Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee · 2,550 ft

Past peak 40–70%, dropping Typical peak was 10 days ago

Typical peak

Oct 18 – Oct 26

moderate confidence in typical timing.

Best light

Best under flat overcast

A one-way single-lane loop through old-growth hemlock and poplar with rhododendron tunnels, stream crossings and the Ephraim Bales and Alfred Reagan cabins. Flat overcast light works better than sun here because the canopy closes overhead and the creek stays in shadow.

Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated Nov 1, 2026.

Crowds

high

Busy through peak. Be parked before sunrise or expect to walk in.

Coordinates

35.6983, -83.4678

Open in Maps

Getting there

Turn onto Historic Nature Trail at traffic light 8 in Gatlinburg, pass the Noah Ogle place, and follow the 5.5-mile one-way loop; no buses, trailers or RVs.

What turns here

tulip poplar
sugar maple
sourwood

Color progression

Typical peak Oct 22

typical peak Nov 1, 2026

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail is typically at past peak on Nov 1, 2026.

This season so far

Reported peak

None yet

Seen peak color here? Add a report.

First frost

None yet

No night at or below 32°F since Aug 1.

Last 14 days

66°F / 44°F

Average daily high and low.

Modeled weather for these coordinates from the Open-Meteo historical archive, Aug 1 – Oct 31; not a station record. Reported peak is the median date of approved peak-color reports.

Plan the light

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail on October 22, 2026, the center of its typical peak window.

Solar event times for Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail on October 22, 2026
Event	Time
First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon	7:20 AM
Sunrise Rises ESE · 103°	7:46 AM
Morning golden hour ends 35 min of low, warm light	8:21 AM
Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light	1:18 PM
Evening golden hour starts 35 min before sunset	6:15 PM
Sunset Sets WSW · 257°	6:50 PM
Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon	7:16 PM

Times in America/New York · day length 11h 4m · computed from NOAA solar equations.

Local terrain can hide the sun; allow extra time to reach your viewpoint.

Which way to point the camera

Sun rises ESE, sets WSW.

Aim within 45° of the sun for translucent leaves. Turn your back to it for flat, accurate color.

Shooting conditions

Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.

Recent reports

What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.

Nearby locations

Within 100 miles in a straight line; road distances can be longer.