Leaves In the Smokie Mountains

If you are physically able, hike to Alum Cave Bluffs. The bluffs is at 4700 feet so you will pass through peak as you climb in elevation. It's not an overly difficult hike. Past Alum Cave, the hike is more difficult on the way to Mt. Leconte

NOTE: the trail and parking area is closed Mon to Thurs for rehabilitation.

HIking the Smokies

It's just about at peak here in northern Vermont. It's just a short trip ;) and you could see lots of color. The maples are really pretty, bright red.

As a update we are now in Pigeon Forge and the foliage around town has started to change a little. Drove up the mountain on 441 and the higher we went the foliage has changed.
Don

We were there yesterday in Cherokee, NC. The leaves are just starting to change.

It's always spotty. We found better color in north Ga on the way to Franklin, NC than we did in the GSMNP. Elevation does not always determine color, so when you get there take some rides. The Cherohala Skyway is lovely when its at peak.

Coming from Florida, you will love it, whether the leaves are at peak or not. It's been absolutely perfect here with days in the 70s and nights in the 50's. It's getting colder this week, so bring some warm clothes.

We are Floridians too, so can relate.

Seems a little on the late side this year. We'll be in Pisgah next weekend. Hope to catch some of the beauty.

We live 30 miles south of there. Just getting hints of color here. For the past many years, our peak has been about Oct. 15th...it won't be this year.

Thanks for all of the replies. Really looking forward to the trip.
Don

The best leaves are over 4000FT at this time. So you gonna have to go up to see them

The color is in its early stages yet. Yellows and reds have come out some but I have not seen orange or purple yet. The link to the NPS is a good reference to use.

And if you can't make it to the fall color it can be Shipped to you :B

Your posting reminded me of something we read in one of our many trips down there. Apparently, the NPS has received complaints that there were too many leaves in the campgrounds and on some trails. They wanted the NPS to have crews do proper leaf raking.