The National Park Service website states the following about the Fall color change in the Smokies:
The National Park usually experiences an autumn 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.
The National Park Service Website also has several webcams, one being at Look Rock. We put the following images together to show the timing of the color change over the past few years.
2008
2009
2010
2011
Over the past few years the third week in October has seen the peak of the color and it has lasted until about November 10th.
If you haven’t made plan to visit the Smokies, what are you waiting on. Book now to insure you have the perfect seat for the fall color change.
Visit www.cabinfevervacations.com to find the perfect cabin for your fall getaway.
To view the Look Rock webcam live visit The National Park Website.
