Great Smokey Mountains and Fall Colors

In the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, the higher mountain slopes are now showing a full spectrum of color, visible from various overlooks, particularly along Newfound Gap Road. Ridge crests glow with gold from birch, beech and maple trees. Witch hobble, blueberry and blackberry bushes add a rich red-leaf flavor to the mix. Brilliant colors are emerging on species such as sourwood, showing magnificent scarlet; sugar maples with exuberant yellows and oranges; and, several varieties of sumac, displaying showy crimsons to purple.