Smokies
Take a virtual tour through Great Smoky
Mountains National Park during peak leaf-
peeping season.
Alum Cave Trail Bridge
Alum Cave Trail begins its ascent by
winding alongside Alum Cave Creek through stands of autumn-adorned trees. We hiked 2.2 miles one way to this trail's namesake cave, but hikers can also continue all the way to Mount LeConte .
Alum Cave Creek
Alum Cave Creek flows down a steep slope early on the trail. Hikers are especially rewarded in the fall by mixtures of yellow and orange that surround the rushing water.
Alum Cave Trail Vista
As we approach Alum Cave, the autumn-spotted valley stretches before us at various bends along the trail. Combinations of temperate mixed forest and rocky outcrops create variety and contrast in a
picturesque landscape. Using the foliage tracker , you can plan your visit around peak leaf change.
Alum Cave
Alum Cave towers above the trail, shadingthe area beneath and creating the perfect spot for an afternoon trail picnic.
Charlies Bunion Vista
Charlies Bunion is my favorite trail in the Smokies. This challenging 8.1-mile hike features steep uphill portions, ridge sections and a wonderful payoff at the top. The bunion is a prime photo location
with the entire valley as a background. What better time to tackle this trail than the fall?
Don't forget to turn around at the top of Charlies Bunion and enjoy every direction. For anyone wanting to catch these views
atAutumn Colors in the
Smokies Take a virtual tour through Great Smoky Mountains National Park during peak leaf-
peeping season.
Sunrise at Cades Cove
For those willing to brave a crowd, Cades
Cove is a must-see during the fall. Cars
begin lining up at the loop road entrance
as early as an hour and a half before the
gate opens, so check the opening time
while planning your visit. To get a jump on
the crowds, some visitors bike the loop
road and start before the loop opens to
cars.
John Oliver Place
John Oliver Cabin, located roughly one mile
from the loop road entrance, is one of the
oldest structures in Great Smoky
Mountains National Park. John and
Lucretia Oliver built the cabin in the 1820s
as the first European settlers in the area.
Bear Crossing at Abrams Creek
Cades Cove is well known for its
abundance of black bears. Visitors may
spot them from the loop road or
occasionally find one on a trail. This bear
crossed the Abrams Falls Trail about 50
feet in front of me before ambling downhill
to the stream where it sat down in the
water. After a few minutes, it stood up
and disappeared into the brush on the
opposite side.
Abrams Falls
Abrams Falls is possibly the most popular
trail in Cades Cove. This moderate 5.2-
mile hike leads to a gorgeous waterfall
where visitors often swim in warmer
months. In the fall, shades of yellow and
orange envelop the stream while hikers
rest and enjoy the cooler weather. Just
don’t be late to this trailhead, as it
becomes crowded by 9 a.m.
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