enjoy the vibrant colors and cooler temperatures of fall in Columbia SC. Peak times to see fall foliage in the Columbia region are from late October to early November, and there is no shortage of places to leaf-peep.
Parks and Gardens
The Columbia region is home to many parks and gardens where trees will be donning new colors and shades for fall. Stroll through or take a hike in Congaree National Park, Sesquicentennial State Park, Dreher Island State Park, or Harbison State Forest to see the changing leaves. If it’s a warm day as is often the case in this area, hop in a kayak or try paddleboarding to take in the views. Saluda Shoals Park offers a Fall Foliage Paddle. The 70-acre Botanical Garden at Riverbanks Zoo and Garden is also worth a visit to see fall leaves as well as a variety of plants that flourish in fall.
College Campuses
Visiting our colleges and universities is also a great way to see fall foliage. Stroll around USC’s campus including the historic Horseshoe or take in the colors at Columbia College’s campus with its graceful canopy of trees.
Three Rivers Greenway
The Three Rivers Greenway runs through Cayce, Columbia and West Columbia and includes the Cayce Riverwalk, 12,000 Year History Trail, Granby Park/Mill Village Riverlink, Riverfront Park, Saluda Riverwalk, West Columbia Riverwalk, and the Boyd Island Sanctuary
Hayrides and Pumpkin Patches
Get into the fall spirit at Clinton Sease Farm where you’ll not only see fall foliage, but experience fall traditions like going on hayrides, visiting the pumpkin patch and making your way through a corn maze Cottle Farm, while known for their springtime strawberries, offers pumpkins, a corn maze, mums and hayrides throughout the fall. In Lexington, head over to 2nd Wave Coffee and More to peruse their pumpkin patch and quaint outdoor space.
Bonus: Fall Feels
If all the sightseeing for fall foliage leaves you wanting more, visit our local breweries and coffee shops for fall flavors or take in a fall festival. From the South Carolina State Fair to Oktoberfest, there are plenty of ways to get all the fall feels.