Natural History Wanderings

Great Smoky Mt. National Park has a new Fall Color Report for  October 14, 2014

Middle and low elevations are still predominantly green, but the progression of fall color is in full force down the mountain here and there. Patches of vibrant reds have developed on dogwoods, sourwoods, and a few maples throughout the park. We’re also starting to see a bit of yellow developing, especially around water features. The vivid red leaves of Virginia creeper vine are very noticeable climbing tree trunks now. Overall however, there’s not a great deal of fall color in the lower elevations yet — the season here is still two or three weeks away.

After several days of wet weather and high winds, fall color in the high elevations of the park is beyond the best viewing time. However, views from Clingmans Dome Road and in the higher reaches of Newfound Gap Road are beautiful when looking at south facing sides of the higher peaks in the park.

Be sure to also take note of the fall wildflower displays which continue to be especially colorful. Flowers such as purple asters, white asters, pale jewelweed, great blue lobelia, stiff gentian, and golden rod are blooming profusely along roads and trails in the park.

For fall photos and updates from the park, visit our official facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/GreatSmokyMountainsNPS

You can also check out the park’s webcams to see how fall colors are progressing:
Purchase Knob (high elevation)
Look Rock (middle elevation)