Autumn has officially begun and we can’t wait for the changing leaves! It’s the perfect time of year for walks in your favorite sweatshirt with a warm beverage in hand.

If you’re planning an excursion to see the fall colors, we recommend these beautiful spots in our local area.

Blue Ridge Parkway/North Carolina and Virginia

Arguably the most spectacular place to see autumn colors in the southeast, a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway is unforgettable. This all-American road stretches from North Carolina to Virginia and connects Shenandoah National Park with Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

There are dozens of memorable hikes and stops along the parkway, but Craggy Gardens is one of our favorites. We love this picnic area and moderate hike since it offers incredible 360-degree views and the trees are vibrant red and yellow throughout the entire month of October. To get to Craggy Gardens, go to milepost 364 or search for the Craggy Gardens visitor center on your GPS.

Bald Rock Heritage Preserve/South Carolina

If you’re in Greenville, you’ll see some of the country’s most stunning autumn foliage. One of our favorite places to take in the fall colors is Bald Rock. Located an hour from Greenville and just outside Caesar’s Head State Park, Bald Rock offers panoramic views of the mountains covered in splashes of autumn color. You’ll also be able to see one of South Carolina’s most popular natural attractions: a huge granite dome known as Table Rock.

Bald Rock Heritage Preserve lies within the Mountain Bridge Wilderness area and is free to access from sunrise to sunset. It’s an incredible spot for sunrise coffee, afternoon picnicking, and a cup of cocoa at sunset. When you go, be sure to pack your favorite blanket and sit awhile at one of South Carolina’s prettiest places.

Paris Mountain State Park/South Carolina

Few things are as beautiful as autumn leaves reflected on the water. That’s why we love hiking to Lake Placid and Mountain Lake at Paris Mountain State Park.

Lake Placid Loop is an easy 0.8-mile hike at Paris Mountain State Park. As you likely guessed, the hike is a loop around the 13-acre lake. This loop is also a good spot for biking if you prefer to cycle through the park. Or you can bring along your furry friend since leashed dogs are welcome! Whatever you decide to do, you’re sure to meet other locals enjoying the fall colors since this is a popular spot year-round.

For a slightly longer hike, check out Sulphur Springs Trail leading to Mountain Lake. From the parking area, this is 3.8-mile hike that can be enjoyed by all ages. Mountain Lake is a great place to sit and enjoy some bird watching. It’s also where you’ll find the second waterfall in the park.

When you go, be sure to snap some photos of the water. The autumnal reflection looks like a watercolor painting!

Black Rock Mountain State Park/Georgia

With the highest elevation in the state, Black Rock Mountain is colorful September through November. We recommend Tennessee Rock trail since it’s a moderate difficulty 2.2 mile hike through some of the state's lushest forests. Throughout the hike, you’ll reach multiple vistas with views of the woodlands that span more than 80 miles into neighboring North Carolina and Tennessee.

Where are you headed this fall? We’d love your recommendations! Leave us a comment below or check out our favorite fall spots on our Instagram.

And if you’re in the market for a cozy autumn sweatshirt, we’ve got you covered there too! When you go, snap a photo and tag us so we can chase the changing colors with you.