Shades of the Past and Fall Grand Rod Run in the Pigeon Forge Great Smoky Mountains.

Though the Shapes of the Past Rod Run XXXI in the Pigeon Forge Smokies is now over, there are still hundreds and hundreds of museum quality cars from the 1930's to classic muscle cars of the 1970's parked along the Pigeon Forge Parkway and cruising all around the Great Smoky Mountains and the Blue Ridge Parkway.

Why are these classic car owners sticking around the Great Smoky Mountains still and what are the Pigeon Forge Rod Runs?

Could they be sticking around the enjoy the great weather we have here in the Smokies during September where it's warm enough to be wearing short sleeves and enjoying outdoor activities, but much cooler than the dog days of summer.

It's also a great time to take in the sights in and around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park or a long breathtaking cruse with your classic car or hot rod along the Blue Ridge Parkway which is right next to the national park.

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is bathed in the color green everywhere you look, except for the occasional burst of color from wildflowers still blooming. Look carefully and you will see a few leaves here and there just starting to lighten and are a prelude to the fall colors soon to come.

The waterfalls and streams in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park are running higher than they will in a few months when the dry winter season begins and the sky still fills with the sights and sounds of birds now ready to migrate to warmer places for the winter.

The bear and deer are very active in the park now as a few green acorns have started to fall and make for an easy snack and in the North Carolina parks eastern parts, the bugling of rutting elk can be heard as these massive animals chase one another trying to collect as many females into their harems as they can.

All of this beauty and excitement means that it is a perfect time to cruise through the park and see the sights in a gleaming classic vehicle. There are not 1 but 5 great auto tours to take in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park: The Cades Cove Loop, the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail of Cherokee Orchard Road, Cataloochee Tour, Newfound Gap Road and finally the Tremont Auto Tour.

The longest of these scenic drives is Newfound Gap Road which is 35 miles of climbing, twisting, and turning roadway with spectacular views from Sunrise to Sunset off its many overlooks. Some of the views are beautiful at night where you can see the city lights twinkling below.

Just as the Newfound Gap Road ends, or begins, depending which way you come is the 469 mile long Blue Ridge Parkway which is beyond compare. You can keep the top down on your sports car right now when riding along the Blue Ridge Parkway, but in another few weeks you will need a jacket and you may need to put the top down.

Thousands of visitors with their beautiful cars came for the Shades of the Part Rod Run which took place along the parkways and events were held at the Dollywood's Splash Country, but in 2 more days from September 12th to the 16th the Grand Fall Rod Run will take place!

We here in the Smoky Mountains look forward to both the Spring Road Run and the Fall Rod Run as we not only enjoy seeing miles and miles of cherry car, trucks and motorcycles, the Rod Runs are always taking place during moderate temperatures with the beautiful backdrop of the Smokies, along with the most fun roads to cruise along.

Whatever American made car floats your boat, you will be sure to find it here and more than likely, a bunch of them together. This year for example I say more 1930s Ford's and Packard's than I have in years, many in showroom or better condition.

There were also more classic pickups, tow trucks, delivery trucks from the 40's and 50's than I have ever seen here as well. Already trailer loads of motorcycles have been making their way into Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg as well as more muscle cars from the 60's and 70's than were here last week.

So you now see what so many who were showing their cars for the Shades of the Past are sticking around for the Fall Rod Run in Pigeon Forge right around the corner!