Top 4 Ways to Enjoy the Beautiful Smoky Mountain Wildflowers
One of the most breathtaking sights in the Smokies each spring is the colorful blooming wildflowers! The Smoky Mountains are a world-renowned preserve of wildflower diversity, and you’ll find more than 1,500 types of flowering plants in the area! While spring ephemerals may appear as early as February, the peak of spring wildflower blooming normally occurs in mid to late April at lower elevations and a few weeks later at higher elevations. Here are the top 4 ways to enjoy the beautiful Smoky Mountain wildflowers:
1. Take a Hike in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to more wildflowers than any other national park in North America, making it a perfect time to hike along one of the many scenic trails! As you stroll through the park, keep your eyes open for spring ephemerals such as trillium, lady slipper orchids, showy orchis, crested dwarf iris, phacelia and violets! While you can see wildflowers virtually anywhere in the park, there are some trails that feature exceptional viewing opportunities! Be sure to check out these top 4 trails for viewing the Smoky Mountain wildflowers this spring!
2. Attend the Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
Another one of the top ways to enjoy the beautiful Smoky Mountain wildflowers is by attending the annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage! This special event celebrates the wildflower season with professionally-guided walks, exhibits and other learning opportunities to explore the region’s rich natural and cultural resources. Attendees from over 40 states and several countries make the pilgrimage each year to learn more about fungi, ferns, wildflowers, trees and shrubs, medicinal plants, insects, salamanders and snakes, birds, mammals, journaling, art and photography, and park history.
3. Enjoy a Drive Along the Cades Cove Loop Road
If you’re really not into hiking and prefer to enjoy the wildflowers from the comfort of your car, enjoy a drive along the Cades Cove Loop Road! Cades Cove is a picturesque valley surrounded by mountains where you can see tons of gorgeous flowering plants emerging from the forest floor! An 11-mile, one-way loop road circles the cove, offering you plenty of time to enjoy this spectacular valley! As a bonus, this area is also popular for wildlife viewing and you’ll find several fascinating historic sights to stop and explore along the drive!
4. Go on a Thrilling White Water Rafting Adventure
If you love the sight of Smoky Mountain wildflowers, just wait until you join one of our thrilling white water rafting trips in the Smoky Mountains this spring! As you journey down the Pigeon River with our professional guides, you’ll have the chance to see all types of gorgeous colors along the river banks! Since our trips last between 1.5 to 2 hours, you’ll have plenty of time to soak up the scenery as you challenge the rapids with your family and friends!
Check out all of our white water rafting trips in the Smoky Mountains today and don’t miss the chance to enjoy the area’s scenic wonders this spring, including the beautiful Smoky Mountain wildflowers! We look forward to seeing you soon!
