Friday, October 21, 2011

October 21, 2011 Fall Color Report - Smoky Mountains


The Great Smoky Mountains are now a mosaic with fall colors in some areas past-peak, some at peak, and some pre-peak. At elevations above 4,000 feet, fall colors are gone but three inches of snow and lots of rime ice now decorate the landscape. Fall colors are at peak at the mid elevations. At the lower elevations, where the forest is rich with maple and oak trees, colors will likely peak next wee...k.

The fall color display is exceptional this year. Suggested drives include Little River Road, Cades Cove, Greenbrier, the Foothills Parkway East (near Newport and Cosby), the Foothills Parkway West (near Townsend), and Cataloochee Valley.

Suggested trails and hiking destinations include Smokemont Loop, Cucumber Gap Loop, Old Settlers Trail, Deep Creek Trail, Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail, and Henwallow Falls.

As if the fall colors and high elevation snow weren’t enough, bear, elk, and wild turkey are very conspicuous right now. But remember, visitors should never approach or harass park wildlife. Approaching elk or bear closer than 50 yards is illegal and punishable by substantial fines and imprisonment.
 
For Vacation Rental information, visit Colonial Properties Cabin & Resort Rentals.

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