The biggest color show in the Smokies doesn't take place on New
Year's Eve or the 4th of July or even at Christmas. In fact, this show
is so big, it can't be squeezed into just one day. It takes weeks to
reveal itself, a time during which millions of people revel in its glory
and gain a deep appreciation for the spectacle of nature's beauty.
Of course, we're talking about the annual transformation of tree foliage, when leaves undergo a gradual transition from the greens of spring and summer to the vibrant reds, yellows and oranges of autumn. Part of what makes the fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains so memorable is the fact that some 100 species of trees can be found in the area, which results in the curvaceous landscape getting painted with a diverse color palette. Most of the trees are deciduous, which means that they, in fact, will lose their
leaves each autumn.
This metamorphosis usually starts as early as middle September in the Smokies' higher elevations and reaches its peak at lower elevations between late October and early November. Around mid-September, you'll notice trees like the yellow birch, American beech, mountain maple, hobblebush and pin cherry starting to turn at around 4,000 feet in elevation.
By early October, you'll start to see sourwoods and sumac showing bright reds in the lower elevations, and some dogwoods and maples are starting to turn as well, although the landscape is still predominantly green at this point. In mid-October and early November, the colors are usually at their peak. The more vivid shades of red and gold emerge in the aforementioned trees as well as others like the blackgum, black walnut and hickory.
Did you know that trees actually inherit their autumn colors in the Smokies, much like a person inherits his or her hair color? Each color is determined by the presence of chemicals like iron, magnesium and phosphorus as well as their acidity levels. For example, the yellow in birch, beech and elm is caused by xanthophyll, while the reds and oranges in some oaks and maples are caused by anthocyanin and carotene, respectively.
Weather conditions also play a vital role in the transformation process. Warm, sunny days followed by cool, crisp (but not freezing) nights usually contribute to the best displays of color. Of course, no one can predict the weather, so there's no precise science to guessing exactly when the colors will reach their peak at different altitudes. As a result, some years yield better results than others.
If you're interested in timing your visit to the Smokies to coincide with peak colors, consider calling a local visitors bureau to get the latest information on the leaves. When you get here, there are several great routes that will let you take in lots of colorful vistas from your car, including segments of the Foothills Parkway, Newfound Gap Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Even if your ultimate destination is Gatlinburg, Sevierville or Pigeon Forge, fall colors are sure to make your visit to the mountains a memorable one.
Of course, we're talking about the annual transformation of tree foliage, when leaves undergo a gradual transition from the greens of spring and summer to the vibrant reds, yellows and oranges of autumn. Part of what makes the fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains so memorable is the fact that some 100 species of trees can be found in the area, which results in the curvaceous landscape getting painted with a diverse color palette. Most of the trees are deciduous, which means that they, in fact, will lose their
leaves each autumn.
This metamorphosis usually starts as early as middle September in the Smokies' higher elevations and reaches its peak at lower elevations between late October and early November. Around mid-September, you'll notice trees like the yellow birch, American beech, mountain maple, hobblebush and pin cherry starting to turn at around 4,000 feet in elevation.
By early October, you'll start to see sourwoods and sumac showing bright reds in the lower elevations, and some dogwoods and maples are starting to turn as well, although the landscape is still predominantly green at this point. In mid-October and early November, the colors are usually at their peak. The more vivid shades of red and gold emerge in the aforementioned trees as well as others like the blackgum, black walnut and hickory.
Did you know that trees actually inherit their autumn colors in the Smokies, much like a person inherits his or her hair color? Each color is determined by the presence of chemicals like iron, magnesium and phosphorus as well as their acidity levels. For example, the yellow in birch, beech and elm is caused by xanthophyll, while the reds and oranges in some oaks and maples are caused by anthocyanin and carotene, respectively.
Weather conditions also play a vital role in the transformation process. Warm, sunny days followed by cool, crisp (but not freezing) nights usually contribute to the best displays of color. Of course, no one can predict the weather, so there's no precise science to guessing exactly when the colors will reach their peak at different altitudes. As a result, some years yield better results than others.
If you're interested in timing your visit to the Smokies to coincide with peak colors, consider calling a local visitors bureau to get the latest information on the leaves. When you get here, there are several great routes that will let you take in lots of colorful vistas from your car, including segments of the Foothills Parkway, Newfound Gap Road, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and the Blue Ridge Parkway. Even if your ultimate destination is Gatlinburg, Sevierville or Pigeon Forge, fall colors are sure to make your visit to the mountains a memorable one.
Robbin Dean is a Reservations Agent for Smoky Mountain Resorts
offering Pigeon Forge hotels [http://www.smokymountainresorts.travel]
including comfortable lodging and the most popular attractions in the
Smoky Mountains. Visit [http://www.smokymountainresorts.travel] today
for details. © 2008, All Rights Reserved
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