Among all the beauty scattered throughout the Smoky Mountains, perhaps nothing is more stunning than the colorful wildflowers that dot the landscape each spring! The region comes to life as the flowers emerge, bringing a calming yet adventurous spirit with them. In fact, there are more than 1,500 different species of wildflowers that exist in the Smokies. One of the best ways to see these wildflowers is by taking a hike! Here are 5 hikes featuring wildflowers in the Smokies:
1. Gregory Bald
One of the top spots to see wildflowers in the Smokies requires a strenuous hike, but the reward is well worth it! Gregory Bald is an iconic area for stunning flame azaleas, plus you’ll get to enjoy panoramic views of the Smokies from the summit. In addition, you’ll see rhododendrons, trees that are hundreds of years old and much more. This hike is about 11.3 miles roundtrip and is best suited for experienced hikers. It gains more than 3,000 feet in elevation and can take upwards of 6 hours to complete.
2. Little River Trail
There’s nothing little about the beauty along this trail! Little River Trail is a 4.9-mile gentle hike that traverses alongside the Little River and has minimal changes in elevation, making it considered easy to complete. Your journey on this trail will feature yellow trillium, hepaticas, spring beauties, and crested dwarf iris. There are water features, historic structures, and scenic views along the way on this trail that was once an old logging road used by the Little River Lumber Company in the early 1900s.
3. Porters Creek Trail
The Greenbrier portion of Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to the beautiful Porters Creek Trail. This 4-mile roundtrip hike is considered to be easy to moderate, making it an excellent choice for inexperienced hikers who wish to see wildflowers in the Smokies. You’ll encounter a variety of flowers, from violets to white trillium, white fringed phacelia, hepaticas and bloodroot. There’s also the 60-feet-tall Fern Branch Falls that you’ll come across on this hike!
4. Schoolhouse Gap Trail
The Schoolhouse Gap Trail is a relatively short and easy hike through the stillness of the forest. Accessible via Laurel Creek Road, the roughly 4-mile hike is an awesome option for families who want to enjoy wildflowers in the Smokies! Its variety of blooms include Virginia bluebells, fire pinks, mountain laurel, and more. While there is no school on this trail as the name would suggest, there is a small waterfall and a cave!
5. Cove Hardwood Nature Trail
For a short and easy hike that packs a powerful punch with its stunning wildflowers, check out the Cove Hardwood Nature Trail! At just under 1 mile in length, this loop features white trillium, Dutchman’s breeches, fringed phacelia, bloodroot and more. The path travels through old-growth forests and over several streams, making for a peaceful experience for all.
If you want to experience the beauty of the area during spring, be sure to check out these hikes with wildflowers in the Smokies! We would love to host you on your trip. Discover the reasons you should stay at our hotel during spring break!
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