images courtesy of Wildflower Pilgrimage
It’s an earthy time of year in the Smoky Mountains right now. The springtime period after Easter marks the magical time in Great Smoky Mountains National Park when millions of wildflowers bloom for a brief time, one step ahead of the trees blooming, which will cover the skies above with foliage and plunge the forest floor back into deep shade.
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
For a few weeks, 1,500 species of wildflower cover the ground everywhere, and April 21-25, 2015, marks the time of the 65th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. Participants come from around the world to catch sight of rare wildflowers and to learn more in the 150 or so classes and treks provided by organizing groups and Park rangers during the 5-day occasion.
The weather is mild, and often moist, and it’s a perfect time to breathe in the great outdoors and take a guided tour or hike. Participation in all events is by pre-registration, and many people plan a year ahead of time.
Details about this year’s events can be found at the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage website and Facebook page.
Earth Week
This year, by happy coincidence the 2015 Pilgrimage also falls in Earth Week. This is a time when people in the area turn enthusiastically to spring cleaning and green working, honoring the vast natural resource of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the green Smoky Mountains all around.
image courtesy of Gatlinburg.com
The week’s events include talks on green business practices and a volunteer clean-up of Gatlinburg’s Spur highway, picking up litter in this highly traveled portion of the Park. Later in the week, recycling fever takes hold with Spring Cleaning Super Recycling day.
Gatlinburg hosts a 5K Run/Walk for runners and walkers to participate in downtown Gatlinburg at night – the race starts at 10 pm! At week’s end, National Junior Ranger Day offers kids (and families) their big day with activities provided by the Park.
On Thursday, April 23, 2015, the annual Earth Day Festival for the whole family happens in Gatlinburg, with live music, food, crafts, games and activities, and many booths with demonstrations and information. Click for more details on Earth Week.
Visiting the Area
Springtime in the Smoky Mountains is a magical time filled with many events and growing excitement, in this transition time from winter to summer. After Easter, it’s also a slow time for traveling, with kids at school, and no holidays in sight just yet.
It’s a perfect time for off-season deals, and Cabins of the Smoky Mountains is no exception, with all remaining cabins currently at HALF-PRICE from their listed prices, through May 3. Be sure to check our Specials page for details and cabin availability, or just call us 24/7 at 855-84-CABIN.
