Natural History Wanderings

Image by gail des jardin via Flickr

Updated 9/26/11

Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of the top places to see fall color. Due to the large number of species of deciduous trees the Great Smoky’s show plenty of fall foliage.  Early to mid-October is usually peak color above 4,000 feet. The peak time for mid and lower elevations is usually between mid-October and early November.  Peak can vary each year depending on conditions.  It is best to contact the park first before going so as not to be disappointed. Read more at the Park Website Great Smoky Mountains National Park – Fall Colors U.S. National Park Service.

Great Smoky National Park Service Reports:

“Fall Color Report, September 26, 2011 – There is just a hint of color in the earliest changing trees at this time. A few sourwoods, dogwoods, maples, and birches are showing a little color along roadways, but the mountains are still predominantly green at all elevations. Fall wildflowers such as cardinal flower, black-eyed Susan, coreopsis, great blue lobelia, skunk goldenrod, southern harebell, ironweed, and a variety of asters are blooming. The bright fruits on trees such as dogwoods and shrubs such as hearts-a-bustin are eye-catching now.”

Also get Great Smoky fall foliage reports at: DiscoverTheSmokies Fall Color