There’s a reason why the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the most visited national park in America. The smokies spring season has something to do for kids of all ages, from biking to backpacking, photography to tubing. The Smokies are unmatched for beauty, serenity and good ole clean air to breath.
No matter what time of the year you decide to visit, there is always plenty to see and do. The illustrious colors throughout the Smokies make spring time a great time to visit for family or a romantic getaway for two. The peaceful surroundings and breathtaking views make the Smokies a perfect spring time vacation destination, and the Highland Manor Inn is the perfect place to stay.
The Smokies are often referred to as the ‘Wildflower National Park’ simply because of the abundance of wildflowers that can be viewed while hiking in the park. With over 1,500 different flowering plants throughout the park, The Smoky Mountains provide the greatest variety of flower producing plants in the United States.
Take a Hike and view the Wildflowers:
The wildflowers can be seen all throughout the park. Here are some great trails throughout the Smoky Mountain National Park that will give you great viewing of wildflowers during your hiking adventure:
The Cades Cove Loop. Cades Cove offers guests the chance to experience beautiful valleys, wildlife and of course spring wildflowers.
Cove Hardwood Self-Guiding Nature Trail is a 0.75 mile loop trail with some of the best wildflowers in the Smoky Mountains.
Little River Trail has wonderful flowers from mid-March through April.
The Appalachian Trail provides views of beautiful wildflowers from mid-April through May in the 2 mile section between Newfound Gap and Road Prong Trail.
Porters Creek Trail is always a great place to view wildflowers as well as Chestnut Top Trail, which starts near the ‘Y’ just inside the Park at the Townsend Entrance.
Townsend Spring
The City of Townsend and the residents love the spring. As nature comes to life, so too does this festive quaint community. As the weather warms up, our Smoky Mountain city is filled with fun things to do, places to visit, stay and eat. At The Highland Manor Inn in Townsend, we are at the Foothills of The Smoky Mountains and the best place to stay for a Smoky Mountain Vacation. Our staff knows the best places to go and visit during the spring. We love to offer advice on The Smokies and things to do.
Photography is big in the springtime with so many unique wildflowers to capture. Townsend Founders Festival and the logging competition with the University of TN with several other southern schools competing will be April 7th. Townsend is host to the Annual Townsend Bronco Rally in April and the third weekend in April is the date for the Annual Smoky Mountain Fiber Arts Festival hosted by the Townsend Artisan Guild. The first weekend in May is the weekend for the Townsend Spring Festival, a time of music, dancing and great food. Bring your instrument and join in the fun. Pickin’ and Singin’ continues all day into the evening hours.
Clingman’s Dome
Spring in the Smokies wouldn’t be complete without a trip to Clingmans Dome. Closed during the winter months due to snow, ice and other winter weather Clingman’s Dome is at the top of the list for spring time visits. Known for being the highest peak in the Smokies, Clingmans Dome offers lots of hiking and some of the very best views for those who visit the Great Smoky Mountains. With a great vantage point at the top of the tower, and views in every direction, Clingmans Dome is one of the best places you can visit in the Smoky Mountains during your spring vacation.
In the spring of the year, don’t forget Cades Cove, the most visited place within the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Cades Cove is a great place to visit during the spring. Cades Cove offers a one of a kind experience for hikers and spectators alike. The abundance of trails for hikers of all levels, the spectacular scenic views, and the historic cabins, the barns and the mill make for a great spring destination when you visit the Smokies.
Laurel Falls
Last but certainly not least a must for all spring time visitors is a visit to Laurel Falls, which are named after an evergreen shrub which blooms along the trail and near the falls in May. This 2.6 mile hike is rewarded with a beautiful waterfall at the top of the trail. The trail does have some steep drops so proceed carefully. The trail is paved all the way to the Falls so if you have small children with you for the hike, a stroller will be a good idea. Make sure to bring your cameras to capture some great photos of this 80 foot high waterfall.
When visiting Townsend, Tennessee and the Smoky Mountains during the spring there is always plenty to do. Known for beautiful views of nature, hiking, biking, photography and wildlife all in a serene setting, the Smoky Mountains should be at the top of your travel destinations for Spring of 2018.