If you love the gorgeous sight of Smoky Mountain wildflowers in the springtime, you won’t want to miss the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage! This popular annual event takes place in late April and features professionally-guided walks, exhibits, and other learning opportunities to explore the region’s rich natural and cultural resources! Here are the top 4 reasons why you’ll want to experience the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage:
1. Fascinating Variety of Programs
The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage features a fascinating variety of programs in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park that are designed to bring people together for a common interest. In recent years, over 900 pilgrims have traveled from more than 40 states to join this special event! This is a unique opportunity to learn about wildflowers, trees and shrubs, fungi, ferns, medicinal plants, insects, salamanders and snakes, birds, mammals, and more! You’ll even find programs dedicated to journaling, art and photography, and park history, so there is truly something for everyone! After participating in your choice of daily activities, stick around in the evening to enjoy interesting presentations from some of the featured speakers!
2. Convenient All Inclusive Pricing
Another reason why you’ll want to experience the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is that it features all-inclusive pricing for full access to the event! Students can enjoy a significantly reduced registration fee, which applies to both college students and those in K thru 12. The event has always been a non-profit program that relies on massive volunteer efforts of organizers and leaders, and the majority of fees collected are used to cover dormitory-style housing, cafeteria-style meals, and week-long parking passes for the leaders once they are on site.
3. Discounted Lodging Options
One of the benefits of attending the pilgrimage is that you can take advantage of discounted lodging options through preferred partners of the event! These hotels are located just minutes away from the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, as well as many other popular sights and attractions throughout the Smokies. You’ll also find plenty of additional lodging options throughout Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, including hotels, condos, cabin rentals, and campgrounds.
4. Fellowship with Other Nature Lovers
The special event offers the chance to meet and socialize with other nature lovers from across the country! While participating in the various programs, don’t be surprised if you make a few new friends along the way! Whether you are coming to the event as an individual, a teacher escorting a school group, or a family bringing your children, you’ll love the social aspect of the pilgrimage! It is no wonder why so many people return year after year to experience this annual event that highlights the natural wonders of the Great Smoky Mountains!
We hope that you’ll be able to experience the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage and many of the programs that this wonderful event has to offer! If you can’t make the event, you can still enjoy all of the beautiful wildflowers in the Smokies throughout the spring months! Here are 6 of the best places to spot Smoky Mountain wildflowers!
