Why Great Smoky Mountains National Park Has Such A Long Fall Color Season

Travel

Why Great Smoky Mountains National Park Has Such A Long Fall Color Season: The Science of Elevation Diversity

The park's secret? An incredible range of elevation diversity. Here's why this leads to such a long and majestic fall foliage season.

By Chris DeWeese • 2 days ago

Cades Cove in autumn.

( NPS )

If you look at any list of the top national parks for fall foliage, Tennessee and North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park is almost certain to be one of the top picks.

Located in the majestic Appalachian Mountains, the highly biodiverse park contains more tree species than in all of Europe, and over 1,400 species of flowering plants. But the park doesn’t just contain swoonworthy fall foliage; it also boasts one of the longest displays of autumn colors in