The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is one of the most popular annual events in the Smokies! It provides a great opportunity for visitors to explore the beauty of the Smoky Mountains and learn about the region’s rich natural and cultural resources. To help you learn more about this event, we’ve created a guide to the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in the Smoky Mountains that includes everything you need to know.
What to Expect
The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage features programs that teach attendees more about the region. In previous years, programs have included fungi, ferns, wildflowers, trees, medicinal plants, insects, wildlife, photography, park history and so much more. The event also includes speeches from people from the area, like authors and musicians, and professionally guided hikes and history walks. Enjoy the guided hikes and walks outdoors and the seminars and presentations indoors at the Mills Conference Center in Gatlinburg.
When is the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage?
The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in the Smoky Mountains takes place at the end of April each year. It is a week-long event for both visitors and locals to enjoy. This is peak wildflower season in the Smoky Mountains! Along the tours, you’ll have the opportunity to see wildflowers, plants, ferns, trees and shrubs. Be sure to keep an eye out for wildlife as well!
What Happens if it Rains?
All events during the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage are held rain or shine. All of the leaders will be at their meeting places at their respective times and will communicate and make decisions with you there. Decisions may include things like modifying the time of the events, the distance of hikes, or the location. For example, an event may move from a ridge to lower elevations to avoid lightning. If you don’t want to be outside during the weather, attend the seminars and presentations inside the Mills Conference Center!
About Wildflowers in the Smoky Mountains
The Smoky Mountains are home to more than 1,500 species of flowering plants. This is more than any other national park in America! Popular wildflowers found in the park are trout lilies, crested dwarf irises, wild geraniums and flame azaleas. The first type of flower to grow in the park is a spring ephemeral. Spring ephemerals can be seen from February through April in the park. Peak season to see the wildflowers is mid to late April. Plus, spring has the perfect weather for being outdoors and seeing the flowers up close! If you can’t make it to the Smokies in the spring, don’t worry. There are plenty of wildflowers in the summer as well. Summer wildflowers include red cardinal flowers, pink turtleheads, purple-fringed orchids and more.
Where to Stay for the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
While you’re in town for the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in the Smoky Mountains, you’re going to need somewhere to stay! Our cabin rentals provide the perfect home away from home and come with all the necessities for a comfortable stay. They’re also available in a variety of sizes, so whether your vacation group is big or small, there is a cabin for you.
Browse all our available cabin rentals and book your stay for the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage today!
