Natural History Wanderings

Great Smoky National Park reports

High elevation areas are past peak as of this week with most trees having already lost their leaves. Anywhere above 4,500 feet fall colors are nearly all the way through their cycle and any leaves left will drop soon. However, views from Newfound Gap and other high elevation overlooks will be beautiful as the middle and lower elevations begin to pop with color over the next few weeks and into November.

Weather forecasts for significantly lower overnight temperatures through the weekend will accelerate the middle and lower elevations transition. There are several locations along Newfound Gap Road, Heintooga Ridge and Balsam Mountain Roads, and the Foothills Parkway where visitors will begin seeing this progression over the next 10-14 days. There is still plenty of green in the middle elevations, which may cause a patch fall color presentation.

Weather over the next few weeks will play a big role, but at this time lower elevations are still overwhelmingly green. However, Virginia Creeper is making an appearance, a sure sign of what is yet to come.

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)