π Great Smoky Mountains Fall Foliage Update | Oct 18-19
Color Progress: π¦ High Elevations: 60-70% turned β vibrant reds & oranges! π¦ Mid-Slopes: 30-40% changed β soft yellows & light oranges π¦ Valleys & Roads: Still mostly green β peak color coming soon! π Recommended Routes: π Oconaluftee Visitor Center Grab your parking tag π ΏοΈ & passport stamp! Best spot to see elk grazing π¦ π Chimney Tops Trail Summit views = absolutely breathtaking! π¨ Challenging climb β final stretch requires scrambling. Avoid when wet! π Cades Cove A must-do scenic loop! Spotted a bear near the campground π» Wide meadows feel like a safari β best at dawn or dusk for wildlife π₯£ Food & Fun in Gatlinburg: π³ Crockettβs Breakfast Camp Historic spot with newspaper menus π° Must-tries: Skillets, waffles & fried cinnamon rolls! π₯ͺ Tennessee Jedβs Sandwich Shop Life-saving corned beef & sauerkraut sandwich after hiking! BBQ pork burger also a winner π π‘ Gatlinburg Skypark $39 ticket: includes tram + treetop skywalk π $20 parking on-site (or walk from town) βClosed in rain ποΈ No hotel? Try an RV camp β a fun, cozy alternative! #GreatSmokyMountains #FallColors #Gatlinburg #LeafPeeping #TravelTips #AutumnVibes
