One of the best things about visiting Gatlinburg during the spring and summer is experiencing the beauty of nature! The Great Smoky Mountains are popular not just for waterfall hikes and wildlife viewing but also for a wide variety of wildflowers, including trillium, bloodroot, hepatica, flame azaleas, wild geranium, blue phlox, and more. Keep reading to discover some of the best places to see wildflowers in the Smokies!
1. Schoolhouse Gap Trail
If you are looking for the best spot for blue phlox wildflowers in the Smokies, look no further than the Schoolhouse Gap Trail. This 4-mile roundtrip trail is often overlooked but provides a peaceful, family-friendly hiking experience near Cades Cove. The end of this trail connects with the Chestnut Top Trail, another gorgeous area to see foamflower, spring beauty, and other wildflowers.
2. Porters Creek Trail
Another of the most popular trails for wildflowers in the Smokies is the Porters Creek Trail. Families with kids of all ages can enjoy this hike in the Greenbrier area, as the trail is relatively flat and easily accessible. You will see a variety of unique wildflowers, and there is also an old cemetery, remnants of an old homestead, the John Messer farm site, as well as Fern Branch Falls, a magnificent 60-foot waterfall!
3. Andrews Bald
The hike to Andrews Bald is one of the best wildflower hikes in the Smoky Mountains. Along the way, you can see violets and other blooms, and once you reach the meadow at the top, you will be able to admire various colors of azaleas and rhododendrons. The trailhead for this moderate 3.5-mile hike is located at the parking lot for Clingmans Dome. Be prepared to walk up a bunch of stone stairs before taking in the view across the bald!
4. Curry Mountain Trail
The Curry Mountain Trail is a tranquil hike in an old-growth forest, providing ample opportunities to admire wildflowers in the Smokies! You will see everything from rhododendrons to dwarf irises. Located in the Metcalf Bottoms area of the national park, this trail is about 3.2 miles long and ends at the Meigs Mountain Trailhead. If you want to keep going, the Meigs trail leads you to a cemetery and eventually a waterfall!
5. Trail to the Noah Ogle Cabin
Driving the Roaring Fork Motor Trail is another great way to experience the beautiful scenery, and an easy walk on the self-guided trail to the Noah “Bud” Ogle Cabin gives you the chance to tour an old homestead and admire the wildflowers along the way! Then, you can get back in your car and continue on your scenic drive through the mountains.
Now you know about some of the top trails to see wildflowers in the Smokies! We hope you plan a hiking excursion soon and stop in for a delicious meal at Smith & Son Corner Kitchen during your visit. Learn more about why our restaurant is the best place to eat in Gatlinburg before or after your big day of hiking in the Smoky Mountains!
