Great Smoky Mountains National Park - Fall Colors

Be prepared for a lot of traffic during fall in the Smokies. The foliage change is so popular in Great Smoky Mountains National Park that it can cause bumper to bumper traffic in some parts of the park! Try visiting less populated areas like Cataloochee, on the eastern side of the park. This area offers the same brilliant colors as the more populated areas but with less traffic.

Note of Interest: At 4,500 to 6,000 feet (highest elevations) colors often begin turning in mid September. At these elevations the American beech, mountain maple and yellow birch begin their fall changes. At about 4,000 feet, leaves are typically at their peak colors in the first two weeks of October. At mid October, you can expect an explosion of color when the rest of the trees such as; red maple, scarlet oak, sugar maple and sweetgum join the rest of the fall colors.