NC Fall Leaf Color in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park

New Found Gap in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park

October 2, 2012:   Fall colors are nearing peak at high elevations in the park. Some trees are still green, but yellow and golds are becoming predominant along roadways above 4,000 feet elevation. Newfound Gap Road near the crest of the mountains and Clingmans Road are particularly nice at this week. At lower elevations, early trees are turning now, but these are scattered patches of color with the majority of trees at low elevation are still green. Dogwood, black gum, sourwood, sumac and Virginia Creeper are among the species showing red color at lower elevations now.

Fall wildflowers are blooming in abundance along park roadways. Look for goldenrod, asters, snakeweed, and jewelweed.

View more  images of the park this week or check the Park webcams to see how fall colors are developing:
Look Rock - located at mid elevation on the western end of the park
Purchase Knob - located at high elevation on the eastern end of the park