![]() Tip: For one of the most stunning Old Growth forests in the Smoky Mountains, check out the hike to Ramsey Cascades. In fact, the Smoky Mountains experience the second most rainfall anywhere in the US (the Pacific Northwest takes the top spot!), averaging 55 to 85 inches of rainfall per year. In the Smoky Mountains, there is no shortage of moisture, as precipitation is abundant. ![]() More moisture tends to produce more vibrant colors. Lastly, one of the key factors influencing the vibrance of fall foliage is moisture. What does this mean for fall foliage? These ancient trees and their leaves are enormous, which makes strolling through an old-growth forest in the fall a particularly magical treat! The most beautiful fall foliage is typically found at lower elevations, home to several trees that usually turn the most vibrant colors, including the sugar maple, scarlet oak, sweetgum, red maple, and hickory.Īdditionally, over 36% of the Smoky Mountains National Park is covered in old-growth forests, which means the trees are hundreds of years old. One reason that fall is so spectacular in the Smoky Mountains is the wide diversity of trees in the park, including over 100 different species. What makes the colors so vivid in the Smoky Mountains? Tip: Use this fall foliage map to get an idea of how fall colors in the Smoky Mountains typically vary from September through November. If you visit early in the season, you might need to work a little harder to reach the vibrant colors at higher elevations. This means that the fall colors in the Smoky Mountains are on display for several months, with leaves at higher elevations peaking first and then slowly moving down towards lower elevations. However, the good news is that the Great Smoky Mountains include a wide range of elevations, from 875 feet at the base of the mountains all the way up to 6,643 feet at the highest point, Clingman’s Dome. Unfortunately, you’ll need to have your trip planned well before you know for sure when peak fall colors will occur. ![]() Warm weather will typically delay the onset of fall, while colder temperatures will accelerate it. Temperature and moisture levels are the main factors that impact when peak fall foliage will occur. On average, the fall foliage season in the Smoky Mountains starts in mid-September and ends in early November, with the peak occurring around mid-October. While we may be biased, we think the Smoky Mountains are quite possibly one of the best national parks to visit in the fall! View impressive fall foliage colors when you visit Smoky Mountain National Park in the fallįAQs about Visiting the Smokey Mountains in the Fall When is peak fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains?Īs it goes with fall foliage in most areas, it’s almost impossible to predict precisely when the Smoky Mountains’ fall colors will reach their peak, as it varies from year to year. With the right planning and gear, fall camping in the Park can also be wonderful. Temperatures in the fall are also moderate and rainfall is minimal, making it the perfect time to enjoy the natural beauty of the Smokies, whether it be hiking, fishing, or touring the scenic drives. While the Smoky Mountains are beautiful any time of year, the rolling mountains are particularly stunning in autumn when the ridges and mountaintops are blanketed in vibrant shades of yellow, orange, red, and green. This means packing out all of your garbage (including toilet paper), being respectful to others on busy trails, and following the established rules.Īll photos courtesy of Sarah Vaughan & Matthew Cafarella Important Reminder: As it goes in all of the destinations we share, please practice good trail etiquette and remember to Leave No Trace. In this post, we’ll help you plan the perfect Smoky Mountains fall trip, including the best hikes and things to do to experience the fall colors at their peak! With over 100 different species of trees, a temperate climate, and forest covering 95% of the park’s land, there may be no better place to see vibrant fall colors than the Smoky Mountains. Attracting visitors from all over the world, visiting the Smoky Mountains in the fall while the trees glow in shades of red, orange, and yellow is truly a bucket-list experience. Spanning over 500,000 acres in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a mecca for fall foliage.
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