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If you're a native Blount Countian, you know this is the time of year where you have to share: The leaf-peepers come from all over to see the colors in the Smoky Mountains.

The peepers travel the roads, come through our restaurants and fill up local hotels.

And why not? The Foothills Parkway is a popular place to get a glimpse of the beauty this area offers to the world.

The Parkway is a planned 72-mile road that parallels the boundary of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but only 22.5 miles are open to traffic. The National Park Service is aiming to have another 16.1 miles open for its 100th anniversary in 2016.

On a recent brisk Sunday afternoon, Trex's Treks took in the 16.9-mile section that originates just north of Townsend and takes travelers from U.S. 321 to U.S. 129, ending at Chilhowee Lake.

Driving toward the Parkway on U.S. 321, peepers get the first sight of the mountains, with spots of vivid oranges, reds and yellows, striped with areas of rich green. A brown sign saying "Foothills Parkway" leads the way.

The entrance to the Foothills Parkway is 9.7 miles from the U.S. 321 and Washington Street intersection at Maryville College.

Pulling onto the Parkway, four-wheeled vehicles stream along with motorcycles as the rumbling of engines reverberates off the hillsides surrounding the road.

About 1.4 miles into the drive along the Parkway is the first pull-off to the left, giving a view of Millers Cove below. The pull-off is populated with people who stop to take pictures and mill about, talking with their new friends.

Just over three miles from the entrance to the Parkway is where peepers can get their first view of the cities below and to the north. The next view is about 3-and-a-half miles from the entrance. The men at this pull-off were discussing their motorcycles, even though they obviously arrived in four-wheeled vehicles. It seems Foothills Parkway brings out the two-wheeler in everyone: There were also bicyclists gearing up to finish their ride along the Parkway.

Along the Parkway, peepers will use pull-offs to frame family photographs with colorful backdrops. Dogs on leashes can be found pulling against their owners and itching to get away and romp through the grass.

The Look Rock pull-off is 9.7 miles from the entrance. As it's one of the most popular areas on the Parkway, be prepared to have to search for a parking spot. From Look Rock, peepers can see part of Chilhowee Lake. There is a walking trail nearby as well for those who want to get a nice trek in on the trip to the Parkway.

Elizabeth Trexler likes to travel the back roads of the Blount County area and is grateful to Dean Stone, whose work provided the background for this column. Have a place to suggest? E-mail her at elizabeth.trexler@gmail.com.