Below are this year’s estimates on when we expect East Tennessee to reach peak fall foilage by county
There is a grove of trees somewhat near the entrance to Cades Cove in the Great Smoky Mountains, and it is my favorite spot to view the fall foliage. I’m not sure what the type of trees are, but the grove is massive as it moves down the mountain. The homogeny of it all blankets the forest in a bright yellow canopy through which the dappled sunlight dances.
For some, the beauty of the mountains is in the variety, a kaleidoscope of colors that change depending on the elevation, the type of tree and the time of year. But me? I like it when it feels like the large parts of the forest are related, in their own little realm.
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When will the leaves change by county in East Tennessee?
Though the mountains remain mostly green as of this writing, the process of watching the changing color move down from the high mountains into the valley has started. The process has begun in storm-stricken Carter County and is reaching the middle of the season in neighboring Johnson County. Both of those areas continue to deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. If you are in East Tennessee – especially if you’re coming down I-75, the process has begun in Scott and Claiborne counties. Claiborne, which borders Cumberland Gap National Historic Park, is frequently overlooked by visitors to the Smokies but offers its unique beauty. Below are some fall dates and which county you can expect to see peak foliage. You can also use this interactive map.
Oct. 9-16
As we reach the week of Oct. 9 through 16, the process begins in earnest for most of upper East Tennessee starting in the higher elevations of Sevier, Cocke and Greene counties. Remember, northeast of Sevier County is where the most serious storm damage occurred in Tennessee. While Sevier County is open for visitors, visiting some other northeast Tennessee counties is not recommended at the time of this writing. Speaking of which, Johnson County will reach peak season while Carter, Claiborne and Scott reach the middle of the season.
Oct. 17-23
According to predictions, the color-changing process will begin in earnest in all of Blount County in East Tennessee while Johnson, Carter, Claiborne and Scott, as well as a handful of counties in middle Tennessee, have reached peak color. Remember the color will start to change at the higher elevations and many East Tennessee counties have both mountainous and valley regions. If you arrive in the valley expecting to see color and don’t, be prepared to take a journey deeper into the mountains.
Oct. 24-Nov. 1
Now we’re approaching the peak of the season. While the season has ended in Johnson County, it remains at its peak in Scott, Carter and Claiborne. Other counties expected to peak this week include Unicoi, Washington, Greene, Sullivan, Hancock, Hamblen, Grainger, Anderson, Union, Cocke, Sevier, Jefferson, Knox, Loudon and Monroe. Polk and Bradley are approaching peak this week. Blount is the lone holdout expected to just be starting its color-changing journey this week.
Nov. 2-Nov. 9
We have reached the predicted peak of the peak, if you will. While the season has ended in Johnson and Scott counties – as well as Grundy in Middle Tennessee, every other county except for Blount and Hamilton is predicted to be at their peak this week.
Nov. 10-17
The end is night. Every county in Northeast Tennessee except for Hamblen – which is kind of borderline regular East Tennessee – has seen its season come to an end. Blount County – however – has joined the peaking party making this a great time to plan your visit to Cades Cove – though my instinct says it might be better to go the week prior. Cocke, Jefferson, Sevier, Monroe, Polk, Bradley, Loudon, Hamilton, McMinn, Anderson, Union and Campbell remain at their peak.
Nov. 18-25
The predicted end is nigh. Only Knox, Blount, Hamilton and Anderson counties remain at their predicted peak in East Tennessee as do Sequatchie and Warren counties in Middle Tennessee. For the rest of us, the color has gone and winter is approaching, leaving us to wait for the coming spring and the return of color to our beloved mountains.
In the wake of Hurricane Helene, planning a trip to see the annual changing of the colors in the mountains is a touchier subject. I would suggest moving forward with caution and sensitivity. Some communities remain open and want – even need – your business. Other communities will be fighting the aftermath of a 1 in 5,000-year storm and they need your support, your patience and your understanding.
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