Spring has finally sprung in Gatlinburg! While every season offers something special, spring is one of the very best times to take a vacation in the Smokies. Alpine Chalet Rentals has put together four reasons to plan a getaway at our Gatlinburg cabins in the mountains in the coming months:
1. The Country’s Best Wildflowers
Often called “Wildflower National Park”, the Smokies are home to some of the most stunning flowers you will find anywhere in the nation. The great thing about spring in Gatlinburg is that different species of wildflowers come into bloom throughout the season and into the summer, so you are always guaranteed to find beautiful scenery no matter when you choose to visit. Here is a quick look at what type of flowers you can expect to see during your vacation:
March: Jack-in-the-pulpit, Sharp-lobed Hepatica, Trout-lily, Spring-beauty,
April: Yellow Mandarin, Little Brown Jugs, Violets, Fire Pink, Wild Geranium
May: Blue Phlox, Umbrella Leaf, Showy Orchid, May-apple, Painted Trillium
June: Canada Mayflower, Woodland Bluets, Sundrops, Indian Pink, Squawroot
(See Also: 4 Things to Look for When Choosing Gatlinburg Cabin Rentals)
2. Perfect Weather for Hiking
Spring weather in Gatlinburg is ideal for getting outdoors and exploring. Highs are typically in the 70s, making it warm but not oppressively hot. If you would like to see the area’s gorgeous wildflowers during your hike, check out these trails in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park:
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Schoolhouse Gap Trail
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Kanati Fork Trail
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Gregory Ridge Trail
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Porters Creek Trail
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Middle Prong Trail
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Cove Hardwood Self-guiding Nature Trail
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Little River Trail
If you would like to go on a guided hike through the national park, sign up for the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. Held in April each year, this extremely popular event offers a variety of wildflower walks and special workshops that focus on the region’s natural beauty and history.
3. Eating Alfresco
One of the simple joys of spring is being able to eat outdoors. All of our Gatlinburg cabins in the mountains come with fully furnished kitchens and many come with charcoal or gas grills, so you can easily prepare a tasty meal to enjoy alfresco. Dining on the deck while admiring scenic views of the Smokies is a real treat.
Picnics are another great way to make the most of the weather while you eat. Here are some of the best places to eat in the national park:
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Greenbrier
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Metcalf Bottoms
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Cades Cove
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Deep Creek
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Chimenys picnic area (opens mid March)
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Collins Creek picnic area (opens early April)
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Big Creek picnic area (opens early April)
4. Excellent Events
The spring season brings a number of exciting events to Gatlinburg each year. Here are a few things you can look forward to on your vacation:
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The Great Smoky Easter Arts & Crafts Show (late March)
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Smoky Mountain Trout Tournament (early April)
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Wine, Dine, and Art Crawl (early April)
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Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage (late April)
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Gatlinburg Beans & Cornbread Festival (mid May)
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Smoky Mountain Tunes & Tales (mid June – July)
To start planning your spring getaway, check out our complete selection of Gatlinburg cabins in the mountains!