There are a host of activities you and your family can enjoy this spring in the Great Smokey Mountains. With the weather warming up, many of those events will allow your family to take in the beauty of the area with all its floral glory.
The 65th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in Gatlinburg is set for April 21 through April 25. There are more than 150 programs, both indoor and outdoor, to take in during the event including natural walks, art classes and photographic tours. Events will be at the Great Smoky Mountain National Park and other area venues.
Examples of events include a featured wildflower artist reception April 22 at Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts and a Night Owl Prowl near Mynatt Park.
Craft and art enthusiasts will enjoy the Easter Craft Show at the Gatlinburg Convention Center, hosted by the Great Smoky arts and craft community. Kids can even go to the Old Mill Pottery House Café & Grill to have breakfast with the Easter Bunny.
There are several trails, ranging from easy to strenuous, for people to walk and enjoy wildlife. The Cove Hardwood Trail is less than a mile and boasts of numerous wildflowers and the Little River Trail is a moderate hike of 4.9 miles along an old railroad bed. Advanced hikers may want to take on part of the Appalachian Trail, which extends more than 70 miles through the mountains, running next to Gatlinburg.
Pigeon Forge is one of America’s favorite family destination spots for a reason. The city has many things to offer for the whole family. A must-see stop is Dollywood where there is a new ropes course and the Festival of Nations that brings dancers, musicians, acrobats and others to the park for a celebration in mid-March and early April.
Those into Southern style entertainment should attend the Barbeque and Bluegrass Festival in late May. The festival draws acclaimed bluegrass bands from around the nation.
Those who hear nature calling can take a whitewater raft on the Pigeon River if you are feeling more adventurous. Guided tours are advised for the safest and most enjoyable experience. Spring rains are not an issue because you can take the kids to an indoor water park that will keep them busy all day.
Wildflowers, music, food, scenic views, and fun are throughout the Great Smoky Mountains and a visit to Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge is a way to combine them all into a family trip all with enjoy.