There’s something magical about fall in Spartanburg. The heat mellows, the trees turn brilliant shades of red and gold, and the calendar fills with fairs, festivals, and family-friendly happenings. Whether you’re a longtime resident, a newcomer, or just planning a weekend visit, here’s my seasonal guide to savoring autumn in the Upstate.

The Season’s Best: Where to See Fall Color & Get Outside

• Cottonwood Trail / Edwin M. Griffin Nature Preserve
  Walk, run, or bike along shaded woodlands and wetlands. The 550-foot boardwalk section provides a great vantage over streams and changing foliage.
• Glendale Shoals & Lawson’s Fork Creek
  This quiet preserve offers a gentle escape. The waterfall over the dam is a lovely focal point, and the creek and woods make for a tranquil stroll. 
• Cleveland Park
  A local favorite, especially in fall — paved walking trails, a clubhouse overlooking the grounds, and benches to pause under colorful trees.
• Hatcher Garden & Woodland Preserve
  This 10-acre public garden is quietly tucked into the city. Walk the themed garden rooms and woodland paths, with fall blooms, leaves, and serenity all around. (And admission is free.) 
• Mary Black Rail Trail & Downtown Loop
  Combine foliage and urban charm by strolling or riding the rail trail that links neighborhoods into downtown. It’s a great way to see trees, bridges, public art, and more.Experience Spartanburg

Fall Festivals, Events & Seasonal Vibes

• SCC Fall Festival (“It’s the Great Pumpkin, Chaser!”)
  Mark your calendar: on October 18, 2025, the Spartanburg Community College Giles campus hosts an autumn celebration from 4:00–8:00 PM. Expect live music, food trucks, inflatables, a trick-or-treat trail, and a movie under the stars. Admission is free.
• Piedmont Interstate Fair
  Steam engines, carnival rides, animal exhibits, games, farm displays, midway food and more. This classic county fair runs in October (October 7–12, 2025). A staple for families across the region. 
• Festifall at Walnut Grove Plantation
  A more historical twist on fall at the amazing Walnut Grove Plantation. his event includes reenactments, colonial demonstrations, and autumn festivities on the grounds of the 18th-century plantation. It will be held October 4 and 5 this year.

Fall Flavors & Cozy Dining Spots

No fall post is complete without hints of comfort food, local eats, and seasonal menus. While specific fall menus shift yearly, here are general ideas and standout spots to consider:

• Heirloom: Located in the old Spartan Mills building, this restaurant embraces Southern sharing plates and has become very popular for brunch or dinner. 
• Downtown Spartanburg: Walkable, eclectic, full of cafés, bakeries, and cozy nooks. Exploring Main Street and Morgan Square can lead you to seasonal coffees, cider, or sweet treats.
• Harvest fare at the Farmers Market: It’s the time of year for apple cider, pumpkins, squash, local honey, fresh pies, and baked goodies.

Family-Friendly Ideas & Hidden Gems

• Thompson Family Farms
  A bit of a drive but worth it: pick-your-own pumpkins (over 3 acres), fall crops, hayrides, and photo ops.
• Walking and picnic days
  Grab a quilt and a picnic basket, head to one of the parks or trails above, and enjoy crisp air under the colored canopy.
• Photo walks in town
  Downtown Spartanburg, with its historic buildings, art installations, and leafy streets, becomes especially photogenic in fall. Think of it as an urban foliage tour.
• Catch a concert or theater night
  Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium hosts touring shows and local performances. As fall evenings get cooler, a night out can be a welcome cultural break. 
• College football at Gibbs Stadium
  Join in the fall football spirit at Wofford College’s home field, Gibbs Stadium, for games and tailgate energy.  Go Terriers.

Where to live

Now that you have all of the great things to do in Sparkle City this fall, you likely are wanting to find an affordable apartment in Spartanburg. You are in luck because NOAH Property Management has six great affordable apartment communities in Spartanburg that are near schools, parks, shopping and more.

• The Spruce

Discover this hidden gem of a community tucked away at 320 Spruce St in the Whitney neighborhood of Spartanburg. The Spruce Apartments offers a blend of modern comforts, thoughtful design, and community charm. Choose from spacious one-, two- or three-bedroom homes, offering roomy layouts and stylish finishes. Each home includes essentials like dishwashers, refrigerators, air conditioning, high-speed internet readiness, and large closets. Learn more at www.thesprucesc.com

• The Bryant

Located just minutes from Spartanburg’s main shopping, recreation and dining hubs, The Bryant is where comfort, connection, and community come together in perfect harmony. Our elegant clubhouse offers  a warm and welcoming atmosphere makes it the ideal spot to relax, connect, and socialize with neighbors and guests alike. Children can let their imaginations run free at our well-maintained playground, which is a perfect place for fun at any age. Get more details here.

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  Trailside on Main

Discover Trailside on Main, where affordability and modern comfort come together in Spartanburg. Choose from spacious 1, 2, and 3-bedroom floor plans, each designed with open layouts, large windows to fill your home with natural light, and in-unit laundry to simplify your daily routines. Additionally, enjoy the convenience of our Valet Trash service, which makes waste removal easy and hassle-free. Located just minutes from downtown Spartanburg.

• The Glade

The Glade offers charming one- to four-bedroom apartments perfect for families, professionals, and pet lovers alike. It features laundry facilities, a playground, and dependable 24-hour maintenance provide comfort and convenience -- it is located just minutes from major employers like BMW and Amazon, plus offers easy access to highways, dining options, parks, and schools. Find out more here. 

• Willow Lake

Located on Spartanburg’s booming west side, Willow Lakes offers affordable, thoughtfully designed apartment homes in a serene, community-focused setting. Choose from spacious studios, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom layouts. Outdoor lovers will appreciate the charming picnic areas with grilling stations and a pet play area perfect for furry family members. Inside, enjoy clean, functional interiors with air conditioning, cable readiness, and a smoke-free environment. Get more information here.

• The Wren

Find your community at The Wren. Located a short drive from the I-26 and I-85 interchange, The Wren you in the heart of Spartanburg.  The community invites you to unwind outdoors with a sparkling swimming pool, fitness center, playground, and lush, landscaped grounds that offer a serene, park-like atmosphere. The Wren also is pet-friendly. Get more here.