Natural History Wanderings

Fall Leaf Color Updates | Great Smoky Mountains Association has aOctober 4th, 2014 report (although today is only October 3)

At long last, it’s fall color time in the Great Smoky Mountains! The highest elevations are now showing impressive golds from yellow birch and American beech trees and nice reds from maples. The peak of fall colors at the higher elevations should be October 4-10.

Along Little River Road, and elsewhere at the lower elevations, early-changing species like blackgum, sourwood, dogwood, sumac, black walnut, buckeye, and Virginia creeper are showing better and better color.

This is a great time to take a drive on Clingmans Dome Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, or Balsam Mountain Road. Little River and Laurel Creek roads also offer pleasant fall scenery. A hike to Andrews Bald on Forney Ridge Trail or along Thomas Divide Trail would be time well spent.

Look for peak color at the lower and mid elevations in late October and early November. The strong cold front dipping down into the Smokies this weekend is rapidly advancing the pace of color change.