16 Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Brilliant Colors
From early spring through the end of fall , Great Smoky Mountains National Park is filled with colors provided by more than 1,500 species of flowering plants and fall foliage . Violets , blackeyed Susans , sunflowers and asters are some of the seasonal flowers that brighten the park landscapes . Beginning in mid-September , leaves begin to change to autumn glory , peaking between mid-October and early November . Reports on color change are posted beginning in September at nps . gov / grsm / planyourvisit / fallcolor . htm
Viewing Wildlife
More than 400 species of animals , including an estimated 1,500 black bears , live in Great Smoky Mountains National Park . Wildlife-watching opportunities are best along Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Cades Cove Loop Road . The early morning and evening hours are the best times to view wildlife in the national park . Remember that wildlife should be viewed at a safe distance .
Leave It LikeYou Found It
Park visitors are urged to respect nature ’ s beauty and leave no trace behind when you depart . Never leave food , trash , personal items , or equipment in the park . Regulations for leaving the park like you found it are at nps . gov .
Horseback Riding
Three riding stables provide guided horseback rides from mid-March through late November . Rides can last from 45 minutes to several hours . The stables also offer carriage rides and Cades Cove hayrides . Phone : 865-448-9009 nps . gov / grsm .