The Best Time And Destinations For Ultimate Fall Foliage Views In The Smoky Mountains

Autumn is a magical time of year throughout the United States. The days grow shorter, and the air becomes crisp and cool. Misty mornings with frost-kissed grass give way to pleasant sunny days, with temperatures that are perfect for enjoying the outdoors. The leaves on the trees in America's lush deciduous forests explode in beautiful colors. Bright fiery shades of yellow, orange, and red leave nature-lovers awestruck and inspired. All across the country, you'll find families and groups of friends planning weekend getaways to enjoy the beautiful fall colors and the final days of warmth before winter arrives. Activities like hiking, camping, "leaf peeping," and getting cozy around a bonfire are incredibly popular throughout the autumn months.

If you're looking for the perfect destination to admire some breathtaking fall leaves, it's time to plan a trip to the Smoky Mountains. Located in the southeastern United States, stretching along the border of Tennessee and North Carolina the Smoky Mountains offer some of the best leaf peeping out there. When the great outdoors call your name this fall, make sure you add the Smokies to your East Coast bucket list. 

The Smoky Mountains are a popular autumn destination due to the vibrant colors displayed by around one hundred different tree species. Some of the most spectacular color transformations come from sugar maples, scarlet oaks, red maples, dogwood, and hickories.

Summer tends to linger well into September in the southeastern states. You may begin to see the first leaves change color towards the middle of September, but for the best fall foliage, wait until well after autumn equinox. The best time to visit is sometime between mid-October and early November. According to the National Park Service, the autumn leaf season can last for multiple weeks, but it's difficult to guess when the colors will peak. Factors like temperatures and weather are major factors contributing to the leaves changing. Elevation also plays a key factor. At higher elevations, where the temperature is cooler, you will begin to see autumn colors as early as September. At an elevation of around 4,000 feet leaves will begin to change in early October.

The absolute best place to see the fall foliage is within the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Half of the park is located in Tennessee and the other half is in North Carolina. It includes more than 500,000 acres of forests, mountains, and streams. The popular national park attracts nearly 13 million tourists each year, making it the most visited national park in the United States. Even though it's often crowded, there are plenty of places to spread out and find solitude amongst the natural beauty. Visitors can enjoy 848 miles of hiking trails, which includes portions of the iconic Appalachian Trail.

If hiking isn't your thing, you can choose to experience the park via a scenic drive on 384 miles of roads — both paved and unpaved. Newfound Gap Road, Clingmans Dome Road, Cades Cove, and Roaring Fork Motor Trail are a few popular scenic routes, but don't be surprised if there's traffic.

If you'd like to stay within the park, you can choose between ten different campgrounds maintained by the national park service with options for car camping and RVs. Backpackers can also apply for a permit in order to backcountry camp within the park. While there aren't any hotels, cabin rentals, or lodges within the park itself, you'll find plenty of great options nearby. Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge are two popular vacations spots with some of the best hotels to stay in when visiting the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Keep in mind that autumn is a busy time of year. You'll want to make reservations well in advance.