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