One of the perks of visiting the Smoky Mountains is all of the wonderful hiking trails that you can explore and all of the great things you can see along the trail. One thing that everyone wants to view during their in spring is the wildflowers. The wildflowers add such color and variety to your visit that you won’t want to miss any of them during your visit. One of the best ways to see the spring flowers is by visiting the many wonderful Smoky Mountain hiking trails. To help you find wildflowers during your trip here is a list of the best hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains for seeing spring flowers.
1. Porters Creek
The first mile of the Porters Creek Trail is actually an old gravel road, which meanders through a lush forest of moss covered tree and rocks as it follows along the banks of Porters Creek. During the spring, you will be treated to an absolutely awesome display of yellow trillium flowers near the trailhead that will completely amaze you. Also, along the trail, you will get to experience the remnants from historic farm sites, old-growth trees, and a beautiful 60-foot waterfall. There are also many other various types of wildflowers with colors of white, yellow, purple and even more that will leave you in complete awe. This is truly one of the best hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains. Porters Creek Trail is 4 miles round trip and considered moderate in difficulty.
2. Gregory Bald
As stunning as the year-round views are, Gregory Bald is perhaps most famous for the spectacular flame azaleas that bloom atop its summit. Azalea lovers from all over the world come to Gregory Bald to visit the finest display of flame azaleas anywhere on the planet. These azaleas come in colors like fire red, wine red, orange, salmon, yellow, white, pink, and even multi-colored. However, it is not an easy hike up to Gregory Bald. The trail is 8.8 miles roundtrip and considered strenuous in difficulty. This trail is located in the very popular Cades Cove, so after you are done hiking this amazing trail, you can check out the other great sights of the area.
3. Rich Mountain Loop
Another one of the best hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains for seeing spring flowers is Rich Mountain Loop located in Cades Cove. During the first leg of the hike, you’ll pass by one of the meadows that makes Cades Cove one of the most famous destinations in the entire Smoky Mountains. During late spring, these meadows are carpeted in wildflowers such as black-eyed Susans, butterfly weed, purple phacelia, jewelweed, and daisies, among many others. Also, along the trail, you will get to see the gorgeous views that make Cades Cove famous and historic sites that will make you feel like you took a step back in time. The loop is 8.5 miles roundtrip and considered strenuous in difficulty. Want to know about even more places to hike in the area? Check out these hiking trails in Cades Cove!
Visiting hiking trails in the Smoky Mountains is a favorite pastime of the many visitors that come through this year. Here are even more Smoky Mountain hiking trails for you to check out this spring.
