Fall is beginning to show its colors along Crooked Arm Trail in the Cades Cove area of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. While the trees have not yet reached their full autumn display, wildflowers continue to provide plenty of color along the trail.

Blue asters and great lobelia are among the standout blooms, while several species of goldenrod and white asters are also adding color to the landscape.

Wildflowers along the trail

  • Blue asters: Many blooming, with several species mostly at peak bloom.
  • Erect goldenrod: A few plants, mostly at peak bloom. Several other goldenrod species are also flowering.
  • False foxglove: A few plants, mostly at peak bloom.
  • Great lobelia: Many plants, mostly at peak bloom.
  • Mountain gentian: Some plants, approaching peak bloom.
  • Southern harebell: A few plants, past peak bloom.
  • White snakeroot: Some plants, mostly past peak bloom.
  • White top asters: Some plants, at or just beyond peak bloom.
  • Whitewood asters: A few plants at peak bloom, along with several other species of white asters.

Fall foliage observations

Trees beginning to display their autumn colors include:

  • Beech
  • Hickory
  • Red maple
  • Sassafras
  • Sourwood: Showing a mixture of red, orange and yellow.
  • Tulip poplar

Overall, relatively few trees have begun changing colors, with more noticeable fall foliage appearing at higher elevations along the trail.

Trail notes and observations

The hike offered several interesting observations beyond the flowers and changing leaves.

  • Bear sighting: About five minutes up Rich Mountain Loop Trail, a bear was spotted. Within 10 seconds, it had disappeared into the woods.
  • Acorns underfoot: Sections of Crooked Arm Trail were covered with acorns, making the footing feel like walking on marbles. The acorns appeared to be from white oak trees.
  • Trail difficulty: Crooked Arm Trail begins from Rich Mountain Loop Trail near the beginning of the Cades Cove Loop Road. The 2.2-mile trail would likely be considered strenuous by most hikers.
  • Crooked Arm Cascade: No water was visible in the cascade during this visit.

A changing season in the Smokies

Although the autumn foliage is still developing, Crooked Arm Trail offers an opportunity to enjoy late-season wildflowers and the first hints of fall color.

The colorful asters, great lobelia and mountain gentian are reminders that the Smokies have something to offer in every season.

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