Springtime in The Smokies
Imagine walking among lush forests filled with bright wildflower blooms, catching glimpses of deer and elk grazing at dawn while magnificent black bears peek from nearby treetops. Waterfalls, rivers, creeks and lakes abound in this natural paradise and yet, just minutes away, charming towns await you with shopping, dining, arts and entertainment.
If it sounds too good to be true, then it’s time to round up your group and head to the Smokies for your spring excursion! Encompassing 520,000 acres, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is a worldrenowned natural preserve and is home to over 1,600 black bear, more than 800 miles of walking and hiking trails and endless memories waiting to be made around every bend. And with more
than 1,660 types of flowering plants in bloom each spring (more than at any other North American park), it’s a breathtaking time to visit.
In fact, each spring the park hosts a seven-day Wildflower Pilgrimage, featuring wildflower walks and photography tours as well as special classes and seminars.
Download trail maps and event information online, and then join fellow
nature enthusiasts April 23-27 to celebrate the mountains coming alive with colorful blooms.
Once home to prehistoric Paleo Indians, early European settlers and 20th century loggers, the park’s northwestern half lies in Tennessee, sharing its mountainous beauty with such towns as Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Sevierville, Townsend and Cosby. The southeastern half reaches through North Carolina, encompassing Cherokee, Bryson City, Haywood County, Maggie Valley, Graham County and Cataloochee.
While the local nature, sights and attractions certainly make the Smokies a top destination all their own, the park and its surrounding towns also work well as hub-and-spoke opportunities for visitors to Knoxville, Tenn. or Asheville, N.C.
Tennessee Begin your exploration of the Smokies in Dolly Parton’s hometown of
Sevierville, just a half hour southeast of Knoxville. Sevierville is home to two of
the region’s largest outlet malls, featuring over 120 name brand shops. The
area is also home to a host of antique malls, arts and craft galleries and flea
markets, making it a one-stop shopping destination.
By Heather Davis
For full article please click here
Courtesy of leisuregrouptravel.com
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