APPALACHIAN TREASURES

Majestic Appalachians

A Family Vacation Guide To The Appalachian Mountains

Breathtaking Scenic Drive At Dusk

Appalachian Mountains Vesper Light

Appalachian Mountain Winter Wonderland

People come from all over the world to see the Appalachians in their full glory of magnificent color each autumn of the year. The first trees to exhibit their splendor are the Poplar, Dogwood, Birch and Sourwood which begin turning color at the end of September. The oak, sweet gum, beech and hickory trees will maintain their dark summer green foliage for about two more weeks then they begin to turn also.

Mountain colors normally show their greatest splendor, or "peak" the third weekend in October, but sometimes they do turn a week or so sooner and will even last into early November.

For those who like a lot of green in their color scheme the first and second weekends of October are the best time to visit the mountains and for those who enjoy lots of reds, oranges, yellows and browns from the third weekend in October till the first weekend in November.

If you plan to spend some time in the Appalachians during October be sure and make your reservations early! Be sure to have plenty of film (or large digital card) for your camera and a warm jacket as it does get cool in the mountains. Remember, it takes cool weather to cause the autum colors to explode into their majestic greatness!

Also, don't forget your binoculars; the wildlife in the Appalachians is something you don't want to miss! If you enjoy picnics, bring that picnic basket as the local restaurants do get crowded with people from all over the world visiting at this time of year.

Scenic Drives include the Blue Ridge Parkway, Mountian Waters ByWay,The Road To Nowhere, Cherohala Skyway and Clingmans Dome.