Within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are more than 800 miles of trails. From easy strolls to difficult climbs, there is a hike for every age and skill level. And with mild weather year-round, the park offers beautiful and unique views in every season. Winter offers unobstructed views, fall provides vivid colors in the changing leaves, and summer is warm and green. Now that spring is in full bloom, visitors can enjoy beautiful wildflowers, sunny days, cool nights, and calming mountain streams.
Right now, a large variety of wildflowers is blooming in and around the park. Wildflowers are such a big deal in Gatlinburg, there is an entire event dedicated to exploring the park for irises, lilies, ferns, and more. The 68th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage will feature tons of great events from April 26 through April 30, 2022. Go on a guided hike, learn more about the natural history of the area, discover new and beautiful foliage, or pick up a great local painting.
While you’re hiking, biking, or horseback riding in the Smokies, you can’t miss the amazing foliage and flowers. But if you’re up for an adventure, pick up a wildflower guide at a park visitor center and see how many you can find! Here are some of the most common wildflowers you’ll find blooming in the Smokies:
- Mountain laurel
- Rhododendron
- Bloodroot
- Sharp-lobed Hepatica
- Foam Flower
- Galax
- Flame azaleas
- A variety of ferns and mosses
- Juniper
- Ten species of trillium
- Crested dwarf iris
- Bleeding Heart
- Jack-in-the-pulpit
- Lady slipper orchids
- Columbine
- Violets
- Bishop’s cap
- Trout lily
Whether you want to follow someone’s lead or forge your own way, there are many fun and scenic hikes in the Smokies. Hiking is the perfect way to check out the flowers that are in bloom, so here are a few of the best:
- Laurel Falls – Elkmont
- Spruce-Fir Trail – Newfound Gap/Clingmans Dome
- Grotto Falls – Gatlinburg/Mt. Leconte
- Abrams Falls – Cades Cove/Townsend
- Alum Cove – Gatlinburg/Mt. Leconte
- Chimney Tops – Gatlinburg/Mt. Leconte
- Smokemont Loop – Cherokee/Deep Creek
More Great Ways to Enjoy Wildflowers in the Smokies
While the annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is certainly one of the best ways to enjoy wildflowers in the Smokies, it definitely isn’t the only way to enjoy them!
Take a scenic drive through Cades Cove.
Along with spotting wildflowers, you may spot some black bears and wildlife! In spring, fields of wildflowers bloom, making it one of the best places to spot them. Enjoy streamside flowers, flowers surrounding historic sites, and more.
Visit the Great Smoky Arts & Crafts Community.
Watch for wildflowers tucked between the shops as you meet local craftspeople and find one-of-a-kind pieces.
Relax on your cabin’s deck.
Don’t want to leave your cozy cabin to spot wildflowers? Pick a cabin with a valley view or one near downtown for great chances to see wildflowers as you relax on the deck.
Staying Safe on your Wildflower Journey
Before you head out to hunt for wildflowers (to look, not pick!), remember that you are in the wild. It’s beautiful but also home to wildlife and protected species. Black bears call the Smokies their home, so remember to keep your distance. Allow them to safely roam as you enjoy nature. NEVER try to feed or pet a bear, and always enjoy watching them from a distance! Binoculars are a great way to ensure a safe distance while still seeing the details of the wildlife.
It’s also important to stay safe while hiking, especially if you’re new to the activity. Check out our Hiking Safety blog for more details, but top tips include dressing for the weather, bringing plenty of water, and hiking with a partner!
Leave No Trace
If you’ve ever heard the phrase, “Leave no trace,” you understand how important it is to protect this beautiful land we live in! In order to preserve the native plant and wildflower species, we must take care as we enjoy nature. When you head out to spot wildflowers, remember to “take only pictures and leave only footprints.” Take all the photos you want, but never pick the flowers. Stay on marked trails to prevent erosion or killing native species. If you have any questions, stop by a visitor center and talk to a ranger! They are well-versed in the area and are happy to help YOU ensure we keep the Great Smoky Mountains just that…great…for generations to come.