October 10, 2012 Photos

A Great Blue Heron stands completely still while hunting in Laurel Creek.

Warren Bielenberg Photo

Fall color continues to develop in the park. Although some high elevation areas are now past peak, other areas along the crest of the mountains are quite beautiful. Leaves at middle elevations are beginning to turn and there are a few pockets of color at lower elevations, though most leaves in the foolthills are still green. Scroll down the page for photos of the park this week.

 

The past few days have been foggy and rainy, but the bright red leaves of sourwood trees stand out even in dull, misty conditions.

Mike Harrington Photo

 

The view from Clingmans Dome Parking lot just before rainy weather moved into the area this past weekend.

Bob Turney Photo

 

Patches of color are showing near the Oconaluftee Visitor Center. Elk can sometimes be seen in the fields adjacent to the visitor center.

Photo courtesy of Rob Wilson, Artist-In-Residence

 

Trails at mid elevations are beginning to become colorful now.

Priscilla Watts Photo