fall peak color

We want to visit the park in October. Does anyone know the best weekend for fall color. Also is it better to stay on the NC or TN side? Any suggestions would be helpful.

usually, the park sees the best color in late october through mid november. though, this varies from year to year. i read recently that abundant rainfall this year could mean less color this autumn.

leaves generally change from high elevs to low. trees on the higher peaks start changing in early october, i think.

Cashe has given you good advice on the fall colors. There is no set "best date" from year to year. But the range of time that Cashe listed is the typical standard.

As for which side of the park to stay? That depends on what you are looking for. If you want the river and Cades Cove then the west side would be better. If you want the higher elevations and possibly the Elk at Cattaloochee that I would suggest the east (NC) side.

Here are a couple of links for watching the progression of the fall colors in the Smokies

http://discoverpigeonforgecabins.com/fc2009/fall_colors_2009.htm

http://www.rodsguide.com/foliage.aspx

Are leaves changing colors yet?

the camera at purchase knob, high elevation smokies, is showing some color, but sparse. i was in southern nantahala this past weekend and saw some spots of brilliant reds and a few oranges over 5000ft:



...i bet the high country will be glowing soon.