Writers moved by the Smoky Mountain fall colors struggle to adequately describe the beauty of autumn with its splendor of reds, yellows, and oranges. Well, a picture is said to be worth a thousand words, so we will leave it to the nature photographers to express the sheer pleasure that can be derived from viewing the Smokies autumn color.

The most frequent questions asked about autumn foliage in the Smokies are:

When do the fall colors peak?
Historical records indicate that fall colors are the best the last three weeks in October. Altitude affects the schedule, of course. Above 4,000 feet, the colors are a week earlier. In the foothills, good color can last until the first and even second week of November.

What determines good fall color?
Both the amount of moisture and temperature difference (frost) can make good color come earlier or later, and the timing of the first frost can determine the intensity and timing of color. Summer drought can make leeaves change sooner, and dry summers plus a wet September can cause intense, extensive fall color. In other words, not even the "experts" can tell us with great accuracy about the timing and intensity of peak color.

Where is the best color?
Great color can be found almost anywhere within the half-million acres of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The area around the Sugarlans visitor center are great for the reds and yellows of the sugar maples. The roads between Gatlinburg and Cades Cove provide miles of pleasing color. Try the auto tours described here and you won't be disappointed.

Tips:
The down side of peak color times is the gridlock that occurs in the most popular areas--including Cades Cove, Newfound Gap Road, and Roaring Fork Motor Trail. If you avoid weekends, risk an earlier or later than usual visit (perhaps the first week of November), and get an early morning start, you can enjoy the annual color show without so many license plates in front of you.

However, you can certainly increase your chances of hitting peak color if you plan your trip for the middle of October to early November. In the meantime, enjoy the fall color we provide below.