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Charleston is magnificent to visit year-round, but even as trees begin to change, travel experts at Southern Living don’t believe it’s South Carolina’s most beautiful fall getaway.
At Travel Off Path, we realize we can’t showcase every single map-dot town transforming into a postcard this year, but this one is truly worth it.
Let’s be real — few lake towns are going to be a worthwhile visit come winter, given the chilly temps and limited activities to enjoy yourself in the cold.
Fall is the last hurrah for 2025 to visit this lesser-known hideaway boasting over 300 miles of scenic shoreline, backdropped by a natural curtain of vibrant, lush forestry.
If you’re seeking a relaxing getaway to recharge in unmatched serenity, look no further than the small town of Seneca, home to postcard-worthy Lake Keowee.
Seneca’s Small Town Charm
One glance at Seneca’s Historic District, and you’ll be hooked.
It feels criminal how a town as picturesque and welcoming as Seneca isn’t hyped up more.
The town has undergone a bit of a makeover, with new businesses popping up, especially along the main drag known as Ram Cat Alley, lined with a row of rejuvenated old-timey buildings.
Despite some modern flair, there are still many timeless aspects that are sure to captivate you, such as numerous museums that offer a deep dive into local history.
Located downtown, you’ll find the Lunney Museum and the Bertha Lee Strickland Cultural Museum — both with rave reviews.
Standing the test of time for nearly 200 years, the Old Pickens Church is a must-visit too. Though it’s a bit of a trek to reach from downtown, it is set along the tranquil Keowee River.
As you know, the South tends to have a formula that goes like this: Southern charm + historic streets = savory, down-home eats.
But, Seneca breaks the rules. Yes, there are your usual Southern staples, but also more international offerings than you’d expect for a town of just 9,000 residents.
The most popular hangout has gotta be the Main Street Diner, an Americana classic, but don’t sleep on the quality of tacos from the Alazan Taco Truck either.
Lake Keowee: South Carolina’s ‘Best Place’ For Fall Foliage
Lake Keowee takes the crown as Southern Living’s top rec in South Carolina for an autumn immersion. Bypassing honorable mention, Poinsett Bridge is a true getaway, rather than a landmark. Lake Keowee offers visitors a variety of rustic cabins from bare bones to affordable luxury.
Within the vast Lake Keowee region, you’ll find Keowee-Toxaway State Park, where you reserve an upscale 3-bedroom villa (and Fido is allowed to!).
Airbnb and its rival platforms have some awesome stays listed too, many of which are under $200.
The lake sees mild weather until December, so there’s no need to rush your travel plans. Even then, the area turns into a festive winter wonderland, drawing a crowd for the annual Christmas parade.
For fall, temps are still pleasant enough for an afternoon swim and paddleboard or kayak ride, or to simply enjoy a nice beach day in a quiet spot along the hundreds of miles of shoreline.
But if you find the water more brisk than a cheap iced tea, another popular activity is to rent a pontoon boat from the marina — and gas is free!
For the best photo-ops, you’ll already begin to see colorful hues sprinkled in the towering trees, but peak leaf-peeping is from late October to the first week of November.
Best Way To Reach Seneca
Seneca is nestled in South Carolina’s Blue Ridge foothills, so you know it makes for an epic road trip.
Otherwise, your best bet is to fly into nearby Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP), roughly an hour or so from Seneca.
If you’re really up for an adventure, you could also hop aboard an Amtrak train to Clemson, a buzzing college town about 15 minutes away.
To make the most of your trip, it is best to rent a car. A ride around the stunning lake itself is worth the journey.
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