• Approximately 1,500 black bears live in the national park.

    Great Smoky Mountains

    National Park NC,TN

October 17, 2012 Photos

Fall colors are reaching peak in many mid and lower elevation areas now, while other areas still have a lot of green leaves. The following photographs were taken over the past few days in the park.

 
Campbell Overlook on US-441 offers views of fall colors.
The Campbell Overlook on US-441 south of Sugarlands Visitor Center offers views of fall color at middle elevations.
 
Trees with colorful fall leaves line a river.
Dark green rhododendrons provide a nice back drop for brilliantly colored fall leaves along rivers and streams in the park.
Kent Cave Photo
 
Colorful trees frame the distant valley of Maryville, TN.
The view from Look Rock Tower looking towards Maryville, TN
Kent Cave Photo
 
Trees will bright red leaves line Foothills Parkway West
Brilliant reds can be found along Foothills Parkway West.
Kent Cave Photo
 
The mountain ridges around Cataloochee Valley are decked in fall colors.
The mountains around Cataloochee Valley are developing color now.
Darlene Leach Photo
 
Red fall leaves on a dogwood tree beside the Walker Sisters' Cabin in Little Greenbrier
A bright red dogwood trees stands beside the Walker Sisters' Cabin in Little Greenbrier
Walter Hedge Photo
 
Yellow leaves cast a golden hue to the waters of Abrams Creek in Cades Cove
Fall casts a golden hue on the waters of Abrams Creek in Cades Cove.
Warren Bielenberg Photo

Did You Know?

The park is named for the misty clouds that hang over the mountains.

The wispy, smoke-like fog that hangs over the Smoky Mountains comes from rain and evaporation from trees. On the high peaks of the Smokies, an average of 85 inches of rain falls each year, qualifying these upper elevation areas as temperate rain forests.