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Trail Archives

2007 Wildflower and Leaf Color Reports Appear Below

November 19, 2007 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Cove Mountain Trail (Beginning to End) - First three miles from headquarters has excellent foliage (mostly reds). I have never seen more oak leaves with such brilliant red colors. They were beautiful despite it being a foggy/cloudy day.

Laurel Falls (Beginning to End) -Foliage from Fighting Creek Gap to the Falls is outstanding - especially the last half mile before the falls. The ridge that runs beside the trail on the left side going up has more golds and reds than I have seen in one area this year. This would be an excellent place to visit at this time. It is breathtaking as one observes such beauty. Above the falls there is not much color.

Note: The colors on the ridge going up to the Laurel Falls Trailhead are very beautiful at this time as are sections of the Gatlinburg Bypass.

November 16 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Rich Mountain Loop (Beginning to End) - Some nice colors but past peak.

Indian Grave (from Rich Mountain Loop Trail to Rich Mountain Road) - Brilliant Colors first quarter of a mile from Rich Mountain Road. About half way up the trail the back side of Rich Mountain can be seen, and many bright red leaves can be seen.

Rich Mountain Road (from Indian Grave Trail to the Cades Cove Loop Road) - Some nice colors, and the colors are nice from the overlook.

Cades Cove Loop Road offers nice colors at this time (mostly golds, dark yellows and bronze colors).
Crib Gap on Laurel Creek Road is still beautiful despite being past peak.

November 13 Courtesy of Steve Kemp

Fall colors are now near or at peak at the lower elevations of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. And they are impressive. Oak trees are showing amazing staying power and their color show may persist through Thanksgiving weekend. At the higher elevations (above 3,500’), colors are now past peak in most areas.

Good places to see fall color include Newfound Gap Road, Little River Road, Foothills Parkway, and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. Suggested hikes: Oconaluftee River Trail, Cucumber Gap Loop, Kephart Prong Trail, Old Sugarlands Road Trail, and Sutton Ridge Overlook.

November 12 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Rabbit Creek (from Cades Cove to Hannah Mountain Trail) - Scattered areas with really beautiful fall foliage, especially on ridge tops and in washes.

Hannah Mountain (From Rabbit Creek Trail to Abrams Falls Trail) - Pockets of foliage with nice colors.

Abrams Falls (Beginning to End) - Little foliage with nice colors.

November 8 Courtesy of Steve Kemp

The peak of fall colors at the lower elevations of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is imminent. Colors should be at peak in many areas below 3,500 during the Veterans Day weekend. At the higher elevations (above 4,000’), colors are now past peak in most areas.

Good places to see fall color include Newfound Gap Road, Little River Road, Foothills Parkway, and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail.

Suggested hikes: Oconaluftee River Trail, Cucumber Gap Loop, Kephart Prong Trail, Old Sugarlands Road Trail, and Sutton Ridge Overlook.

November 5 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Rainbow Falls (Beginning to End) - Fairly nice colored foliage first mile and a half from Cherokee Orchard. In higher elevations most of the leaves have fallen.

Bullhead (Beginning to End) - Very beautiful foliage on the first mile and a half from Cherokee Orchard. In the higher elevations most of the leaves have fallen.

November 1 & 2 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Abrams Falls (Trailhead to Falls) - Foliage fair (not great).

Middle Prong (Beginning to End) - Decent golds and yellows. Better when sun is at the right position.

Panther Creek (Beginning to End) - Last half before reaching Jakes Gap has really nice colors. Lots of gold, yellow and bronze foliage showing.

Miry Ridge (Jakes Gap to Lynn Camp Prong) - First mile from Jakes Gap has nice colors. The rest of the way appears as if about 65 to 70% of the leaves have fallen.

Lynn Camp Prong (Beginning to End) - Scattered areas have decent colors showing. Note: About 3/4 of a mile from Middle Prong Trail there is a ridge west of this trail that has beautiful red, maroon, and pink foliage showing for about a mile. It is very beautiful at this time and would be worth the long walk to it (if the sun is in the right position).

November 1 Courtesy of Steve Kemp

Colors are at or near peak from 2,500-5,000’ and are impressive. Reds and fall colors in general appear to be more pronounced on the North Carolina side of the park.

Colors at the very highest elevations (above 5,000’) are now past peak in many areas.

Good places to see fall color include Newfound Gap Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Foothills Parkway East & West, Rich Mountain Road. Suggested hikes: Boogerman Trail, Alum Cave Bluff Trail, Chimney Tops Trail, Little Greenbrier Trail, Sweat Heifer Trail.

At the lower elevations, fall colors continue to gradually develop. Sumacs and sourwood trees continue to show vivid reds. Golds are present on tuliptree, black walnut, birch, beech, spicebush, and hickories. The peak of color at the lower elevations is still a few days away and will probably last through the second week of November.

Suggested hikes: Rich Mountain Loop, Chestnut Top Trail, Smokemont Loop, Kanati Fork, and Sutton Ridge Overlook (Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail).

October 29 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Little Greenbrier (Beginning to End) - Some really nice colors. Lots of Sweet Gum, Scarlet Maple, Sugar Maple, Sourwood, Sassafras, and some Beech, Blueberry, and Greenbrier on display. Recommended - Start down the trail between 10 am and noon from the Laurel Falls Trail with full sun to get the best lighting and display. Brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows.

Greenbrier School (Beginning to End) - Colors fair - not outstanding.

Walker Sisters Cabin (Beginning to End) - Colors fair - not oustanding.

Little Brier Gap (Beginning to End) - Colors fair - not outstanding.

October 26 Courtesy of Terry Maddox, Julee (Crow’s Nest) Brown, and Steve Kemp

Colors are at or near peak from 3,000’-5,500’ and are very impressive. Reds are more pronounced now than in recent years, especially on the North Carolina side of the park. Colors at the very highest elevations (above 5,500’) are now past peak in some areas.

Good places to see fall color include Newfound Gap Road from Alum Cave Trailhead to Kephart Prong Trailhead, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Foothills Parkway East & West, and Heintooga Ridge Road to Balsam Mountain Campground. Suggested hikes: Thomas Divide Trail, Alum Cave Bluff Trail, Chimney Tops Trail, Sweat Heifer Trail, Gregory Bald Trail, and Mt. Cammerer.

At the lower elevations, fall colors are quickly developing. Black gum, dogwood, sumacs, and sourwood trees continue to show vivid reds. Golds are present on tuliptree, black walnut, birch, beech, spicebush, and hickories. The peak of color at the lower elevations is still a few days away and will probably spill over into November. Suggested hikes: Rich Mountain Loop, Chestnut Top Trail, Smokemont Loop, Kanati Fork, and Sutton Ridge Overlook (Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail).

October 25 Courtesy of Terry Maddox

The most gorgeous views in the park right now are along a 4-5 mile stretch of road from Newfound Gap to milepost 18 on the North Carolina side of the park.

October 25 Courtesy of Steve Kemp

Colors are at or near peak from 3,000’-5,500’ and are very impressive. Reds are more pronounced now than in recent years. Colors at the very highest elevations (above 5,500’) are now past peak in most areas.

Good places to see fall color include Newfound Gap Road from Alum Cave Trailhead to Kephart Prong Trailhead, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Foothills Parkway East & West, and Heintooga Ridge Road to Balsam Mountain Campground. Suggested hikes: Thomas Divide Trail, Alum Cave Bluff Trail, Chimney Tops Trail, Sweat Heifer Trail, Gregory Bald Trail, and Mt. Cammerer.

At the lower elevations, fall colors are quickly developing. Black gum, dogwood, sumacs, and sourwood trees continue to show vivid reds. Golds are present on tuliptree, black walnut, birch, beech, spicebush, and hickories. The peak of color at the lower elevations is still a few days away and will probably spill over into November. Suggested hikes: Rich Mountain Loop, Chestnut Top Trail, Smokemont Loop, and Sutton Ridge Overlook (Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail).

October 22 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Chestnut Top (Beginning to End) - No wildflower Report (very few flowers).

Foliage Report - Starting about half mile from the Wye some really nice foliage - Sourwood,
Sweet Gum, Scarlet Maples, Sugar Maples, Blueberry, Beech, Sassafras and a few other trees have nice colors at scattered locations along the trail. More bright reds on this trail than I have seen this year on most trails.

School House Gap (Beginning to End) - No wildflower Report (very few flowers).

Foliage Report - Colors are marginal from Laurel Creek Road except for the last third of mile before School House Gap which has some nice foliage.

Bote Mountain (Beginning to Finely Cane Trail) - No wildflower Report (very few flowers).

Foliage Report - Colors are marginal from Laurel Creek Road for the first mile. Between West Prong Trail and Finely Cane there are some very beautiful fall colors to enjoy.

West Prong (Beginning to End) - Heart Leaf Aster, Whitewood Aster, and Erect Golden Rod. (All past peak).

Foliage Report - Colors are marginal along this trail.

October 22 Courtesy of Steve Kemp

Despite (or perhaps, because of) the severe drought conditions, fall colors are shaping up to be very good this year. Colors are at peak this week in many areas of the Smoky Mountain high country (above 3,500'). Yellow birch, American beech, pin cherry, American mountain-ash, witch-hobble, and mountain maple are all showing excellent color. Some maples are showing brilliant reds.

This high elevation color peak is a couple of weeks later than average and is more impressive than in many years.
Good places to see fall color include Newfound Gap Road from Alum Cave Trailhead to Kephart Prong Trailhead, Clingmans Dome Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Foothills Parkway East & West, and Heintooga Ridge Road to Balsam Mountain Campground.

Suggested hikes: Thomas Divide Trail,  Alum Cave Bluff Trail, Chimney Tops Trail, Sweat Heifer Trail, the spruce-fir self-guiding nature trail, Gregory Bald Trail, and Mt. Cammerer.

At the lower elevations, fall colors are gradually coming along. Black gum, dogwood, sumacs, and sourwood trees continue to show vivid reds. Golds are present on tuliptree, black walnut, birch, beech, spicebush, and hickories. A few scattered maples and oaks are showing colors. The peak of color at the lower elevations is at least a week away and will probably spill over into November.

Suggested hikes: Rich Mountain Loop, Chestnut Top Trail, Smokemont Loop, and Sutton Ridge Overlook (Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail).

October 18 Courtesy of Steve Kemp

Fall colors are near peak this week in many areas of the Smoky Mountain high country (above 4,500'). Yellow birch, American beech, pin cherry, American mountain-ash, witch-hobble, and mountain maple are all showing excellent color. A few maples are showing brilliant reds. Some foliage is still green even above 5,000’. This high elevation color peak is a couple weeks later than average and is more impressive than many years.

Good places to see fall color include Newfound Gap Road from Alum Cave Trailhead to Kephart Prong Trailhead, Clingmans Dome Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Heintooga Ridge Road to Balsam Mountain Campground. Suggested hikes: Thomas Divide Trail,  the Appalachian Trail to Charlies Bunion, Sweat Heifer Trail, the spruce-fir self-guiding nature trail, Gregory Bald Trail, and Mt. Cammerer.

At the lower elevations, sunny days and cool nights are nudging fall colors along. Black gum, dogwood, sumacs, and sourwood trees continue to show vivid reds. Golds are coming along on tuliptree, black walnut, birch, beech, and hickories. A few scattered maples are just beginning to show fall colors. The peak of color at the lower elevations is well over a week away. Suggested hikes: Rich Mountain Loop, Chestnut Top Trail, Smokemont Loop.

October 15 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Sugarland Mountain (Appalachian Trail to Huskey Gap)
Wildflowers: Heartleaf Aster, White Snakeroot, Erect Golden Rod, Mountain Gentian, and Curtis Aster. All past peak.

Fall Foliage: From about a half mile above the Rough Creek Trail intersection to Huskey Gap there are areas of really beautiful colors (primarily Sourwood, Sweet Gum, Scarlet Maple, and Witch Hobble. Some Beech are nice. The Blueberries have some beautiful leaves in the first mile above Huskey Gap. Some blackberries have nice foliage).

Huskey Gap (Huskey Gap to Newfound Gap Road)
Wildflowers: Curtis Aster, Erect Golden Rod, Whitewood Aster, and Touch-Me-Nots. All Past Peak.

Fall Foliage: Very little color.

Note: Areas of Newfound Gap Road above the Alum Cave Bluff Trailhead to Newfound Gap have some nice colors - good number of yellows and golds. Clingman's Dome Road is very beautiful in full sun (mostly yellows and golds).

October 15 Courtesy of Steve Kemp

Fall colors will be at peak this week in many areas of the Smoky Mountain high country (above 4,500'). Yellow birch, American beech, pin cherry, American mountain-ash, witch-hobble, and mountain maple are all showing excellent color. This high elevation color peak is later than average. Good places to see fall color include Newfound Gap Road, Clingmans Dome Road, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and Heintooga Ridge Road to Balsam Mountain Campground. Suggested hikes: the Appalachian Trail to Charlies Bunion, the spruce-fir self-guiding nature trail, Gregory Bald Trail, and Mt. Cammerer.

October 10 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Low Gap (from Cosby to Low Gap)
Wildflowers - Pink Turtlehead, Whitewood Aster, Erect Golden Rod, White Snakeroot, Black Cohosh, Heart Leaf Aster, Curtis Aster, and Mountain Gentian (1). All past peak.

Fall foliage - On the high elevation section of the trail there was a good number of yellow leaves, rust colored leaves, and some red leaves (Sweet Gum, Scarlet Maple and Sourwood).

Appalachian Trail (Low Gap to Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail)
Wildflowers - Whitewood Aster, Erect Golden Rod, White Snakeroot, Heart Leaf Aster, and Mt. Gentian. All past peak.

Fall Foliage - Lots of yellow leaves showing with some reds, golds and rust colored leaves showing. A number of the Scarlet Maple were a faded pink color (maybe because of the dry weather). One ridge about a mile and a half from Low Gap toward Mt. Cammerer had brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. Some of the tops of ridges going down from the AT had nice colors down to approximately 3000 feet. The leaves are close to peak along the AT. The Witch Hobble had some really beautiful displays. Some of the blackberries were nice.

Mt. Cammerer Trail (Beginning to End)

Wildflowers - White Snakeroot.

Fall Foliage - Blueberry, Blackberry, Sweet Gum, Witch Hobble, and some Scarlet Maples were nice.

Lower Mt. Cammerer (B-E).
Wildflowers - Pink Turtleheads, Whitewood Aster, Erect Golden Rod, White Snakeroot, Heart Leaf Aster, Curtis Aster, Great Lobelia, and Mountain Gentian. All past peak.

October 5 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Rabbit Creek (Beginning to Hannah Mountain) - Wildflowers - Curtis Aster, Whitewood Aster, Heartleaf Aster, Great Lobelia,
Erect Golden Rod, White Turtlehead (1 clump), White Snakeroot (1), and Heart-A-Bustin. All past peak.

October 1 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Alum Cave Bluff (Beginning to End) -

Flowers: Whitewood Aster, White Snakeroot, and Erect Goldenrod (few - past peak).

Foliage: Witch Hobble is nice. Some Blueberries, Blackberries, and Scarlet Maples are changing. Many leaves are turning yellow and falling - not sure if this is from the dry weather, the change of seasons, or both. Even many of the Rhododendron leaves have turned yellow. Some Mountain Laurel and Dwarf Rhododendron leaves have turned red which I do not recall seeing before.

September 28 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Lead Cove Trail (Beginning to End) - Whitewood Aster, Pink Turtlehead*, Erect Golden Rod*, White Snakeroot*, and Coreopsis*. * Past Peak.

Saw few leaves changing colors.

Bote Mountain (from Lead Cove to Finely Cane Trail) - Curtis Aster*, Heartleaf Aster*, Erect Golden Rod*, White Snakeroot*, and Whitewood Aster*. *Past Peak.

Sourwood, Sweet Gum, Blue Berry, Blackberry, Sugar Maple, Sassafras, and Scarlet Maple leaves changing colors. Some of the Sweet Gums are really nice.

Finely Cane (Beginning to End) - Whitewood Aster, Erect Golden Rod*, White Snakeroot*, and Hearts A Busting*. * Past peak.

Saw few leaves changing colors.

September 24 Courtesy of Steve Kemp

Fall colors have arrived at the higher elevations in the national park. Yellow birch and American beech trees are showing brilliant golds above 5,000 feet right now. Witch-hobble has also turned, as have some mountain maple and pin cherry trees. I recommend the Clingmans Dome Road and Blue Ridge Parkway for excellent fall colors this week. A hike to Andrews Bald or Mt. Le Conte would be time well spent.

At the lower elevations, sourwood and dogwood trees and Virginia creeper vines have started to show their seasonal reds. Otherwise, it's still pretty green. The sunny days and cool nights of the last few weeks seem to be bringing on some very brilliant colors. Things will be changing daily now.

September 24 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Gregory Bald - (from Parson's Branch Road to Gregory Bald) - Golden Rod Erect, Whitewood Aster, Curtis Aster,
Mountain Gentian, and White Snakeroot. All past their peak except Curtis Aster.

Fall foliage: Sweet Gum, Sourwood, Blueberry, Blackberry, Sugar Maple, Scarlet Maple, and Umbrella Magnolia leaves are changing. Some of the Sourwood and Sweet Gum trees have some nice colors. Also, some of the Blueberry Bushes have some good colors.

Previous Wildflower Report and Fall Colors Report

August 20 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Appalachian Trail (from Newfound Gap to Charlie's Bunion) - Filmy Anglica, White Snakeroot*, Wild Golden Glow*, Yarrow*, Golden Rod Erect*, Whitewood Aster, Love Vine, and Monkshood. * Past Peak

Fall Colors Report - August 20

Appalachian Trail (from Newfound Gap to Charlie's Bunion) - Witchhobble (turning burgandy or orange), Blackberry (turning wine color), Blueberry/Huckleberry (turning dark burgandy), and some Bush Honeysuckle (turning wine color).

Note: The changing of the leaves is more vivid about a mile and a half from Newfound Gap on the Appalachian Trail- especially near the Bunion).

August 13 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Middle Prong Trail (Beginning to End) - Whitewood Aster, Cardinal Flower, Crimson Bee Balm*, Golden Rod, and Heal All.* *Past Peak.

Note: Found a small bright pink wildflower that I have never seen before - stem about 3 feet tall. If I can identify it in a wildflower book I will send an amended report.

Greenbrier Ridge (Beginning to End) - Whitewood Aster, Crimson Bee Balm*, Love Vine*, White Snakeroot (just starting to bloom), Wild Golden Glow (very beautiful bloom in last mile before the AT), and Goldenrod Erect. * Past Peak.

Note: Many Hemlocks are dying on this trail as well as on the Brushy Mountain Trail and the Russell Field Trail.

Photos of Gregorys Bald by Ann Froschauer

August 2 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Cooper Road Trail (Abrams Creek Ranger Station to Hatcher Mountain Trail) - Coreopsis, Yellow Fringed Orchid, Heal All, Wild Potatoe Vine, Star Grass, Hairy Angelica, St. Andrew's Cross, and Turk Cap Lily (1).

Hatcher Mountain Trail (Cooper Road Trail to Little Bottoms Trail) - Coreopsis, Star Grass, and St. Andrew's Cross.

Little Bottoms Trail (Beginning to End) - Hairy Anglica, Black Eyed Susan, Star Grass, St. Andrew's Cross, Wild Potatoe Vine, and Coreopsis.

July 25 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Huskey Gap Trail (Beginning to End) - Yellow Fringed Orchid (2) (just starting to bloom) - Canadian Violet*, Rattlesnake Plantain* - Star Grass - Indian Pipe (1) - Crimson Bee Balm* - Wild Golden Glow - Shooting Star* - Turk Cap Lily - Coreopsis*
and Heal All. * Past Peak.

July 12 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Chestnut Top - (Beginning to End) - Basil Bee Balm*, Pokeweed, Butterfly Pea (1), Coreopsis*, Rattlesnake Plantain, Indian Pipe (1), Saint Andrews Cross, Rocket Larkspur*, and Star Grass. * Past Peak. Note: Not many wildflowers for viewing.

School House Gap - (Beginning to End) - Baso; Bee Balm*, Coreopsis, Rattlesnake Plantain, St. Andrew's Cross, Star Grass, Thimbleweed* Rosebay Rhododendron,* Hairy Angelica, and Heal All. * Past Peak. Note: Not many wildflowers out there.

Bote Mountain - (Beginning to Finely Cane) - Coreopsis*, Star Grass, Rosebay Rhododendron*; Heal All, and Red Clover.
*Past Peak. Note: Not many wildflowers seen.

July 9 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Curry Mountain (Beginning to End) - Rosebay Rhododendron* and Wild Hydrangea*. * Past Peak.

Meigs Mountain (From Curry Mountain Trail to Jakes Creek Trail) - Rosebay Rhododendron*, Crimson Bee Balm, Heal All, Thimbleweed*, and Orange Touch-me-Nots (Jewelweed)*.
* Beyond Peak.

Note: Not many flowers blooming on these trails.

July 2 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Anthony Creek (Beginning to End) - Rosebay Rhododendron, Crimson Bee Balm (just starting to bloom), Wild Hydrangea,
and Basil Bee Balm (many).

Bote Mountain (From Anthony Creek to the AT) - Rosebay Rhododendron, Tassel Rue, Wild Hydrangea, Crimson Bee Balm (1), and Mountain St. John's Wort.

AT (from Jenkins Ridge Trail to Russell Field) - Rosebay Rhododendron, Red Clover, Mountain St. John's Wort,
Flame Azalea (still pretty), Tassel Rue*, Lousestrife*, Galax*, and Fire Pink (very pretty).

Russell Field (Beginning to End) - Rosebay Rhododendron, Lousestrife, Flame Azalea, Tassel Rue*, and Basil Balm (good numbers). * Past Peak.

June 28 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Bull Head (Beginning to End) - Rosebay Rhododendron (really beautiful), Black Cohosh (just started blooming), Wild Hydrangea,
Indian Pipe, Purple Flowering Rasberry (one clump), Dwarf Rhododendron*, Galax*, Wood Sorrel, Tassel Rue*, and Blackberry*. * Past Peak.

Rainbow (Beginning to End) - Blackberry, Prostrate Bluets*, Wood Sorrel, Galax, Dwarf Rhododendron, Loosestrife*, Rosebay Rhododendron, Wild Golden Glow (1), Tassel Rue*, Wild Hydrangea, and Michaux Saxifrage. * Past Peak.

June 18 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Low Gap Trail (Cosby to AT) - Crimson Bee Balm (very beautiful), Rosebay Rhododendron, Galax*, Yellow Touch-me-nots (Pale Jewelweed), Wild Hydrangia and Canadian Violets*. * Past peak.

Appalachian Trail (Low Gap to Mt. Cammerer Trail) - Blackberry*, Galax*, Mt. Laurel*, and Prostrate Bluets*. All past peak.

Mount Cammerer (Beginning to End) - Galax.

Not a good selection to view at this time; however the first half mile of the Low Gap Trail from Cosby has nice Crimson Bee Balms and Rosebay Rhododendron blooming (not large numbers).

June 14 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Gregory Ridge Trail (Beginning to End) -Rosebay Rhododendron (just starting to bloom), Galax*, Squaw Root*, Goats Beard, Canadian Violets*, Prostrate Bluets*, Lousestrife*, Flame Azalea, Wild Hydrangea, and Pipsissewa (just starting to bloom). * Past Peak.

Gregory Bald Flame Azalea Report

Flowers are at or near peak. It appears that the blooms should be nice for approximately 10 days. The shrubs down the slope on the Fontana Side are right at peak. The ones on the Cades Cove side are not at peak for the most part. It appears to me that the blooms are not up to par compared with last year. They seem about a third smaller (possibly because of the extreme dry weather). It is well worth going up to see them. I would estimate the peak to be around Sunday.

May 28 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Little Greenbrier School (Beginning to End) - Mountain Laurel, Galax, Golden Ragwort*, Red Clover, and Robin's Plantain*.
* means past peak.

Walker Sister's Cabin (Beginning to End) - Bowman's Root*, Mountain Laurel, Robin's Plantain, Red Clover, Galax, Golden Ragwort*, and Ox Eyed Daisy.
* means past peak.
Note: The Mountain Laurel are very pretty on this trail - they are at peak.

Little Brier Gap (Beginning to End) - Ox Eyed Daisy, Flame Azalea, and Mountain Laurel.

Little Greenbrier (Beginning to End) - Mountain Laurel*, Star Grass, Flame Azalea*, Loosestrife*, Spiderwort, Milkweed,
Beard Tongue, Fire Pink, Bowman's Root*, Galax, Hawkweed*, Solomon's Seal*, Dutchmen's Pipe (some nice ones), Goat's Beard (just starting to bloom), Goat's Rue*, Vasey Trillium*, Clinton Lily*, Meadow Parsnip, and Rue Anomone*.
* means past peak.

May 21 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Appalachian Trail (from Clingman's Dome to Goshen Prong Trail) - Purple Wake Robin (hundreds of them - found one clump of them with 16 blooming), Prostrate Bluets, Trout Lilly, Star Chickweed, Common Blue Violet, Trillium Erect*, Rosy Twisted Stalk (large numbers), Rue Anomone*, Jack in the Pulpit, and Spring Beauties. * Past Peak.

Goshen Prong (Beginning to End) - Toothwort*, Yellow Bead Lily (just starting to bloom), Spring Beauties*, Prostrate Bluets*,
Sweet White Violet, Purple Wake Robin*, Trillium Erect*, Fire Cherry, Jack in the Pulpit, Doll Eyes (1), Blue Eye Grass (many), Dog Hobble (small/few blooms), False Solomon's Seal, Foam Flower*, Clinton Lily, Solomon's Seal, Meadow Parsnip, Wood Sorrell (just starting to bloom), Brook Lettuce*, Stone Crop*, Bishop Caps*, Wild Phlox*, Common Cinquefoil, Lyre Leaf Sage*, Robin's Plantain*, Blackberry, and Sweet Cecilia. * Past Peak.

Note: The Purple Wake Robins are worth heading South on the Appalachian Trail from from Clingman's Dome for several miles.

May 16 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Lumber Ridge Trail (Beginning to End) - Mountain Laurel (at it's peak - outstanding display), Flame Azalea (some really nice ones), Galax, Fairywand (just starting to bloom), Star Grass, Hawkweed, Blackberry, Rue Anomone*, Solomon's Seal*, False Solomon's Seal*, Vasey Trillium (some of the largest blooms that I have seen), Sweet Shrub (one shrub with blooms), Bowman's Root, and Milkweed. * Past Peak.

Meigs Mountain Trail (Lumber Ridge to Curry Mountain) - Galax (few), Rue Anomone*, Solomon's Seal, Robin's Plantain*, Canadian Violets*, and Vasey Trillium. * Past Peak.

Note: Not a good trail for wildflowers at this time.

April 30 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Ramsey Cascade: Yellow Trillium, Stone Crop, Sweet White Violet, Wild Geraniums, Meadow Parsnip, False Solomon's Seal, Bishops Caps, Toothwort, Hairy Buttercup, Star Chickweed, Trillium Erect, Painted Trillium (very small blooms), Prostrate Bluets, Jack in the Pulpit (1), Wood Anomone, Common Blue Violet, Long Spurred Violet, Yellow Mandarin, Canadian Violet, Foam Flower, Spring Beauty, Wild Strawberry, Brook Lettuce, Sweet Cicely, and Common Cinquefoil.

Note: The display is scattered and is not outstanding.

April 20 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Abrams Falls Trail (Beginning to Falls) - Catsby Trillium, Little Brown Jug, Robins Indian Plantain, Common Blue Violet,
Star Chickweed, Bleeding Heart, Daisy Fleabane, Solomon's Seal, Gay Wings (very small blooms), Sweet White Violet, Halberd Leaf Violet, Dwarf Crested Iris, Wood Anomone, and Trailing Arbutus.

Note: Because of the prescribed burn it may not be the best time to do this trail to observe wildflowers. Both sides of the trail have been burned to within a tenth of a mile of the waterfalls.

April 16 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Lower Mount Cammerer (Beginning to End)
Seriously affected by Freeze - Wild Phlox, Trillium Erect, Vasey Trillium, Nodding Trillium, Solomon's Seal, Showy Orchis, and Common Blue Violet. (Dwarf Crested Iris leaves are badily damaged - no buds/blooms showing).
Moderately Affected by Freeze - Stonecrop, Yellow Trillium, Rue Anomone, and Golden Ragwort.
Little Freeze Damage - Star Chickweed, Yellow Mandarin, Wild Oats, Wild Ginger, and Meadow Parsnip (just starting to bloom).

Note: Most of the last half of the trail toward the AT is covered by snow (approximately four and a half inches in higher sections).

Chestnut Branch (Beginning to End)
Seriously Affected By Freeze - Solomon's Seal, Stonecrop, Rue Anomone, Showy Orchis, Long Spurred Violet, Trillium Erect, and Squaw Root (turned rust color - some new shoots coming up).
Moderately Affected by Freeze - Wood Anomone, Golden Ragwort, and Wild Geranium.
Little Freeze Damage - Yellow Trillium, Common Blue Violet, Star Chickweed, Sweet White Violet, Wild Strawberry, and Wild Ginger.

Note: At this time neither trail is recommended for wildflower observation. Hopefully mild weather coming up will help with late bloomers.

April 13 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Gregory Ridge (Beginning to End)
Badly Damaged by Cold Weather: Catsby Trillium, Purple Wake Robin, Halberd Leaf Violets, Common Blue Violets, Solomon's Seal, Toothwort, Lousewort, Trout Lily, Long Spurred Violet, Wood Anomone, and Robins Indian Plantain.

Moderately Damaged by Cold Weather: Showy Orchis, Rue Anomone (about 2 miles up it is more severely damaged), and Large Flowered Trillium.

Little Damage from Cold Weather: Little Brown Jugs, Yellow Mandarin, Prostrate Bluets, Spring Beauties, Wild Oats, and Star Chickweed.

Note: The largest number of Purple Wake Robin that I have ever found in the park are about a mile up the trail from the parking lot, but probably 3/4 of them are bent over with the blooms facing the ground if not touching the ground.
      About 1/4 of the Catsby Trillium are in the same condition (very many blooming). The Lousewort blooms are turning black. The Spring Beauties on the last quarter of the trail (near the top) and the Gregory Bald Trail are covered with Spring Beauties which should peak mid week next week if weather conditions are favorable.

April 6 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Ramsey Cascade Trail (Beginning to End) - Yellow Trillium, Trillium Erect, Smooth Leaf Violet, Sweet White Violet, Common Blue Violet, Jack in the Pulpit (1), Star Chickweed, Solomon's Seal, Dwarf Crested Iris, Bishop Caps, Toothwort (past peak), Dogwood, Showy Orchis (a few - believe cold weather hurting them), Stone Crop, Wild Geranium (drooping - cold weather is the likely cause) , Wild Phlox, Carolina Vetch, Wild Strawberry, Wild Oats, Meadow Parsnip (just starting to bloom), Long-Spurred Violet, Rue Anomone, Foam Flower (just starting to bloom), Frazer's Sedge, Wood Anomone, Halberd-Leaf Violet, Dwarf Gingseng, Spring Beauty, Squirrel Corn, Trout Lily (past peak - cold is hurting), Yellow Mandarin (just starting to bloom), Witch Hobble (just starting to bloom - a few), and Daisy Fleabane.

Note: False Solomon's Seal is budded; however it is drooping - cold weather may be the cause).

April 4 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

School House Gap (Beginning to End) - Sweet White Violet, Long Spurred Violet, Yellow Trillium, Rue Anomone, Wood Anomone, Foam Flower, Catsby Trillium, Solomon's Seal, Daisy Fleabane, Halberd-Leaf Violet, Common Blue Violet, Dog Hobble (just starting to bloom), Star Grass, Dwarf Crested Iris, Wild Oats, Birdfoot Violet, Dogwood, Wild Oats, Carolina Vetch, and Plantain Leaf Pussytoes.

Chestnut Top (Beginning to End) - Halberd-Leaf Violet, Squaw Root, Wild Oats, Birdfoot Violet, Star Grass, Dogwood, Trailing Arbutus (about gone), Rue Anonome, Catsby Trillium, Dwarf Crested Iris, Lousewort (very beautiful), Soloman's Seal,
False Solomon's Seal, Star Chickweed, Yellow Mandarin, Jack in the Pulpit (1), Foam Flower, Trillium Erect (White Wake Robin), Purple Phacelia (at peak), Yellow Trillium, Meadow Parsnip (just starting to bloom), Stone Crop, Fire Pink, and Silver Bells.

March 29 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Porters Creek (Beginning to End) - Yellow Trillium, Trillium Erect, Large Flowered Trillium, Spring Beauty, White Fringed Phacelia,
Bishop Caps, Halberd-Leaf Violets, Wild Geranium (just starting to bloom), Wild Phlox , Wild Ginger, Rue Anomone, Wood Anomone, Squirrel Corn, Dutchmen's Breeches, Long Spurred Violet, Hepatica, Blood Root (past peak), Toothwort (past peak), Star Chickweed, Sweet White Violet, Long-Spurred Violet, Trout Lily, Yellow Mandarin, Common Blue Violet, Wild Strawberry, Round-Leaved Violet, Smooth Yellow Violet, Fraser's Sedge, Soloman's Seal (just started to bloom), and Dwarf Ginseng.

Note: Flowers are outstanding at this time. White Fringed Phacelia are at peak (looks like it snowed after crossing the long curved footbridge before Fern Falls). Excellent time for visitors to see the wild flowers.

March 26 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Middle Prong Trail (Beginning to End) - Star Chickweed, Blood Root, Bishop Caps, Trillium Erect, Rue Anomone, Foam Flower,
Wild Ginger, Hepatica, Spring Beauty, Purple Fringed Phacelia (Miami Mist), Halberd-Leaf Violet, White Fringed Phacelia, Dutchmen's Breeches, Conmmon Blue Violet, Squirrel Corn, Smooth Yellow Violet, and Sweet White Violet.

Greenbrier Ridge (Beginning to End) - Purple Fringed Phacelia (Miami Mist), White Fringed Phacelia, Spring Beauty (close to peak on lower portion of trail - great display), Dutchmen's Breeches, Common Blue Violet, Trout Lily (1), Halberd-Leaf Violet, Prostrate Bluets, and Smooth Yellow Violet.

March 19 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Laurel Falls (Beginning to End) - Halberd-Leaf Violet, Plantain-Leaf Pussy's Toes, Spring Beauties, Hepatica, Trailing Arbutus, Long-Spurred Violet, and Smooth Yellow Violet.

Cove Mountain (Beginning to End) - Halberd-Leaf Violet, Plantain-Leaf Pussy's Toes, Trailing Arbutus, Daisy Fleabane, and Sweet Pinesap (first time that I have ever seen this one!).

March 12 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Low Gap Trail (Cosby to the AT) - Hepatica, Rue Anomone, Spring Beauties, Trailing Arbutus, Toothwort, Long-spurred Violets, Halberd-leaved Violets, Smooth Yellow Violet, Round-leaved Violet, and Star Chickweed.

Appalachian Trail (Between Low Gap & Mt. Cammerer Trail) - Spring Beautifies.

Note: The first half mile of the Low Gap Trail from the Lower Mount Cammerer Trail is covered with thousands of Hepatica and Spring Beauties. The Hepatica is at peak. It is one of the best displays that I have ever seen - some are pink, some white, some lavendar, and I found one dark purple. The blooms are as large as I ever have seen. There are super nice clumps in bloom. Right now would be a great time to check these out. One would not have to travel far up the trail to be treated to a great display of early Spring.

March 7 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Hatcher Mountain Trail (Beginning to End) - Trailing Arbutus.

Abrams Falls Trail (Beginning to End) - Trailing Arbutus, Indian Pussytoes, Star Chickweed, and Wild Strawberries.

March 2 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Low Gap Trail (Cosby to Low Gap) - Hepatica (first quarter of a mile up low Gap from the Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail junction). Some blooming - hundreds of buds. Spring Beauties budded. This area should be nice after a few warm days.

AT (between Mt. Cammerer and Lower Mt. Cammerer Trails) - Many Spring Beauties budded (ready to burst into blooms). These should be nice after a few warm days.

January 12 Courtesy of Tom Harrington

Chestnut Top - (Beginning to End) - Star Chickweed and Long Spurred Violets. Close to a dozen of each in bloom on first half mile from the Wye (this is the earliest that I have ever found wildflowers in bloom).

Doe in Cades Cove by Donna Eaton.

Frost covering American mountain-ash, the trees with brilliant red berries at high elevations. Bears and birds eat the berries. American mountain-ash is a northern tree that reaches the southern end of it range here in the Smokies. Photo by Carol Wolfe. For a page of wonderful winter photos of the park, click here.

Trail Updates
Courtesy of Tom Harrington

December 11, 2006 

Middle Prong (Beginning to End) - Good to excellent condition - no blow downs - 2 stream crossings with bridges and 2 stream crossings without a bridge (easy to cross) - no muddy areas (ground frozen) - some erosion spotted.  This is a horse trail.

Lynn Camp Prong (Beginning to End) - Fair condition - 1 blow down (easy to cross) - 7 stream crossings with no bridge (1 of these can be challenging after heavy rain) -  much of this trail has deep muddy areas (mostly frozen yesterday) - little erosion seen (leaf cover/snow cover).  This is a horse trail.

Miry Ridge (from Lynn Camp Prong to Jakes Gap) - Good condition - 3 blow downs (easy to cross) - no stream crossings - about a mile of this trail has a lot of muddy areas (frozen yesterday) - little erosion seen. This is a horse trail.

Jakes Creek (Beginning to End) - Good to excellent condition - no blow downs - 1 stream crossing with a bridge - 3 stream crossings with no bridge (one can be challenging to cross after a heavy rain) - no muddy areas - some moderate erosion found.

December 3, 2006

Chestnut Branch  (Beginning to End) - Good condition - no blow downs - several small wet weather stream crossings - no erosion noted because of heavy leaf cover - same with muddy sites.

Appalachian Trail  (From Chestnut Branch to Low Gap) - Good condition - 3 blow downs (easy to cross/by pass) - no stream crossings - a few muddy areas - frozen - little erosion noted.  Note -recent trail improvements are really well done and should cut down on the muddy areas and erosion.   This is a horse trail.

Low Gap (From Low Gap to Walnut Bottoms) - Good condition - 6 blow downs (easy to cross/bypass) - several stream crossings with no bridge that are normally easy to cross unless there has been heavy rain - a few muddy areas -frozen -some erosion noted.   This is a horse trail.

Big Creek (Beginning to End) - Excellent condition - no blow downs - 1 wet weather stream crossing with no bridge (concreted ford) - 1 large stream crossing with a bridge - no muddy areas - little erosion noted.  NOTE -recent trail improvements are excellent and have eliminated many of the muddy areas.   This is a horse trail.

If you're interested in wildflowers you can see a nice book about them written by my boss by clicking on this link:  Wildflower Guide Book.

If you want to come look at the darn things for yourself, we have a Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage every year for just this purpose. Check it out at http://www.springwildflowerpilgrimage.org/