Fall colors may still be subdued in the Great Smoky Mountains, but the wildflowers along Turkey Pen Trail are putting on a show of their own.

On a recent hike, I spent two and a half hours climbing the trail, observing a variety of wildflowers and early signs of autumn foliage. Mountain gentians were especially impressive, with many plants at peak bloom. Blue asters and white snakeroot also added color along the way.

The trail, which is used by horseback riders, had six blowdowns. While most of the foliage was subdued, some sourwood leaves displayed beautiful red coloring, especially where the sunlight reached them.

Here is what I found along the trail.

Wildflowers

  • Blue asters: Many, mostly at peak bloom, including various species of blue asters.
  • Curtis asters: Some, at peak bloom.
  • Erect goldenrod: Some, along with other varieties of goldenrod.
  • Great lobelia: A few, mostly at peak bloom.
  • Hearts-a-bustin’: A few, displaying seed pods rather than blooms.
  • Mountain gentian: Many, at peak bloom. Nice!
  • Pink turtlehead: One, at peak bloom.
  • White snakeroot: Many, mostly at peak bloom.
  • White top aster: Some, past peak bloom.

Fall foliage

  • Blueberry: Some plants showing dark burgundy foliage.
  • Fraser magnolia: Some displaying bronze-colored foliage.
  • Red maple: A few with red foliage.
  • Sourwood: Some with red foliage.
  • Tulip poplar: Some with yellow foliage.

Trail notes

  • Time on trail: Two and a half hours hiking up the trail.
  • Trail conditions: Six blowdowns encountered.
  • Fall colors: Most foliage remains subdued at this point, although some sourwood leaves are colorful in full sunlight.
  • Trail use: Turkey Pen Trail is a horse trail.

Although the fall foliage hasn’t reached its full brilliance yet, the wildflowers make this an enjoyable time to explore the Smokies. Sometimes the smallest blooms provide the biggest rewards along the trail.

Tom Harrington is a regular hiker who reports on his hikes and mountain stories from the Smokies.

Enjoyed this article? Explore more Hiking with Harrington by Tom Harrington.

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