October 2, 2012 Photographs

Fall colors are nearing peak at the park's highest elevations and fall wildflowers are blooming profusely. Check out a few images from the park this week.

 

Yellow and gold fall colors are set off nicely against the dark green of spruce trees near the crest of the mountains on US-441.

 

The view from the Newfound Gap parking lot on October 2, 2012.

 

In Cades Cove, yellow goldenrod flowers brighten the valley floor.

Warren Bielenberg Photo

 

Fall wildflowers attract numerous butterflies. Here, a painted lady butterfly samples a purple aster for nectar.

Gordon Ritter Photo

 

Pale jewelweed blooms along roads and trails throughout the park from summer through early fall.

Walter Hedge Photo

 

Trees along Walker Camp Prong give a golden hue to the forest. The river can be seen from a pull-off along US-441 near the crest of the mountains.

Photo courtesy of Rob Wilson, Artist-in-Residence.

 

Autumn leaves aren't the only colorful things in the park this week! This male Wild Turkey is a riot of colors. Although turkeys mate in spring, males often display at other times of the year and lately one male has been strutting around the lawn of Sugarlands Visitor Center.

Kent Cave Photo

 

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