Fall Colors Burst Forth
Leaf season has arrived, and the Great Smoky Mountain tree foliage has transformed from summer's lush greens into the dramatic red, orange, and yellows that characterize fall in the Smokies.
Some might wonder why do the leaves change, and what weather is best to bring about this autumn transformation? Well, the cool days of fall and evenings when temperatures are chilled, but not freezing is the best recipe for beautiful foliage. If daytime temperatures are too warm, the color intensity of the foliage suffers. Additionally, frost slows the production of anthocyanin, which turns the leaves a deep red color. Water and wind also play an important role in the perfect autumn foliage. Typically a wet spring and a less windy fall period create the best conditions for beautiful fall foliage that lasts through the season.
You can read more in-depth reports on why the leaves change colors in the fall by visiting Associate Professor of Forestry Wayne Clatterbuck's online article, "
Changing Colors of Leaves" as well as the Tennessee Department of Forestry's website.
Now is the time to see the fall foliage views! September marked the start of leaf season, and usually the trees of the
Great Smoky Mountains National Park reach their peak by the third week of October. Foliage experts recommend the period between October 16 and November 3 as the best viewing time for the lower elevations of the Park.
Call the Fall Foliage Hotline at 1-800-697-4200 before you visit to hear the latest update in the Smokies. You can also log onto the Great Smoky Mountains National Park webcam, which shows the view from Look Rock. From the webcam you can see about 122 miles of beauty as the mountain leaves change this fall.
Comments
The leaves are almost gone for this year, but what a show! This year was one of the best color years for the Smoky Mountains in a long time.
Posted by: Darryl Payne | November 5, 2006 08:27 PM