Spring

Spring in the Great Smoky Mountains

springAn abundance of mountain wildflowers burst forth during Spring. It is also a time for awesome festivals. One of the most beautiful seasons in the Smokies is Spring. Especially relevant are the warmer temperatures. Most of all, it is great weather to experience outdoor adventure. Therefore, you can take advantage of the many beautiful hiking trails and other activities.

Bursting forth with flowers of many kinds, spring brings lots of beauty to our area. Most of all, you will have opportunities to participate. There are things like guided hikes, guided fishing trips, train rides, and biking which will take you through areas with beautiful wildflowers.

You will discover arts and crafts festivals, a wildflower pilgrimage, and a chance to enjoy lots of outdoor activities.

Things to Do Outdoors

• ATV Rides
• Biking
• Boating
• Caving
• Cades Cove
• Fishing
• Gatlinburg Trolley
• Golfing
• Great Smoky Mountains National Park
• Hayrides
• Helicopter Tours
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Hot Air Balloon Rides
• Pigeon Forge Trolley 
• River Tubing
• Scenic Drives
• The Ripken Experience
• Train Rides
• Water Parks
• Whitewater Rafting
• Wildflower Pilgrimage

• Wilderness Wildlife Week
• Wildlife Viewing
• Zipline Adventure

More about Wildlife Viewing

During Spring, it is not unusual to spot an artist with an easel painting in Cades Cove.  You will also see fishermen in mountains rivers trying to catch fresh trout, smallmouth bass, or rockbass.  

Fishing is allowed from a half hour before official sunrise to a half hour after official sunset.  There are annual trout tournaments inside the National Park.

Picnicking is a fun activity.  Food seems to taste better beside a mountain river.  For more information on having a picnic, visit  this page.

Wildflower viewing is excellent during the Spring months.  Mountain Laurel (shown in the image above) is in great abundance throughout the park, especially in the Elkmont area.