Hiking trails fall color report for the Smoky Mountains: Lewellyn Cove Nature Walk

The fall leaves are falling fast but there are a few great hiking trails where you can still find great color in the Smoky Mountains. The Lewellyn Cove Nature Walk in the Nantahala National Forest on NC 28 is one of the best hiking trails with fall color right now.

Though not in the Great Smoky Mountains national park, the Lewellyn Cove Nature Trail is right across from the national most beloved national park.

This is a beautiful trail that most anyone can enjoy as it is very moderate and considered by many to be very easy. This is a very short loop trail of about 3/4 of a mile but can be extended if you wish.

Before even entering the hiking trail the parking lot still has some color and you are greeted by yellow trees draped over the start of the hiking trail with logs forming easy to navigate steps up the hill.

For the first few minutes you will hear some road noise of noisy motorcycles ride on the Tail of the Dragon but the road noise quickly fades to the sounds of a rushing river below.

You will find this an enjoyable hiking trail to take children along on as not only is it pretty it will not be exhausting for most energetic children. Unlike hiking trails in the Great Smoky Mountains national park you can take along a well behaved leashed dog on this trail.

From the very start of the trail not only is the scenery pretty with abundant plant life, there are numerous signs describing the trees and bushes making this an educational hike as well.

After a few switchbacks the fall colors start to really ramp up with explosions of reds, oranges, yellows and light greens. The trees are beautiful and by now the only sounds you will hear are your feet crunching on the leaves, the wind in the trees and the sound of water below.

If you are having such a good time enjoying the peace and quiet of the Smoky Mountains and the best fall color in the Smokies you can take one of the forks on the left of the trail to Appalachian Trail and the Yellow Creek Mountain Trail.

When you make your way to the stream, ahead of you there is a small connecting 1 mile hiking trail that will take you to Lewellyn Cove to Fontana Village.

This is a great trail to enjoy the fall colors and is suitable for most everyone and a very pleasant drive from all the shopping, resturants and cabin rentals in Pigeon Forge Tennessee.