While the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a great year-round destination, Spring is the perfect time to take in its stunning natural beauty.
Located on the Tennessee-North Carolina border, the park is renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, including mountain laurels, yellow trillium, and black bears during the spring season.
With its mild temperatures and family-friendly activities, the Smoky Mountains are an ideal destination for a spring break getaway. Come stay with us at Treehouse Grove, the perfect landing place for your many spring adventures.
Let’s take a closer look at what to expect from a visit to the Smokies in Spring.
Spring Weather in the Smokies
Photo Credit: leaena
Spring Weather in the Smoky Mountains is highly variable from March to May, depending on when you visit. Late spring often brings great weather, with mild and balmy conditions that are ideal for outdoor activities, sightseeing, and enjoying the natural attractions in the Smokies.
March can offer chilly weather and even a chance of snow, with high temperatures in the mid-50s °F and lows in the 30’s °F. By May, temperatures climb to the 70s during the day and the 50s at night.
Spring is one of the wettest seasons, which is great for waterfall spring hikes but means frequent rain showers and the need for rain gear. April typically sees an average rainfall of 4 inches, and the streams and creeks in the Smoky Mountains fill with rainfall and snowmelt during spring.
Things to Do on your Spring Smokies Vacation
Photo Credit: Chansak Joe
There’s no shortage of fun things to do in the Smokies, with options to suit both adults and kids. From miniature golf to hiking, and moonshine-tasting to Dollywood, you’re spoiled for choice for activities, but here are some of the best things to do in spring.
1. Enjoy Scenic Drives and Epic Views
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is home to some of the most scenic drives in the country, including the Newfound Gap Road, which runs from Gatlinburg to Cherokee, and the Clingmans Dome Road, which offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Visitors can also drive the Cades Cove Loop Road, an 11-mile loop and one of the most popular attractions in the park, which takes them through a historic valley with preserved log cabins, churches, and other buildings. The road is also a great place to spot wildlife, including white-tailed deer, turkey, and black bears.
Other scenic drives in the park include the Rich Mountain Road, the Parson Branch Road, and the Forge Creek Road, which offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
The Smokies is also near the Blue Ridge Parkway, which offers incredible scenic overlooks and hikes within and around the national park.
Be sure to check road conditions before you head out for your scenic drive, as spring can still bring wintry weather and poor driving conditions.
2. Go Hiking and Explore Outdoor Adventures
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park offers over 800 miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy day hikes to multi-day backpacking trips.
Some of the most popular hikes include the Appalachian Trail, the Alum Cave Trail, and the Chimney Tops Trail. Plan your next adventure on the park’s extensive trail system for a memorable and scenic experience.
Spring is the perfect time of year to see abundant flowing waterfalls. Laurel Falls, Grotto Falls, and Rainbow Falls are all popular waterfall hikes.
Visitors can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing and horseback riding. Spring is a particularly fun time for whitewater rafting, ziplining, and kayaking in the park, offering excitement for all ages.
3. Spot Wildlife and Wildflowers in the Spring
The Great Smoky Mountains are particularly beautiful in the spring, when the wildflowers are in bloom, and the trees are green.
Wildflowers reach their peak bloom from March to June, with over 1,500 flowering plants within the national park. Stunning spring wildflowers, such as White Trillium and Spring Beauty, bloom before the canopy leafs out, creating a spectacular display.
Wildflowers start blooming in lower elevations in early spring and progress to higher elevations as the season advances. Flame azaleas are a highlight in higher elevations, typically blooming around June.
The park’s higher elevations, including Clingmans Dome and Mount LeConte, offer stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, and are a great place to spot wildlife, including white-tailed deer, turkey, and black bears.
Birdwatching is especially rewarding in spring, with over 200 species returning to nest in the Smoky Mountains. Wildlife begins to emerge and give birth during this season, with newborn black bear cubs and elk calves commonly seen in Cades Cove.
4. Enjoy Photography and Sightseeing
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a photographer’s paradise, with its stunning scenery, abundant wildlife, and beautiful wildflowers. Spring is a great time for photography thanks to the iconic blue-gray mist that is especially prominent this season.
Clingmans Dome, the highest point in the park, offers panoramic views that stretch for miles, ideal for sunrise and sunset shots. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail provides plenty of opportunities to photograph historic cabins and vibrant wildflowers.
Cades Cove is another must-visit location for photographers, famous for its picturesque valley, abundant wildlife, and preserved pioneer structures that create timeless images.
Spring Events in the Smoky Mountains
Photo Credit: Michael Gordon
There are fantastic events all year round in the Smoky Mountains, especially in Gatlinburg, but here’s what to look out for in spring.
Dollywood’s Flower and Food Festival 2026
- Dates: April 18 – June 7, 2026
- Location: Dollywood, Pigeon Forge
Dollywood’s annual Flower and Food Festival features over 500,000 blooming flowers, dazzling plant sculptures known as “mosaicultures,” and the colorful Umbrella Sky art installation, creating a feast for the senses.
Guests can enjoy delicious seasonal cuisine, live entertainment, and family-friendly activities throughout the festival.
Located in Pigeon Forge near Gatlinburg, the festival provides a perfect opportunity to experience the beauty and culture of the Smoky Mountains during the spring season.
Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage 2026
- Dates: April 22 – 25, 2026
- Location: Various in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage is a much-anticipated annual event in the Great Smoky Mountains. This immersive experience offers guided hikes, educational exhibits, and seminars focused on the region’s diverse and abundant wildflowers.
Participants can explore popular trails such as the Porters Creek Trail and the Oconaluftee River Trail, led by expert naturalists who share insights about the park’s unique flora and ecosystems.
The pilgrimage provides a wonderful opportunity to witness the vibrant spring blooms, learn about conservation efforts, and connect with fellow nature enthusiasts in one of the most botanically rich areas in the United States.
Getting Around the Park
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park has a well-developed road network, with many scenic drives and parking areas. However, some roads and trails may be closed in winter and early spring due to snow at higher elevations.
The park’s scenic drives and hiking trails can be steep and winding, and visitors should use caution when driving or hiking. It’s a good idea to bring a map and compass, and to let someone know your itinerary. All-wheel drive is recommended when driving in unfavorable conditions.
Visitors can also use the park’s shuttle services or walk or bike on the many trails and roads, including the Cades Cove Loop Road, which is closed to vehicle traffic on Wednesdays from May to September.
Packing Tips
When visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, it’s essential to take safety precautions, including bringing rain gear and wearing layers when hitting the trails.
Our packing recommendations include:
- Plenty of layers
- Warm outerwear
- Hiking shoes and gear
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Rain gear, jacket, and umbrella
With a little planning and the right packing list, your spring Smoky trip will be smooth sailing.
Plan Your Spring Trip to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Spring in the Smoky Mountains offers a refreshing blend of natural beauty and exciting activities, with fewer crowds than in summer and fall. From scenic drives along Newfound Gap Road and the Cades Cove Loop Road, to hiking trails bursting with beautiful wildflowers, the season provides endless opportunities for outdoor adventures.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or simply soaking in the stunning views at Clingmans Dome, spring is truly the perfect time to experience the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at its most lively and picturesque.
Book a stay with us at Treehouse Grove and enjoy an unforgettable spring vacation in the Smoky Mountains.
