09/22/2026
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The Rod Run Is Over… And Many of You Know What That Means.
Summer is winding down, and the leaf lookers are coming, their plans are made. They're getting their camera's ready and beginning to pack for their Fall trek to the Smokies.
And here's the thing about fall in the Smokies: the whole mountain doesn't change at once. The colors start at the higher elevations and gradually work their way down over several weeks. The National Park Service says some of the highest elevations can begin showing color as early as mid-September, with areas above 4,000 feet typically changing in early to mid-October. The lower and middle elevations usually follow later, often reaching their best color from mid-October into early November.
So while somebody in Gatlinburg might still be looking at mostly green trees, someone up around Newfound Gap may already be seeing the first reds, yellows and oranges.
And that's one of the things we love about fall here. You can actually watch the season move down the mountain.
The summer crowds are giving way to those who make their fall trek to the Mountains. Many will be pulling over at overlooks, driving a little slower and searching for that perfect view of the mountains covered in color.
Cades Cove. Little River Road. Newfound Gap. Roaring Fork. The Foothills Parkway.
Everybody looking for a little bit of red, orange and gold. Summer in the Smokies has its own feeling. But fall?
Fall is something completely different.
So goodbye, summer crowds. Hello, leaf lookers.
The Smokies are about to put on another show!
And if you've been coming here for years, you already know…
it's almost time.
Who has their reservations and gear ready? Do you have your favorite overlook for that perfect picture?
