The first area of the Smokies on our trip is the lowest drivable pass in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park with an elevation of 5,046 feet - the Newfound Gap. This drive will allow you to experience diverse forest ecosystems and has many scenic overlooks. From this journey, you can take a 7-mile side road called Clingmans Dove Road. Coming from the lowest drivable pass, Clingmans Dome is not only the highest peak in Tennessee, but also the highest peak along the Appalachian Trail reaching up 6,643 feet; it is also the third highest mountain east of the Mississippi. This road will take you to a dead end; but you can continue on foot for a half-mile hike to the 360-degree observation tower, which is a sublime vantage point to view the beauty autumn brings to the land. On a clear day - which are, unfortunately, limited due to air pollution - it is possible to see over 100 miles. Clingmans Dome Road is also home to several other trailheads for those who want more adventure, one of which is the Sugarland Mountain Trail. This is a seven mile roundtrip hike that offers the forest solitude some are looking for.
The Albright Grove Loop Trail should also be on your to-do list. This path is located in the Cosby area, which also houses Hen Wallow Falls, which is just over 2 miles, and Sutton Ridge Overlook, which is only 1.4 miles and is best for an autumn visit in late October. The Albright Grove Loop is part of the Maddron Bald Trail, which was built in the 1930s by the CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps). This hike will start off with 2.3 miles of gravel road. Once you have traveld just under two and half miles, the trail turns into a dirt path and begins to lead you through old-growth forest. Keep going for about another half mile and you will come across the Albright Grove Trail. This is a 0.7-mile loop that is stunning in the Fall due to the diversity in the forest and the fact that it contains trees that are among the oldest in the area. If you are looking for a motorized journey for viewing the fall colors, visit Parsons Branch Road. This is an eight mile, gravel road that only goes one way and is quite narrow. Motorists are able to drive along a creek and see the remarkable coloring of the forest.
Next we'll visit the Cades Cove Loop Road, which can be found in Tennessee. Cades Cove is the most popular area in the Smoky Mountains National Park. This drive will take you 11 miles one way and will offer prepossessing scenery. This paved road is closed off to motor vehicles until 10:00 a.m. to allow bicyclists and hikers the opportunity to enjoy this delightful path safely. Cades Cove Loop contains the access point for Abrams Falls, a favored day-hike in the area. This trek through a pine-oak forest will take you on a five-mile roundtrip hike to a waterfall consisting of a 20-foot drop into the pool and stream that lie below. Due to the strong currents and undertow, it is highly recommended to avoid swimming in the pool for your own safety. During the autumn months, the Abrams Creek, which can be found at the foot of the waterfall, is lined with the beautiful colors of changing leaves. There is a lot of wildlife in this area hikers and motorists may spot, including coyotes, turkeys, and the occasional black bear. In fact, the highlights of this drive and hiking trails are the wildlife that can be viewed and the historic buildings. Make sure to bring your camera on this trip.
Another scenic drive is along Rich Mountain Road, which begins at Cades Cove and goes north, ending in Townsend, Tennessee. This road is a stretch of gravel that takes you 8 miles one way. If you're looking to visit in autumn, October is best for this route.
For hikers that are looking to explore the higher elevations, Mt. LeConte is a good choice. There are plenty of trails in this area. Taking the Trillium Gap trail offers wonderful panoramic views of the area. You'll travel through old-growth forest. After 1.3 miles hikers will reach a waterfall they can walk behind - Grotto Falls. You will reach the summit 6.9 miles after you begin your hike.
Autumn is a beautiful time to visit the Smoky Mountains for a drive or hike. The air is crisp and dry, and the fall colors are one of nature's most serene pieces of artwork. With the advantage of a long fall season, there is no reason to miss out on this unparalleled scenery.
