Are you planning a trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park this coming spring? You might be wondering what you can do when you visit the national park this time of year. We want to share our top picks with you! Look at these top things to do in the Smoky Mountains in the spring:
1. Hike the Trails
After snow and ice have melted, hiking the trails is one of the top things to do in the Smoky Mountains in the spring! You will get to see the Smokies come back to life right before your eyes. The mountains are green again, animals are coming out, and flowers are blooming. Plus, the weather is getting warmer, making it more comfortable to hike! Andrews Bald is a fairly short hike that is considered moderate. You’ll have beautiful views of the mountains once you reach the bald. If you’re a hiking hobbyist, then you should take one of the trails to get to the summit of Mt. LeConte, which is about 11 miles roundtrip. Want to see one of the waterfalls? Hike to Laurel Falls! This trail is about 2.6 miles roundtrip, and the path is paved, making it easy to get to the top. Any of the 850 miles of trails in the Smoky Mountains are great to hike in the spring!
2. Go on a Picnic
Since the weather is warming up, everyone wants to be outside! A great way to spend time with family and friends and enjoy the national park is to pack a picnic and take it to the mountains! Fill a cooler with sandwich ingredients or another food favorite and take it to one of the many picnic areas in the national park! Metcalf Bottoms has picnic tables next to the river where you can enjoy the view while you eat. They even have grills where you can make hot dogs and hamburgers if you want! Other areas that have picnic tables include Greenbrier, Cosby, and Cades Cove.
3. Drive Through Cades Cove
Speaking of Cades Cove, this is one of the most popular things to do in the Smoky Mountains in the spring! If you want to see the Smokies from your car, taking a scenic drive is a great way to experience the mountains. In the spring, animals will be coming out from hibernation since it is so warm, and Cades Cove is a great place to go to see them. Wildflowers are scattered throughout the empty fields, making the landscape picturesque. Plus, you will want to stop and explore the historic buildings and sites since the weather will be so nice!
4. Look for Wildflowers
One of the most popular things to do in the Smoky Mountains in the spring is to look at wildflowers. There are over 1,500 kinds of wildflowers in the mountains, and people come from all over the country to see them. Flaming azaleas are popular, and the most beautiful shrubs can be found at Gregory Bald. Porters Creek Trail is another popular wildflower hike since you’ll find violets, trillium, and geranium. Learn more about other popular places to find flowers in the spring.
All of these things to do in the Smoky Mountains in the spring are great ways to spend time with your family and friends. Want to know how else you can enjoy being together? Look at these things you can do in the national park together.
