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

    Great Smoky Mountains

    National Park NC,TN

October 26 Photos

Head to lower elevation areas to enjoy fall colors now, where many areas are at peak this week.

 
Lower elevation trails are good choices for viewing color this week.
Lower elevation trails are good choices for viewing color this week.
 
 
The Little River at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area
Colors along Little River at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area. Photo taken on Oct. 26.
 
 
Fall colors along Little River Road
Fall colors are very good along some portions of Little River Road at this time. Photo taken Oct. 26.
 
 
A mountain gentian wildflower
Fall wildflowers such as this mountain gentian and various species of asters are still blooming in the park. Photo taken Oct 25.
NPS/Taylor

Did You Know?

An experimental program to reintroduce elk to the park was begun in 2001.

An experimental program to reintroduce elk to the park was begun in 2001. Elk once roamed the Smokies, but were eliminated from the region in the mid 1800s by over-hunting and loss of habitat. Other animals successfully reintroduced to the park include river otters and barn owls.