Natural History Wanderings

Great Smoky Mountains Association has a fall foliage update for November 5, 2013

Though many trees are now bare, a remarkable palette of rich, late autumn colors linger in areas at the lower and mid elevations. Many of the best colors are in sheltered coves and lower elevation ridges.

Recommended drives include Little River Road, Cades Cove Loop Road, Rich Mountain Road, and Foothills Parkway east and west. Suggested hikes include Little River Trail, Deep Creek Trail, Look Rock Tower, Smokemont Loop, Huskey Gap Trail, Porters Creek, and Albright Grove.

Laurel Falls – Beautiful foliage before reaching the falls – beyond the fall almost to Little Greenbrier Trail Junction scattered bright foliage – above Little Greenbrier Trail junction most of foliage down.

Cove Mountain (From Laurel Falls Trail to Park Headquarters) – Most of foliage down in higher elevations – mid elevations has very bright and beautiful foliage – Lower elevation scattered colorful foliage (not as vivid as mid-elevations).