While the Smoky Mountains are a popular tourist destination year-round, the spring season is a great time to visit. Tourists love the milder temperatures and bright scenery. If you’re planning a visit soon, get ready for a lot of fun. Need some help? Check out this list of 4 spring activities to do in the Great Smoky Mountains:
1. Hiking
Hiking is a great way to enjoy fresh air and see the Great Smoky Mountains in all their glory. The national park has over 850 miles of hiking trails, so there is a lot to choose from. A popular route to travel in the spring is the Schoolhouse Gap trail located on the Tennessee side of the Smokies It is a 3.8-mile trail with beautiful wildflowers and creeks.You might even see some animals, as the area is known for bear activity. Other sights to look out for include an old boar trap as well as a secret cave. You can also take the Crosby Nature Trail. It has a round trip distance of 1 mile. Plants to spot along the way include Vasey’s Trillium and brook lettuce.
2. Horseback Riding
Bring a four-legged friend along as you explore the Smokies. The national park has 3 horse stables that are open from mid-March through late November. If you have never ridden a horse before, don’t worry. The staff will teach you the basics! Sit up tall to look at the scenery and listen closely to the tour guide as they tell you about it.
3. Scenic Drives
If you want to stay out of the heat, go for a relaxing scenic drive. Take the 11-mile loop of Cades Cove Loop Road. Look out for the oldest human structure in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, the John Oliver cabin. John Oliver was one of the first settlers in Cades Cove, and the structure served as a cozy first home for him and wife. Another route is the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. While Cades Cove Loop Road is open all year, this road closes seasonally from early December to late March The route is home to the Alfred Reagan Place and Gristmill. Alfred Reagan was a settler in the area who built the gristmill to help farmers. There are stunning views and interesting scenery on every drive, so there is no wrong choice when it comes to choosing a route
4. Camping
If spending a few hours in the Great Smoky Mountains isn’t enough, you can spend the night there. The park has plenty of great campsites. They can be either frontcountry or backcountry. Frontcountry campgrounds allow you to stay near your vehicle and have access to restrooms with cold running water. On the other hand, if you want to venture out, take a hike to one of the backcountry campgrounds. They are open seasonally and are great in warmer temperatures! No matter where you choose to camp, it will be a fun and memorable time!
We hope you enjoyed learning out what to do in the Great Smoky Mountains this spring! Want to learn more about the area during the season? Check out this list of Smoky Mountain wildflowers you’re likely to see on your spring hikes!
