The coming of fall brings many excitements, from crisp mornings to crunchy golden leaves.

However, one downside is the annual closing of Issaqueena Lake Road in the Clemson Experimental Forest, which is closed from Nov. 1 to March 15. So, this week, I’ll discuss some of my favorite destinations on it before the gates lock for the winter.

First, the road.

The road is a four-mile, well-maintained gravel road that wraps around Lake Issaqueena from Old 6 Mile Road by Daniel High School to Old Seneca Road by Lawrence Bridge. There is one stream crossing, but it’s usually nothing my Corolla can’t handle. There is also a spur from the Old Seneca side that runs down the Lake Issaqueena dam.

Now for the good stuff.

Wildcat Creek is one of my favorite areas in the entire Experimental Forest. This picnic area with a beautiful old shelter sits at the top of the lake near the 6 Mile Creek bridge along the shores of Wildcat Creek.

An easy half-mile trail leads up an old logging road following the babbling brook to Wildcat Falls, a nice 15-foot waterfall. From there, the trail network branches out up into the highlands of the forest. Watch out for the many stream crossings of 6 Mile Creek, which might necessitate getting a little wet. These trails are especially beautiful this time of year with the changing leaves.

As for other destinations on the road, there is also Holly Springs, which is similar to Wildcat, just on the other side of the lake — and without the waterfall.

There are also sites near old spring houses at Indian Springs and Willow Springs, which are on the Old 6 Mile side. However, you can still easily get there in the winter, being only about half a mile and a mile from the main trailhead, respectively.

There is also the boat ramp, which provides unparalleled views of the lake, as well as access for non-motorized watercraft.

So, I encourage you — take the time this week to see the sights of the Experimental Forest before they are locked away for the winter.