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SmokyMountainNavigator.com ach season in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park brings unique opportunities to experience Mother Nature. We encourage you to get out of your car and leave the hustle of the everyday world behind. It is always advisable to carry raingear drinking water and a flashlight when going out to play in the Great Smoky Mountains. Take a hike or explore one of the Quiet Walkways youll encounter as you drive the Parks two main roads Newfound Gap and Little River Road. Newfound Gap Road takes you across the crest of the Great Smoky Mountains. From here youll have high-elevation views and access to high-elevation trails. Once the trees begin to display their fall colors these higher destinations show more advanced color than those of lower elevation. Peak season for fall color is typically mid- to late- October in the mid elevations. Little River Road winds along its namesake riverbed at a lower elevation. From Gatlinburg Little River Road takes you to Cades Cove where you can enjoy an autumn picnic in the immense fields of this early settlement valley. Bring a lawn chair and a picnic to the Cable Mill Area during the third weekend of September for Old Timers Day. Youll encounter lifestyle demonstrations along with story tellers reminiscing about early days in the Cove. One of the finest wildlife displays in the Park occurs during September October and into November at Cataloochee. Located in the Southeastern sector of the Park here 52 North American Elk were reintroduced into the Great Smoky Mountains in 2001. This majestic animal weighs between 500 800 pounds and measures 7 10 feet long. Males have antlers up to 5 feet across. They are an amazing sight. The Parks Elk population now numbers around 150 and fall is rutting season. When you drive into this remote valley during rutting season you are going to see herds of cows in the fields and hear the bugling of bulls either warning newcomer bulls away or looking for additions to their harems. There is usually at least one bull in attendance of their herds. Elk are unpredictable and can be aggressive at this time. They should be viewed from a minimum distance of 50 yards. The fields of Cataloochee Valley are closed to pedestrians at this time of year but you can get excellent sightings from along the road. Bring binoculars. Best viewing chances are dusk and dawn. Please remember that the purpose of the Park is preservation and stewardship of the wilderness and cultural heritage for generations to come. Enjoy the time that you have here and be careful in your upcoming adventures. NationalPark E By Olwen Claiborne 117