It’s Impossible Not To Love This Breathtaking Wildflower Trail In North Carolina
×
OnlyInYourState Staff
Author
With over 1,660 various kinds of wildflowers the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has been referred to as “Wildflower National Park.” April-June becomes a time of pastel flower beds dotting the landscape, trails, and mountainous terrain. Make the most of this ‘blooming beautiful time’ by paying a visit this spring.
With so many diverse wildflowers dotting the entire park, you're not just limited to spring seasonal beauties here. A type of flower known as spring ephemerals begins during snowfall. With year-round flowers you don't have to 'rush' for the beauty, but you will want to coordinate a time to make the most of it.
The 'peak' season for wildflowers is mid-to-late April for lower elevations and mid-May to beginning of June for higher elevations. Planning a trip in mid-May might be the best option for hiking throughout the park with gorgeous, 'wild' views the entire route.
Advertisement
Of course, Great Smoky Mountains National Park is huge and it can be hard to decide exactly where to plan your wildflower adventure. This
wildflower species mapper shows you exactly where certain blooms are throughout the park. Although already passed, each year the park hosts the 'spring wildflower pilgrimage' featuring a week of festivals and guided walks throughout the park.
Summer sees bright and beautiful red cardinal flowers, pink turtleheads, Turk’s cap lily, small purple-fringed orchids, bee-balm, butterfly-weed, black-eyed Susans, and jewel weeds.
Even the trees and shrubs get in on the fun, blooming throughout the year and creating a paradise for hikers and flora enthusiast alike. Photographers also love the park.
Shared with Tennessee, Great Smoky mountains National Park offers plenty of other adventures like breathtaking waterfalls, hiking trails, prime views mountain views and of course - abundant wildflowers.
What a gorgeous sight! Have you seen the wildflowers here?
For more summer fun, check out this pristine beach with the whitest sand.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.