Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Over 100 species of native trees, which makes for a dense patchwork of color.
Forest Composition
Conditions & 5-Day Forecast
Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Peak fall color is predicted around October 26. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 21 to October 31.
The prediction comes from 14 years of fall color records at this spot, checked against what observers on the ground saw. Where state foliage spotters report peak (New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Missouri), it has landed inside our ±5-day window about two years in three. An unusual summer or autumn can still move it further. Explore fall color around Gatlinburg and across Tennessee.
That is 5 days later than usual (October 22): the six weeks to October 13 ran 5.6°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color. This will settle about ten days before peak, as the weather comes in.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Under 30 minutes
1 to 2 hours
- Seven Islands State Birding Park35 mi · 1 hr 8 minPeak: Oct 26Status: High color
- Ijams Nature Center44 mi · 1 hr 22 minPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Sharp's Ridge Memorial Park53 mi · 1 hr 23 minPeak: Nov 2Status: Moderate color
- Norris Dam State Park75 mi · 1 hr 51 minPeak: Oct 29Status: High color