On Monday, October 7, I hiked Chestnut Top Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains. If you’re looking for a moderate day hike with beautiful views, the trailhead is just past the Townsend Wye on Route 73 and the trailhead parking lot is across the road on the right-hand side.

The Chestnut Top Trail is considered a strenuous hike with a moderate climb with a total elevation of 1,486 feet, and I hiked two and half hours to see the flowers and foliage I saw yesterday. As you can see, most are at peak bloom with the foliage beginning to change colors.

  • Curtis aster – few: At peak bloom (several other species of blue/purple/lavender asters in bloom.
  • Erect golden rod – some: Some at peak bloom with some beyond peak bloom. Additionally other species of golden rod are in bloom.
  • False fox glove – few: At peak bloom (colorful).
  • Low hop trefoil – (1)
  • Mountain gentian – few: At peak bloom (very beautiful).
  • White top aster – many: Some at peak bloom – some beyond peak bloom.
  • White snake root – some: Some at peak bloom & some just beyond peak bloom.
  • Whitewood aster – some: At various stages of the blooming process. Other varieties of white asters blooming.

Photos shown are file photos (not made today).

Some of the sourwood and blueberry leaves are changing. There are a few red maples starting to show their autumn foliage.

Tom Harrington is a regular hiker who reports on wildflowers in the Smokies.