Many of you hikers and nature enthusiast may want to check out the leaves in the Smokies. The range and vibrancy of the colors is not to be missed and a great photo opportunity. With summer quickly coming to an end you may want to know the best time to see the leaves and this may vary based on elevation.
Here's a little info from the National Park Service on when the leaves may change:
Fall leaf season of several weeks as fall colors travel down the mountain sides from high elevation to low. However, the timing of fall color change depends upon so many variables that the exact dates of "peak" season are impossible to predict in advance.
Elevation profoundly affects when fall colors change in the park. At higher elevations, where the climate is similar to New England's, color displays start as early as mid-September with the turning of yellow birch, American beech, mountain maple, hobblebush, and pin cherry.
From early to mid-October, fall colors develop above 4,000 feet. To enjoy them, drive the Clingmans Dome Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, or the Foothills Parkway.
The fall color display usually reaches peak at mid and lower elevations between mid-October and early November. This is the park's most spectacular display as it includes such colorful trees as sugar maple, scarlet oak, sweetgum, red maple, and the hickories.
If you're not up for a hike, there are plenty of great views of the fall leaves from one of our many cabins at Bear Camp Cabin Rentals!
