| There's something about fall that adds a bit of | | | | These mountains offer more than 800 miles of trails to |
| excitement to the air. Maybe it's because school has | | | | explore laced with waterfalls, historic buildings and |
| begun. It might be the reduction in sweltering summer | | | | other surprises along tranquil paths. See wildlife when |
| temperatures. Perhaps it's the thrill of football season | | | | you bike the 11 miles of Cades Cove Loop Road or go |
| or it could be the onset of holidays including Halloween | | | | horseback riding across 550 miles of trails. Whatever |
| and Thanksgiving. While you're marking your calendar | | | | method you like, there's definitely something for |
| and making plans for what to do this fall, don't forget to | | | | everyone. |
| include a visit to the Smoky Mountains. It's the perfect | | | | With a spectacular display of color all around, it's hard |
| place to experience the magical change of seasons. | | | | to imagine anything more beautiful. However, if you've |
| We all know that during fall the leaves change colors, | | | | ever seen the reflection of fall colors in a glistening |
| but if you haven't seen the colors of fall in the Smoky | | | | stream you'll know that the Smokies repeatedly outdo |
| Mountains, you have missed a masterpiece of nature. | | | | themselves. That's probably why fishing is another |
| While the official dates for the fall season are | | | | popular attraction in the Smoky Mountains. |
| September 23rd through December 21st, the peak | | | | Whether you're a novice or have years of experience, |
| time for leaves to change is unpredictable because | | | | you'll enjoy over 2000 miles of streams filled with |
| there are so many factors involved. According to the | | | | brook, rainbow and brown trout, as well as smallmouth |
| National Park Service, "At higher elevations, where the | | | | and rock bass. While fishing is permitted year round, |
| climate is similar to New England's, color displays start | | | | the use of live bait or food is not allowed. You may |
| as early as mid-September. The fall color display | | | | only use artificial flies or lures with a single hook. Since |
| usually reaches peak at mid- and lower elevations | | | | the park lies across the Tennessee/North Carolina |
| between mid-October and early November. This is the | | | | border, a permit or license from either state is required. |
| park's most spectacular display." It's during this time | | | | The early fall brings daytime high temperatures in the |
| that you'll find brilliant shades of deep burgundy, | | | | 70s and 80s, with dropping highs in the 50s to 60s at |
| dazzling orange, sparkling gold and emerald green | | | | season's end. This makes fall an opportune time to |
| shimmering in the sunlight. These magnificent colors | | | | take advantage of the great outdoors. If you can only |
| turn the Smoky Mountains into a priceless work of art. | | | | get away for a day, it will be a day well spent. |
| There are numerous ways to experience this beauty. | | | | Obviously, longer stays afford more time for fun, |
| Traveling by car is the most popular choice because it | | | | adventure and relaxation. With numerous cabins |
| allows for a great deal of freedom. Hundreds of | | | | nearby for rent, you can enjoy your evenings nestled |
| people jump into their vehicles to spend the day | | | | in the beauty and tranquility of the Smoky Mountains. |
| enjoying the breathtaking colors of autumn. Bring a | | | | Whether it will be for one day or several, make plans |
| picnic lunch, park the car and savor your meal | | | | now to see the magic of the fall colors unfold right |
| surrounded by the glorious landscape. Prefer walking? | | | | before your eyes. |