Peak Leaf Colors in East Tennessee

Cades Cove, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, November 2, 2013 – Staff Photo by Jeff Depew

Jefferson County is entering its peak leaf weeks, with orange, yellow and red leaves marking the local landscape. Those that are looking for great color should stick to the mid to lower elevations, as the higher elevations passed their peak in color last week. Local looking for a variety of color can find it in the Chestnut Hill area, where trees are already bursting with fall hues. Toward the valley, trees have been slower to turn and are just entering their most colorful period. The Great Smokey Mountains National Park still has color, especially in the Cades Cove area, as well as Townsend and Gatlinburg, however, travelers crossing the Mountain from North Carolina via Cherokee are seeing diminished color. Middle Tennessee is not expected to be at peak color until later this month, as leaves there are just beginning to turn. Leaf lovers looking for a colorful drive early this week can find peak hues traveling to Gatlinburg via Chestnut Hill and Pittman Center Road.