Fall is one of the best times of year to visit the Smokies! It’s often considered the most beautiful season because the mountain landscape transforms into a vibrant wonderland covered in shades of yellow, red, and orange. You can enjoy this fall scenery up in the mountains and in the surrounding towns like Sevierville, TN. Here’s your guide to Smoky Mountain fall foliage, including where and when you can see fall colors:
Why Do Leaves Change Color in the Fall?
The leaves start to change color when the temperatures begin to lower. The cooler weather prompts the deciduous trees in the Smoky Mountains to prepare for the cold winter months ahead. The days are also getting shorter, and this causes the green pigment in the leaves to deteriorate, exposing carotenoid pigments. This makes the leaves change from green to yellow. When the sugars in the leaves are broken down, chemicals called anthocyanins are formed. These chemicals have deep red and purple pigments, adding variety to the fall foliage. Different tree species display different colors at varying times in reaction to the weather. This causes an assortment of pigments to be seen throughout the region, drawing out the duration of Smoky Mountain fall foliage and creating a breathtaking display of colors!
When to See Smoky Mountain Fall Foliage
The time when the leaves start to change color varies from year to year based on weather conditions. If the weather cools down earlier, the leaves will start changing sooner. The time when leaves change is also based on elevation. Smoky Mountain fall foliage first appears at the highest elevations in the mountains because they experience cooler temperatures first. You can typically expect leaves above 4,000 feet to start changing in late September to early October, with foliage peaking around early to mid-October. The middle and lower elevations usually reach their peak fall colors around mid-October to early November.
Where to See Smoky Mountain Fall Foliage
Because the leaves start changing at the highest elevations first, the best spots to see Smoky Mountain fall foliage at the beginning of the season are places like Kuwohi and Newfound Gap. Later in the season, fall colors can be found throughout the middle and lower elevations. You can experience fall foliage in places like Cades Cove, Roaring Fork, and the surrounding towns. Hiking and taking scenic drives in the Smokies can be great ways to see a variety of Smoky Mountain fall foliage at various elevations! You can also enjoy the beautiful scenery while exploring all the fun things to do in Sevierville!
Where to Eat in the Smokies This Fall
A great way to experience Smoky Mountain fall foliage is with a picnic in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park! There are a number of great picnic areas in the Smoky Mountains where you can sit and enjoy a meal while surrounded by the splendor of fall leaves. Grab a Buddy’s BBQ Family Pack for a delicious, hassle-free picnic lunch or dinner! Or, if you’re looking for a place to dine, stop by our Sevierville restaurant for a hearty and affordable BBQ meal in a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere!
