Spring is blossoming into a kaleidoscope of colors in the Great Smoky Mountains. Daffodils, trout lilies and red maple are springing up unique, vibrant colors, and with the welcoming sounds of chirping birds and a chorus of frogs leave no doubt that the new season had finally arrived. In celebration, the 64th annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage event in Gatlinburg is scheduled to begin just as the seasonal colors are at their prime.
(See Related: March Events Officially Unveil Spring in the Smokies)
Running from April 15 through April 19, the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage will be located at the W.L. Mills Conference Center in Gatlinburg. The weeklong event will include 146 total programs, with 132 education classroom topics at the Conference Center or the Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts. The remaining classes and nature walks will take place in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Topics to be covered during the event include wildflowers, ecology, culture and regional history. Indoor programs will be held by professional naturalists, educators and botanical experts, while outdoor programs will be led by educators, volunteer staff and National Park staff.
Free events that are open to the public are listed below.
April 16
7:0pm – 8:30pm From Rugs to Hugs, My Adventures with Bears
April 17
5:00pm – 7:15pm Smokies Life Magazine Reception and Celebration
6:30pm – 7:15pm Children’s Book Signing by Mary Priestley and Doris Gove
7:30pm – 8:30pm Will Our Great Smoky Mountains One Day Go Up in Smoke?
April 18
7:00pm – 7:15pm Photography Awards Ceremony
6:45pm – 7:15pm Book Signing by Alan Weakley, Eugene Wofford and Ron Jones
7:30pm – 8:30pm Biogeography and Flora of the Southern Blue Ridge
Adult tickets are $50 for one day or $75 for two or more days. Children 12 and under can attend for free, and student prices are $15 for one or more days. These registration fees cover all event other than the Wednesday luncheon event. Cost for the luncheon event is $25.00.
Those interested in attending any of the five-day event in Gatlinburg can register online until April 11. For those who would rather wait to register, on-site registration will open April 15. On-site registration hours are listed below.
April 15
5:00pm – 9:00pm
April 16-18
7:00am – 1:00pm and 5:00pm – 7:30pm
April 19
7:00am – Noon
Anyone who wants an adventure while in the Smokies is invited to take a ride down the river with Smoky Mountain Outdoors. Our Gatlinburg white water rafting trips are fun and safe for the entire family. Whether you want a wild ride through midsized rapids or a gentle trip through slow moving water, Smoky Mountain Outdoors provides either or both in combo trips. You and your family will see some of the best views in the Smokies while speeding down the Pigeon River.
You can reserve online today and save up to $16.95 per person until Memorial Day. See you in the Smokies!
