Changing leaf color brings thousands to area in October

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Fall Foliage - The Leaves are changing colors
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Some people call it “Fireworks In The Smokies!” Some people just simply call it “Leaves are Changing!” And others call it, “Look at All The Cars!” Whatever you call it, it is bringing people to The Great Smoky Mountains by the thousands and for great reason. The beauty of Fall Leaves in The Great Smoky Mountains is breathtaking indeed.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has the greatest amount of “Leaf Watchers” in all of the Southeastern part of The United States. As the summer comes to close and winter approaches, it is time to make your plans to travel to The Great Smoky Mountains. As leaves are beginning to change in 2006, it looks as though the third week in October to the first week in November will be a great opportunity of capturing the Fall Foliage.

Some of the best traveling views will be at such places as Gatlinburg Tennessee to Clingmans Dome, along The Foothills Parkway, Newfound Gap, and Cades Cove. Other majestic views can be found in Wears Valley just southwest of Pigeon Forge Tennessee. Go to traffic light #3 in Pigeon Forge and travel on Wears Valley Road for approximately 7 miles, at which time you will discover one of the most picturesque views in all The Great Smoky Mountains.

When sightseeing, especially in The National Park, make plans to get out of your car and walk in the leaves or stand by one of the many rivers and streams and watch the leaves being carried down by the rushing waters. What is so impressive about your tour through the National Park of The Great Smoky Mountains is the fact that you are traveling through a preserved forest. The radiant changing of leaves from the fertile greens to brilliant reds, oranges, and purples of autumn are awe-inspiring! What a sight to behold when going through this area of The United States. Make sure you pack your camera along with your coat. It can be rather chilly during the months of October and November.

Some of the native trees providing color include the sweetgum tree. These trees are usually found in the lower elevations and offer brilliant reds, purples, and yellows. Dogwoods are another favorite offering deep reds. They can be found most places below 3,000 feet. The red maple not only gives us beautiful reds, but also yellows. The park has many large red maple trees and can be found in most areas of the park. The sugar maple produces yellows and oranges in fall colors and can be found at 4,000 feet and below. The scarlet oak offers up a fantastic scarlet color and can be found in the lower elevations of the park. Other trees providing color include American beech, yellow birch, mountain maple and pin cherry.

The main thing is to simply enjoy the beauty and creation during this spectacular time of the year with family and friends. Be ready to witness the changing of leaves in over 100 species of trees in The National Park of The Great Smoky Mountains. It is truly a Fall spectacular you will witness on your travels to Pigeon Forge, Gatlinburg, and Sevierville Tennessee.






For more information on Sevier County attractions and events please visit our guide to Sevier County. Information on cabin rentals, condos, and motels is available online.