{"id":1503,"date":"2013-04-18T15:21:39","date_gmt":"2013-04-18T19:21:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/?p=1503"},"modified":"2026-06-25T14:55:12","modified_gmt":"2026-06-25T14:55:12","slug":"hiking-and-wildflowers-in-the-smokies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/events\/hiking-and-wildflowers-in-the-smokies.htm","title":{"rendered":"Hiking and Wildflowers in the Smokies"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, there are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/gatlinburg_article\/smoky_mountain_national_park_800_miles_hiking.htm\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more than 800 miles of trails<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. 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.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/events\/spring-wildflower-pilgrimage.htm\" title=\"\"><b>68th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> will feature tons of great events from <\/span><b>April 26 through April 30, 2022<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. 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.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While you\u2019re hiking, biking, or horseback riding in the Smokies, you can\u2019t miss the amazing foliage and flowers. But if you\u2019re up for an adventure, pick up a <\/span><b>wildflower guide<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> at a park visitor center and see how many you can find! Here are some of the most common wildflowers you\u2019ll find blooming in the Smokies:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Crested-dwarf-iris.jpg\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Crested-dwarf-iris.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6752\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mountain laurel<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rhododendron<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bloodroot<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sharp-lobed Hepatica&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Foam Flower<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Galax&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flame azaleas<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A variety of ferns and mosses<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Juniper<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ten species of trillium<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crested dwarf iris<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bleeding Heart<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Jack-in-the-pulpit<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lady slipper orchids<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Columbine<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Violets<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Bishop\u2019s cap&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Trout lily&nbsp;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Wildflowers-Smoky-Mountains.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Wildflowers-Smoky-Mountains.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6750\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you want to follow someone\u2019s 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:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Laurel Falls \u2013<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Elkmont<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Spruce-Fir Trail \u2013 <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Newfound Gap\/Clingmans Dome<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Grotto Falls \u2013<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Gatlinburg\/Mt. Leconte<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Abrams Falls \u2013<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Cades Cove\/Townsend<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Alum Cove \u2013 <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gatlinburg\/Mt. Leconte<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Chimney Tops \u2013 <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Gatlinburg\/Mt. Leconte<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Smokemont Loop \u2013 <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cherokee\/Deep Creek<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>More Great Ways to Enjoy Wildflowers in the Smokies<br><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">While the annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is certainly one of the best ways to enjoy wildflowers in the Smokies, it definitely isn\u2019t the only way to enjoy them!&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b><i>Take a scenic drive through Cades Cove.<br><\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.&nbsp;<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Cades-Cove-Smoky-Mountains.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"450\" src=\"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/02\/Cades-Cove-Smoky-Mountains.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-6751\"\/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b><i>Visit the Great Smoky Arts &amp; Crafts Community.<br><\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Watch for wildflowers tucked between the shops as you meet local craftspeople and find one-of-a-kind pieces.&nbsp;<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b><i>Relax on your cabin\u2019s deck.&nbsp;<br><\/i><\/b><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Don\u2019t 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.&nbsp;<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Staying Safe on your Wildflower Journey<br><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you head out to hunt for wildflowers (to look, not pick!), remember that you are in the <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">wild<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. It\u2019s 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.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It\u2019s also important to stay safe while hiking, especially if you\u2019re new to the activity. Check out our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/gatlinburg_article\/smoky_mountain_national_park_800_miles_hiking.htm\" title=\"\"><b>Hiking Safety blog<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for more details, but top tips include dressing for the weather, bringing plenty of water, and hiking with a partner!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><b>Leave No Trace<br><\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019ve ever heard the phrase, \u201cLeave no trace,\u201d 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 \u201ctake only pictures and leave only footprints.\u201d 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\u2026great\u2026for generations to come.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":1884,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[292],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1503","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-events"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1503","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1503"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1503\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11158,"href":"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1503\/revisions\/11158"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1884"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1503"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1503"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.cabinsforyou.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1503"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}