Spring is one of the most magical times to visit the Great Smoky Mountains! As wildflowers begin to bloom, temperatures rise to a comfortable level, and the familiar greenery emerges, there’s so much to do in the area. Spring offers the perfect excuse to get outside and enjoy some of the very best natural attributes of the Smokies. Do you have a spring trip planned? Take a look at what makes the Smoky Mountains in the spring so special:

1. Wildflower Season

Spring in the Smoky Mountains means wildflowers—tons of them! Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to more than 1,500 species of flowers that bloom during spring and cover the park’s landscape in vibrant colors. Thanks to these wildflowers, the park comes to life making stunning views even more beautiful. Porters Creek Trail and the Little River Trail are just a few of the options that allow you to enjoy the sights of colorful flowers.

2. Stunning Waterfalls

Thanks to melting snow and seasonal spring rains, waterfalls take on an extra layer of beauty and uniqueness this time of year! Popular waterfalls in the Smokies like Grotto Falls and Abrams Falls tend to be at their peak level of power following spring rains. Nothing puts the mind at ease quite like the sounds of cascading waterfalls combined with spring foliage, making for picture-perfect scenes.

3. Wildlife is Active

Wildflowers aren’t the only thing that emerge in the Smoky Mountains in the spring. Animals also come out to explore the stunning surroundings! Black bears, elk, and white-tailed deer are more active than during winter, and birds return in full force. If you’re hoping to see a variety of wildlife, be sure to visit Cades Cove!

4. Fewer Crowds

If you want to skip the crowds of more popular times like summer and fall, visit the Smoky Mountains in the spring! Spring provides a more peaceful experience with fewer crowds for both outdoor adventures and indoor attractions. Trails and scenic drives allow you to take in the stunning landscapes of spring without much of the hustle and bustle.

5. Unbeatable Scenic Drives

The Smoky Mountains being in full bloom make spring one of the best times of the year to go for a scenic drive! Take a leisurely drive along routes like Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Newfound Gap Road to soak up views of budding trees, wildflowers, misty mountain peaks, and colorful rainbows.

6. Festivals & Events

Dive into a celebration of Smoky Mountain culture and the spring season by attending a festival or event! Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, and the surrounding areas feature a number of festivals, from Dollywood’s Flower & Food Festival to the Blooms & Tunes Festival at Anakeesta. These events often feature live music, food, family fun, and seasonal activities together, making them perfect for families.

7. Outdoor Adventures

Enjoy the gorgeous weather of the Smoky Mountains in the spring by trying outdoor adventures! From hikes with wildflowers and waterfalls to other activities like zip lining or whitewater rafting on the Pigeon River, these adventures are a ton of fun for all ages. The cool, refreshing mountain air makes outdoor activities even more enjoyable before the heat of summer kicks in.

Are you ready to visit the Smoky Mountains in the spring? With all these adventures on your itinerary, don’t forget to schedule some downtime. We’d love to have you at Tennessee Homemade Wines where you can kick back and enjoy authentic Smoky Mountain wines!