Spring is coming and there’s no better time to visit the Smoky Mountains than during the annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage from April 23-27, 2013, in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Hosted by the Great Smoky Mountain Association, this year will mark the 63rd annual celebration of nature’s floral splendor.
Gatlinburg vacationers will find many exciting special events to enjoy during the pilgrimage. Numerous guided nature walks and motorcades through Great Smoky Mountains National Park to observe wildflowers in bloom, photographic tours and contests, art classes, fascinating speakers, informative seminars and more are planned for those who attend this year’s Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. Events will explore not only the flower, animal and insect residents of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but will also provide insight into early Cherokee and later pioneer residents of the area. Just a few of the featured events to be offered include:
- A fascinating talk on Cherokee plant lore by renowned interpretive naturalist Ila Hatter,
- A guided fern walk through the sinks to see these amazing plants unfurling,
- A wildflower walk to beautiful Grotto Falls,
- An edible mushroom walk with tips on telling edible from poisonous mushrooms,
- Birding excursions for both novice and experienced birders,
- An oral history revealing how indigenous people discovered uses for native plants told around a Native American cook fire,
- A special presentation recognizing the 175th anniversary of the infamous Trail of Tears,
- Presentations on natural gardening and landscaping,
- A special hike to hunt for salamanders,
- Wildflower walks along the Appalachian Trail and through the Cumberland Gap,
- Demonstrations of flint knapping, mask making and carving by Cherokee woodcarver and storyteller Davy Arch,
- A hike through an old-growth forest, and much more.
Immerse yourself in the spring beauty of the Smoky Mountains. Reserve your cozy Gatlinburg cabin rental on iTrip.net today.