South Carolina fall color starts in the mountains, peaking into November

South Carolina's fall leaf show is underway in the mountains, with the brightest stretches still ahead for much of the state.

Color usually starts at the highest elevations and works downhill. Mountain peaks are expected to reach peak color around mid-October, then the display moves toward the foothills and valleys at roughly 1,000 feet per week, with lower elevations peaking in early November.

South Carolina State Parks began weekly foliage reports Oct. 1 from Table Rock State Park. Ranger Ashley Audette said most trees were still green that day, but red maples, dogwoods, sweetgums, and tulip poplars were starting to show red, yellow, and gold.

Parks staff recommend checking the Table Rock webcam and the weekly updates before a leaf-peeping drive, then working from Upstate overlooks toward the coast as November arrives.