Fall Foliage in the Southern U.S.

The Smoky Mountains. Rising along the North Carolina and Tennessee border, this mountain range is the most-beloved national park in the United States, with some of the most breath-taking views. In the peak season, diving down the dark paved roads is much like riding underneath webs of spun gold, so rich is the color. Photos rarely capture the pure awe this sight can generate within you. Deer peek at you from behind trees. Black spots move in the distance, and you realize you are looking at a distant bear. The overall majesty of the place takes hold, and you feel its age.

There are several ways to experience this area and the communities it created. The Green River Lines hosts a Southern Fall Foliage Tour from Oct 13th to Oct 21st. This tour starts in Illinois, then travels to the Ohio river with a stop in Portsmouth. The colors surround you as you enter West Virginia, and travel southwards down the Blue Ridge Parkway, into Ashville, NC with a stop at the Vanderbilt Mansion, then onwards into Cherokee and the Great Smoky Mountain National Park. Take a stop at Dollywood in Pigeon Forge, Tenn for their Harvest Celebration. This celebration is filled with arts and crafts, tours, good food, entertainment, shopping, and plenty of rides for the entire family as the mountains provide a massive, almost haunting, backdrop. The prices range from $1875 for a single to $1199 for a quad, and include eight nights lodging, meals, three shows, attractions, baggage handling, tour escort, and a deluxe motorcoach.

If that's a bit out of your reach, All Aboard USA offers a train tour through North Carolina from Oct 26th - Oct 27th. Take a steam locomotive through Dillsboro, stop for lunch and stay in a hotel with balconies overlooking the river. Then board the Smoky Mountain Railroad and enjoy a forty-four mile scenic tour around the Nantahala Gorge, so deep in places they say the sun can find it only during high noon. The cost ranges from $340 for a single person to $251 per person for a group of four.

Motorcycle tours are immensely popular, and are the best way to experience the mountain views without physically walking through each one. The Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountain Adventure Motorcycle Map offers six, laminated easy-to-fold maps of many self-guided tours and must-sees. This tour spins a loop which starts in Ashville, NC, and circles through Greeneville, TN and the National Park. Deal's Gap is a highlight, offering "The Dragon", an eleven-mile, undeveloped stretch of road with nothing but curves and hills and scenery. After negotiating this tricky terrain, head back to Ashville. Each map highlights points of interest, including nature hikes, white water rafting, and horse back riding. This set of maps cost $29.95. This is a great way to organize your trip on your own time, and not miss a thing. All you need to do is organize your group!

As always, if vacationing with children, the best way to go is by car. US 441 will guide you through the National Park, where you can stop in exciting cities like Gatlinburg, TN and Pigeon Forge for loads of family fun. Shopping, putt-putt golf, and laser tag will fit the bill, but budget for a trip to the Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum and the new Ripley's Aquarium. Tour the arts and crafts community. Ride the tramway to Ober Gatlinburg for skiing, ice skating, dining, and bears! Neighboring Pigeon Forges offers numerous family attractions. Trips to the outlet malls, bungy-jumping, helicopter rides, bumper cars, indoor skydiving, shows, and Dollywood, will top your to-do list.

Continue down 441 to the Chimney Tops picnic area. Play in the Little Pigeon River. Proceed to Cades Coves to experience the lifestyle of the original settlers. You'll find ample opportunity to witness the deer and bear in their natural habitat amongst the colors. Visit "The Sinks", a cascading waterfall that flows underneath the main road. And keep an eye out for the smaller Meigs falls, which sneaks up on you.

No matter how you travel, try your best to get to New Found Gap and Clingman's Dome. This is the ultimate view, when the weather is clear. The highest point in the Smokies, the Dome sits 6,643 feet above sea level. You are literally amongst the clouds, but when they clear, the panoramic view can boast sights up to one hundred miles away. On a not-so-clear day, twenty miles is the best you can expect. Unfortunately, the environmental threat is diminishing one of the best views in the Southeast. Remember, the air is thinner. Benches line the walkway. Take advantage.

The Great Smoky Mountains provides many opportunities underneath a golden canopy. Take the time to have fun, but also take time to sit quietly beside the river and listen to the old voices. For a moment, you can step into another era. Immerse yourself in nature, and see what it offers you.

http://greenriverlines.com/multiday/foilage09.html

http://www.allaboardchatt.com/pages/tours/dillsboro.html

http://www.motorcycleadventuremap.com/

http://www.greatsmokymountains.com/