5 Hikes for Fall Foliage
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TOM HARRINGTON Rich Mountain Road offers an impressive view of the mountains in fall.
BY SHANON ADAME
Fall can be a great time to get outdoors. Luckily, here in Blount County, we have an array of outdoor adventures at our fingertips. I love biking in Townsend, walking in the state parks, kayaking in any one of our lakes, and one of my all-time favorites, hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
If you get into the GSMNP at just the right time during the fall season, you will be treated to a show as the leaves change from green to fiery red, golden yellow and burnt orange. I reached out to Smokies Life, a non-profit that partners with the National Park Service, which connected me with longtime GSMNP volunteer Tom Harrington to see if he would share some of his favorite hikes for viewing fall foliage. Here’ s what he had to say:
1
. The Little River Trail in Elkmont:
Harrington said if one hits this trail at the right time, which will vary year-to-year, they will get a gorgeous view of changing leaves.
“ I have found it better on a cloudy day when the foliage is at peak display on that trail,” he said. This trail is over four miles long and has no hills to climb. Harrington explained that it used to be a logging railway, and four to five people can walk side by side on most of the trail, which runs beside Little River.
He warned that in October, hikers might struggle to find a parking space at or near the trailhead.
2
. Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail:
Harrington said this trail runs more than seven miles from the Cosby Campground to the Appalachian Trail.
“ If a person hiked about a mile and a half out the trail to
14 | BLOUNT COUNTY QUARTERLY • FALL 2025
The Mt. Cammerer trail offers a majestic fall view of the mountains.
Sutton Ridge when the foliage is at its best, they would likely be in for a treat,” he said.
Harrington said this trail could be considered moderate.
3
. Little River Road / Rich Mountain Road:
Harrington said Little River Road can be“ beyond description” when the fall colors are at their best.
For those who do not mind driving on a gravel road, Harrington said that Rich Mountain Road can also be very beautiful in the fall.
“ About 1.1 miles up the Rich Mountain Road, there is an overlook which offers a tremendous view of Cades Cove,” he said.