Wildflowers in Great Smoky Mountains

Whether you’re a hardcore hiker or just love a quiet walk in the woods, there are plenty of pathways into the forests of the Smokies. There are more than 100 species of trees and another hundred species of shrubs–more than in all of northern Europe combined. The greens of spring and summer are spectacular, and when the forests transform in the fall, folks come from all over the world to witness one of nature’s most vivid displays of color.

Bloomin' like crazy

Wildflower watchers sometimes refer to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as “Wildflower National Park.” There’s no other place in North America with so many species of flowering plants. The famous mountain laurel, rhododendron, flame azaleas and more than 1,500 other species bloom in every season. From the earliest hepaticas and spring-beauties in the late winter to the last asters in the late fall, blooming flowers can be found year-round in the park. Plan a wildflower walk, or partake in the annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, a five-day festival celebrating the arrival of springtime.