We may be biased in declaring autumn as one of the best times to explore the gems of the Carolinas. With fewer tourists and (somewhat) lower temperatures, wondrous places like the Beidler National Forest seem to open their arms a little wider. Accompany us as we chase waterfalls and go antique hunting in the Carolinas – no matter the season, reason, or population, each Carolina town has a trove of treasures awaiting discovery.
Can you believe these dreamy cascades are one of the least-visited falls in western NC?
Take The Road Less Traveled – Brevard, NC
No offense to TLC, but we don’t recommend following the advice they share in “Waterfalls.” At least, not in the beautiful mountain town of Brevard, NC! Autumn is the perfect time to take in the views and enjoy leisurely hikes to several of the area’s lesser-known (but just as lovely) falls. That said, if you haven’t explored some of the favorite cascades – like Looking Glass and Sliding Rock – those are in the same vicinity as the three we sing our praises to below.
The easy, one-mile round-trip hike to the riveting 25-foot Log Hollow Falls – nestled in the Pisgah National Forest – is the perfect place to begin. If you visit earlier in the autumn, you might be able to forage the remaining wild blackberries from the summer supply.
Continue down FR 475 B for about four miles to encounter Slick Rock Falls. The coolest part about this destination? A higher precipice, a shorter hike, and a cave behind the waterfall that you can enter without much dexterity! That said, these cascades are named Slick Rock Falls for a reason. Always look before you step, and wear sturdy shoes for better traction.
We’ve saved the 85-foot-tall Connestee Falls for last. Despite its looming stature, these cascades are ADA-accessible from a 150-foot boardwalk. The Connestee Falls are situated on private property, so hiking down isn’t impossible. That said, Connestee is ranked the #2 best thing to do in Brevard, so a stop-off for a photo and moment with nature is positively worthwhile.
Log Hollow & Discovery Falls Trailhead National Forest Rd, Brevard, NC 28712
Slick Rock Falls Headwaters Rd, Brevard, NC 28712
Connestee Falls Overlook 5388 Greenville Highway, Brevard, NC 28712
It's just what you were looking for — a stand-up replica of the Gorton's Fish Sticks mascot!
Visit The Capital Of Antique Hunting In The Carolinas – Elgin, SC
If you’re itchin’ for some thriftin’, consider the town of Elgin your antique mecca! Start your eclectic goods-finding engines at Hidden Treasures, where you can poke around for funky fruit stands, elegant china dishes, and whimsical end tables.
Five miles down the road, you’ll find two exceptional adjacent antique stores: Re•Find and Pontiac Mercantile. The former specializes in difficult-to-procure designer furniture, art and decor, and other handmade goods in the SC Midlands – a true vintage collector’s paradise!
Fill your car with your newly acquired gems and shuffle back to Pontiac Mercantile for more nostalgic indulgence. If psychedelic birdhouses, over-the-top teapots, and perfectly preserved cookie canisters ring your bell, you’ll want to dedicate at least an hour to perusing this shop’s offerings. These are truly some of the best places to go antique hunting in the Carolinas.
Hidden Treasures 2506 Green Hill Rd, Elgin, SC 29045
Re•Find 10509 Two Notch Rd, Elgin, SC 29045
Pontiac Mercantile 10509 Two Notch Rd, Elgin, SC 29045
Take in the sights and sounds of Francis Beidler National Forest in Harleyville, SC.
Explore An Enchanted Swamp – Harleyville, SC
While South Carolina is known as the Palmetto State, it could just as well be labeled for its ancient connection to the cypress tree. The Francis Beidler Forest Audubon Center & Sanctuary in Harleyville, SC, is home to the world's largest old-growth cypress and tupelo swamp forest. One of two South Carolina forests that have never been logged – a visit offers the opportunity to hike among 1,000+-year-old gargantuan trees from a safe 1.75-mile boardwalk.
Avid bird-watchers assume correctly associating the swamp with the illustrious naturalist John James Audobon. Audubon South Carolina has overseen the forest for over 50 years, working carefully to preserve the bird and wildlife native to this unspoiled Lowcountry landscape.
Keep your eyes peeled in the fall for species like Baltimore orioles, yellow-billed Cuckoos, and ruby-throated hummingbirds. While barred owls are less likely to be observed in the daytime, you might have a lucky encounter with a red-tailed hawk or bald eagle.
Francis Beidler Forest Audubon Center & Sanctuary 336 Sanctuary Rd, Harleyville, SC 29448
Whether you're seeking recommendations for the best places to go bird-watching, hidden gem locations for antique hunting in the Carolinas, or deep dives on odd/eccentric festivals on the Carolina coast, Carolina Traveler is your “things to do” go-to for fun in NC and SC.
