Natural History Wanderings

Great Smoky Mountains National Park  reports

Middle elevation areas throughout that park are nearing peak this week. Lower elevation areas still have a lot of green, but recent cold nights and sunny days have jump started color development in the foothills.

High elevation areas are now past peak and most trees have already lost their leaves. However, views from Newfound Gap Road and other high elevation roads such Heintooga Ridge and Balsam Mountain will be beautiful as you look down into colorful middle and lower elevation areas. Foothills Parkway and roads in the communities surrounding the park should also provide good viewing opportunities over the next week or so.

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)