The Great Smoky Mountains --in North Carolina and Tennessee-- are are another fine place for fall leaf-peeping.
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park site has two webcams, to show autumn colors.
When's the best time to go? High up-- over 4500 feet-- colors can start to turn mid-September; over 4000 feet, early October is usually good; and leafs at lower elevations change from the middle of October through early November. But of course "The timing of fall color change depends upon so many variables that peak season is impossible to predict in advance." The most vivid colors occur at low to mid elevations.
The Smokies Guide site has details about trees, leaves, and colors, and where to find them. Some 100 species put on a color show.
The Smokies have some other attractions for families, too. For example, Dollywood -- the theme park created by country singer Dolly Parton, near her hometown Pigeon Forge-- has an autumn festival: the National Music & Harvest Celebration, from Sept. 23 to Oct. 29, 2005. Dollywood has roller coasters, kiddie rides, and down-home entertainment.
continue to Ohio fall foliage getaways...
