It’s that time of year when Gatlinburg begins to transform into a beautiful palette of reds, orange, and yellows. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park attracts visitors from all over the world looking to catch a glimpse of the mountain’s exploding canvas of color.
The park usually experiences an autumn leaf season over the span of several weeks. However, each year it varies as to when the exact dates of “peak” season actually begins and ends. Elevations play a huge role on the rate that the leaves change. At higher elevations, the transition can begin as early as mid-September. Lower and mid elevations peak between mid-October and early November.
What makes fall in the Smokies so special is the fact that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a tremendous diversity of trees. Sugar maple, scarlet oak, red maple, hickories, and mountain maple are only a few of the 100 different species found in the park.
The National Park Service provides a list of suggested hikes that allow visitors to explore and absorb in all the beauty that the park has to offer. The list includes trails such as the Appalachian Trail, and Alum Cave Trail.
Sightseers can view the colorful mountains without even leaving their car! Scenic drives are a great option for those who are unable to hike and for families looking for a way to spend a relaxing Sunday afternoon. Scenic drives in Gatlinburg include Cades Cove and the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.
If adventuring through the mountains isn’t enough to satisfy the thirst of autumn, Mountain Laurel Chalets also have various chalets and cabins with breathtaking mountain views.
Not to mention the fact the chalets at Mountain Laurel are within 3 miles of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park entrance!
For those who are unable to make the trip, enjoy the view from Mountain Laurel Chalet’s own Live Webcam
Don’t miss out on this special time of year as Gatlinburg welcomes in fall with flying colors.
