Millions of visitors come to the Great Smoky Mountains each year to view the brilliant colors of the autumn leaves. Different types of trees in the region allow for better leaf viewing than others. The Smokies in the fall has incredible leaf color viewing. The remarkable colors in these mountains is due to the amazing diversity of types of trees. There are more different types of trees (over 200) in the Smokies than anywhere else. In addition, the variations in seasons and circumstatnces create a new picture of fall color each and every year.

Several different factors willdecide the vividness of the fall colors. First and most important, the weather conditions of late summer and early fall will decide how intense that particular year's colors will be. The weather conditions that allow for the best color include plenty of rain, sunny days, and cool nights with few strong breezes. By having cool nights without temperatures dipping below freezing, the trees are able to trap sugar in their leaves. The incredible red colors viewed on autumn treesare compliments of the anthrocyanin that is formed from the trapped sugars.

Red is not the only color to see in the majestic fall season of the Great Smoky Mountains. Orange and yellow, and every shade in between, are other common colors to view during autumn in the mountains. The coming of the season brings the end of certain food production processes in the leaves, and a breakdown of the green color allows for other vibrant colors to show. Along with the amazing variations of reds, the goldem colors accent shades of orangeto create a sunburst of color.

Several places in the Great Smoky Mountains are known for their prime leaf viewing locations. One such place is US 321, which is the main road that leads into the National Park through Gatlinburg. A six mile trail called Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail allows visitors to view the trees, waterfalls and wildlife from the comfort of their own vehicle. The Cades Cove 11 mile loop is also a prime location for leaf peeping. If you prefer to experience fall in the Smokies by foot, both these nature trails also includes trail-heads for foot trails. Another remarkable spot to view the fall colors is Clingman's Dome. A viewing tower is available to capture a 360 degree view of the mountains from miles around. Although many other wonderful spots are available for viewing the beauty of the fall, these are just a few of the most popular areas where extraordinary vistas are guaranteed, not only in the autumn, but all year long.

Many potential visitors might want to know when they would have the best chance to see the fall color show. The problem is that it depends on what year it is and what the climate was like that particular year. The peak time is tradionally in October, but colors often last into the beginning and middle of November. The average temperature high during this time in Gatlinburg is approximately 74 degrees Fahrenheit with an average low of 42 degrees. November's average high is 65 degrees with an average low of 38 degrees. The time at which leaves reach their peak colors also varies by elevation. Higher elevations (4500 - 6000 feet) may reach their peak in mid-September. As a guideline, expect to view the best color display, during the middle to end of October.

To avoid heavy traffic and long delays during peak color time, get an early start in the morning so you can enjoy the show without sitting in bumper to bumper traffic. The most frequented locations are Cades Cove, Newfound Gap Road and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

During the months of September, October, and early November, The Foliage Network provides foliage reports which are updated twice per week. The updates are posted on Wednesday and Saturday.

So where does the information come from? The Foliage Network has over 550 spotters that report on the foliage conditions in their area. The reports are submitted twice per week and are then compiled and analyzed by The Foliage Network. The data is then plotted and a foliage map is generated. Finally, these maps are posted to The Foliage Network web site and transmitted to newspapers throughout the United States. Visit this site to keep updated on the progression of the foliage season.

The Southeast Foliage Report