Wildflowers in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in East Tennessee.

6 Fun Things to Do This Spring in the Smoky Mountains

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If you’ve picked spring to visit the Smoky Mountains, you’re in luck! Warmer temperatures, clear skies and an unblemished natural beauty make spring in the Smoky Mountains one of the best times of year to visit. As color returns to the rolling landscape, the Smokies come alive in a way that leaves visitors breathless! Here are 6 fun things to do this spring in the Smoky Mountains:

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1. Hike to a Stunning Waterfall

Experience the boundless beauty and prolific power of a Smoky Mountain waterfall! Plan to visit Great Smoky Mountains National Park where more than 100 different waterfalls are tucked deep into the lush forests. Laurel Falls, Abrams Falls, Grotto Falls, Rainbow Falls and Ramsey Cascades are just a handful of the many scenic options. Be sure to bring your camera to snap some photos to hold onto!

A waterfall in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park in East Tennessee.

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2. A Scenic Auto Tour

Want to experience the national park without having to trek significant distances? Take a scenic drive through the Smoky Mountains! Capture colorful springtime views as you travel the twisting and turning roads around town. Cades Cove Loop, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Newfound Gap Road, Clingmans Dome Road and the Foothills Parkway serve stunning views of the Smokies you don’t want to miss!

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3. Take Part in Spring Events

Dive into Smoky Mountain culture by attending one of several spring festivals or events! The Flower & Food Festival at Dollywood is one of the area’s most popular annual festivals, bringing your favorite parts of spring together in one place. From vibrant plants to refreshing foods, live music and more, there’s plenty of fun to be had. The Blooms & Tunes spring event at Anakeesta and Smoky Mountain Sunrise at Gatlinburg SkyPark are other awesome event options.

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4. Search For Wildlife

Even the animals want to explore all the beauty that exists in the Smoky Mountains! Discover some fascinating wildlife, whether you’re spending time in the national park or just exploring town. Cades Cove, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail and Cataloochee on the North Carolina side of the park offer some of the best opportunities to spot animals like bears, deer, turkey and many others.

A deer drinking from a stream in the Smoky Mountains of East Tennessee.

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5. Find Colorful Wildflowers

Spring is wildflower season in the Smoky Mountains! Discover some colorful blooms and buds when you explore areas like the national park. Deep Creek Trail, Little River Trail, Andrews Bald, Porters Creek Trail and Schoolhouse Gap Trail offer scenic hikes that pass by some spectacular wildflowers. See how many different species you can spot while adventuring with loved ones or even consider attending the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage!

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6. Visit Tennessee Homemade Wines

Save some space for relaxation on your jam-packed itinerary! All the different things to do in the Smokies sure are tempting, but at some point you’ll want to take a little time for yourselves. Have a good time with us at Tennessee Homemade Wines! Our southern sweet wines come in a variety of unique flavors you need to experience. We offer free samples daily for you to get a taste!

Check out some of these fun things to do the next time you spend spring in the Smoky Mountains. Learn all about some of our top Smoky Mountain wines to enjoy this spring!