4 Spring Hikes in the Smoky Mountains You Need to Explore This Year
Spring weather in the Smoky Mountains is some of the best weather to enjoy a hike in! It also means that all of the beautiful Smoky Mountain wildflowers are about to bloom. That being said, what better place to find the flowers than by enjoying a spring hike in the Smoky Mountains? In addition to the warm temperatures, spring hikes in the Smoky Mountains offer visitors a chance to catch a glimpse of all the natural beauty of our beloved national park first hand. Not to mention, spring in the Smoky Mountains is also when guests have the best chance of spotting wildlife in the park. For help choosing a trail, take a look at these 4 spring hikes in the Smoky Mountains you need to explore:
1. Little River Trail
The Little River Trail is located in the Elkmont area of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. At 4.9 miles round trip, this spring hike in the Smoky Mountains is home to peaceful steam views, history and, of course, gorgeous wildflowers.
Rhododendrons, yellow trillium, Canadian violets and hepaticas are the most common flowers found along the Little River Trail. The flowers found along this trail typically bloom in mid-March and April.
2. Middle Prong Trail
At 8.3 miles roundtrip, the Middle Prong Trail is considered to be a moderately strenuous spring hike in the Smoky Mountains. However, that does not mean that you and your family will not enjoy yourself when exploring this trail.
The Middle Prong Trail is best known for it’s scenic waterfalls and natural beauty that lines the trail. Not to mention, there is also several historical artifacts left along the Middle Prong Trail, including the remains of an old car and a chimney from an old homestead.
The Middle Prong Trail is located in the Tremont area in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
3. Porters Creek Trail
We love the Porters Creek Trail because it is great for families wanting to enjoy a relaxing day in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park while also exploring both the natural and historical features that the park has to offer. In addition to seeing several types of Smoky Mountain wildflowers, hikers to this trail will find old homesites, stone walls, and an old gravel road.
Yellow trillium, wild geranium, Mayapple and dwarf ginseng are the most abundant flowers found along this 4 mile spring hike in the Smoky Mountains.
4. Gregory Ridge Trail
The longest spring hike included on our list, the Gregory Ridge Trail is a total of 11 miles roundtrip, and it is located near the Cades Cove area of the national park. However, trust us when we say that the hike is worth it because you will not be able to forget how gorgeous the flame azaleas look along this hike once they reach full bloom found at the trail’s summit.
Please keep in mind, the flame azaleas do not reach their peak until later in the spring season.
More Hikes in the Smoky Mountains
These are some of the best spring hikes in the Smoky Mountains, but they’re not the only trails that are worth exploring when you visit. Other popular hikes in the Smoky Mountains are Laurel Falls Trail, Grotto Falls, Abrams Falls, and Alum Cave. Take a look at these favorite hikes in the Smokies.
Where to Stay After Your Spring Hike in the Smoky Mountains
If you and your family would like a peaceful and relaxing place to stay after you finish your spring hike in the Smoky Mountains, be sure to check out the Where to Stay tab on our website. There, families and guests will find hundreds of secluded chalets, bed and breakfasts, condos and cabins near the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Are you looking for more things to do in the Smoky Mountains after you enjoy these spring hikes? We can help! Take a look at these 5 ways to enjoy the beautiful spring weather in the Smoky Mountains.
