Fall Color Reports & Forecasts

November 9, 2009 by Tom Harrington

Curry Mountain (Beginning to End) - Around 80% of the foliage is gone; however there are nice displays scattered along the trail (mostly golds, bronzes and yellows).  In the bright sun the colors were not that colorful; however on the return when the sky was overcast the colors of the foliage stood out - especially on the first half mile from Little River Road. 

Meigs Mountain (From Curry Mountain to Jakes Creek Trail) - Much of the foliage is good.  There are a few areas with some colorful foliage showing.

November 9, 2009 by Steve Kemp

The 2009 fall color season is nearly gone in the Great Smoky Mountains, but notable areas of gold and red persist at the lowest elevations. Most of the trees still sporting leaves are oaks, beeches, and birches.

All the lower elevation trails are perfect for hiking right now. Deep Creek, Little River, Boogerman Loop, Old Settlers, Smokemont Loop, Old Sugarlands, Kephart Prong, and Abrams Falls are recommended.

A drive on Little River and Laurel Creek roads is a good choice. The heaviest traffic has abated now that we are in November. However, frequent “bear jams” on Newfound Gap Road have slowed things down. I-40 is closed through “the Gorge” due to a rock slide.

October 12, 2009 by Tom Harrington

Laurel Falls (Beginning to End) -  Some nice foliage showing (scattered).  

Cove Mountain (Laurel Falls to Park Headquarters) - Really nice Sassafras, Sourwood, and Red Maple foliage along the trail starting about a mile above park headquarters.   Some other foliage also changing.   This trail is 8.5 miles long, but it has some really brilliant red foliage to enjoy.

October 5, 2009 by Tom Harrington

Mt. Sterling Trail (Beginning to End) - Pockets of color visible despite heavy fog.

Mt. Sterling Ridge (From Mt. Sterling Trail to Swallow Fork Trail) - Lots of yellow foliage visible - fog beginning to lift.

Swallow Fork (Beginning to End) - Ridges visible from this trail had scattered sections with brilliant oranges, reds, and yellow foliage.

Some trees are at peak from around 3000 feet up.

Big Creek (From Swallow Fork to Beginning) - Not a lot of changed foliage on the trail but on surrounding ridges pockets of bright foliage could be seen.

September 30 by Tom Harrington

Abrams Falls (Beginning to Falls) - A few Sourwood, Blackberry, and Greenbrier leaves are changing colors.   Special Note:   No acorns found on this trail.

September 21 by Tom Harrington

Chestnut Top (Beginning to End) - A good number of Sourwood, some of the Blue Berrys, and a few of the Red Maple, Sassafras, andSchool House Gap (Beginning to End) - Some of the Sourwood and a few of the Red Maples and Greenbrier leaves are changing colors.

Bote Mountain (Beginning to Finely Cane Trail) - Some of the Sourwood, Sweet Gum, and Red Maple leaves are changing colors.

  
Tom Harrington, Volunteer, Hiker, and Park Naturalist Extraordinaire

September 7

Greenbrier Ridge (Beginning to End) - Some Red Maples, Sugar Maples, Sourwood, and Witch Hobble leaves are changing colors.

August 31

Low Gap Trail (Cosby Hiker Parking Lot to Low Gap) - A few of the Witch Hobble leaves are changing colors.

Appalachian Trail (From Low Gap to Mount Cammerer Trail) -   A good number of the Witch Hobble leaves are becoming very beautiful with various shades such as red, wine, orange, yellow, and pink. 

Mount Cammerer (Beginning to End) -  Nice selection of Witch Hobble with colorful leaves along with Dwarf Rhododendron.

August 17

Bote Mountain (From Anthony Creek to the Appalachian Trail) - Witch Hobble are beginning to change colors.

Appalachian Trail (From Jenkins Ridge Trail to Russell Field) - Blackberry leaves are beginning to change colors.

Russell Field Trail (Beginning to End) - Red Maple, Sourwood, and Blueberry leaves are changing colors.

August 10

Bote Mountain (From Lead Cove Trail to Finely Cane Trail) - Sourwood and Sassafras leaves are changing colors.