Fall Color Reports & Forecasts for Smokies

The following is the Fall Color Reports & Forecasts courtesy of the Great Smoky Mountains Association. This page is updated about once or twice a week, and is great way of keeping track on the progress of the fall colors.

October 1, 2009 by Steve Kemp:

The table is now set, and the meal is about to be served!

At the highest elevations in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the fall colors are now coming on. The recent ideal weather of sunny days and cool nights is rapidly pushing things along. Check out the Purchase Knob Live Webcam to see how things are progressing above elevations of 5,000 feet.

Early mountain top trees and shrubs, including witch hobble, yellow buckeye, sugar maple, sumac, and yellow birch, are showing nice color.

At the lower and mid elevations, tuliptree, dogwood, black walnut, sumacs, Virginia creeper, spicebush, Dutchman’s pipe, and sourwood are showing yellows and burgundy reds against a green backdrop.

Ample rainfall throughout the year has set the table for a robust color season. Thus far the “early changers” appear to be right on schedule. Perhaps the colors will linger longer this year because of the abundant rains.

Because there was no summer drought this year, trees are carrying more leaves than usual at this time.

The next two weeks should be an excellent time to hike at the western end of the park at places in the vicinity of Cades Cove and Tremont (Rich Mountain Loop, School House Gap, Middle Prong, or Abrams Falls trails) where sourwoods, blackgums, and dogwoods are numerous. Higher elevation hikes such as the Appalachian Trail, Thomas Divide, Flat Creek, and Road Prong should also be extremely pleasant this week.

A drive to Newfound Gap on U.S. 441 and a side trip along the Clingmans Dome road are highly recommended. The Blue Ridge Parkway would also be a nice drive.

Typically, the peak of fall colors at the higher elevations occurs during the first two weeks of October. The Grand Finale at the lower and mid-elevations happens between October 21 and November 10. Thus far, this year looks to be no exception.

However, remember that traffic in Great Smoky Mountains National Park is very heavy from October 9-26. This is especially true on Newfound Gap Road (U.S. 441) and Cades Cove Loop Road. Saturday afternoons and evenings often experience the very heaviest traffic, with backups lasting for over an hour. Mornings are not as busy as late afternoons.

Places inside the park to see fall colors and avoid the crowds include: Foothills Parkway East and West (including Look Rock tower), Cataloochee Valley, Deep Creek Area, Heintooga Ridge and Balsam Mountain roads, Lakeview Drive, Rich Mountain Road (via Cades Cove Loop Road), Tremont Area, Greenbrier Area.

Places outside the park to see fall colors are the Blue Ridge Parkway between Cherokee, NC and Waterrock Knob is a good choice.

September 30 by Tom Harrington:

Abrams Falls (Beginning to Falls) - A few Sourwood, Blackberry, and Greenbrier leaves are changing colors. Special Note: No acorns found on this trail.


Jeff
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