Visiting the Smokies in the Spring: I'm planning a trip to the Smokies for the spring. My thought is that I can't stand the crowds that would be there in the fall. And I love spring...

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

I'm planning a trip to the Smokies for the spring. My thought is that I can't stand the crowds that would be there in the fall. And I love spring flowers and wildflowers. I'll do some hiking - not a lot as my friend accompanying me has bad knees. Does anyone have a good idea on what time frame might be best? I'm thinking mid-May, but wonder if earlier or later would be better. Thanks for any advice you can give me.

brucewells Loc: Central Kentucky

AzPicLady wrote:

I'm planning a trip to the Smokies for the spring. My thought is that I can't stand the crowds that would be there in the fall. And I love spring flowers and wildflowers. I'll do some hiking - not a lot as my friend accompanying me has bad knees. Does anyone have a good idea on what time frame might be best? I'm thinking mid-May, but wonder if earlier or later would be better. Thanks for any advice you can give me.

That would be a good time-frame for here in KY, but with the higher elevations, I'm thinking mid-to-late May might be best. Are you aware that Gatlinburg, and surrounding area, are burning down as we write this?

Ted Evans Loc: Jasper, AL

Dogwood blooms there about 3rd week in
April. Leaves begin to emerge also
beginning the week before. This is the time to go. Verify this by calling a ranger
at the Sugarlands visitor center.
Ted Evans

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

brucewells wrote:

That would be a good time-frame for here in KY, but with the higher elevations, I'm thinking mid-to-late May might be best. Are you aware that Gatlinburg, and surrounding area, are burning down as we write this?

I'm seeing that on Facebook notices. How awful!!!!!

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

Ted Evans wrote:

Dogwood blooms there about 3rd week in
April. Leaves begin to emerge also
beginning the week before. This is the time to go. Verify this by calling a ranger
at the Sugarlands visitor center.
Ted Evans

Thanks, Ted. What about ground flowers?

Ted Evans Loc: Jasper, AL

Gatlinburg was not, is not burning down.
it and Pigeon Forge were told to evacuate
last night. two or three resorts did burn
b/c of approaching forest fire. Just call the
Sugarlands Visitor Center and find out for
yourself the situation. Ted Evans

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

Ted Evans wrote:

Gatlinburg was not, is not burning down.
it and Pigeon Forge were told to evacuate
last night. two or three resorts did burn
b/c of approaching forest fire. Just call the
Sugarlands Visitor Center and find out for
yourself the situation. Ted Evans

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

I think there is a wildflower festival near Gatlinburg about mid-April, Bob.

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

bobmcculloch wrote:

I think there is a wildflower festival near Gatlinburg about mid-April, Bob.

So I probably need to rethink my timing, no?

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

Yes
http://www.springwildflowerpilgrimage.org/
helps figure the dates for this year

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

bobmcculloch wrote:

Yes
http://www.springwildflowerpilgrimage.org/
helps figure the dates for this year

Hey, thanks!

Clemens Loc: Maryland

Your best timing for photographing wildflowers are the last 2 weeks of April. I have had years it was as late as first 2 weeks of May but that is unusual. Follow SM website for updates

AzPicLady wrote:

Hey, thanks!

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

Clemens wrote:

Your best timing for photographing wildflowers are the last 2 weeks of April. I have had years it was as late as first 2 weeks of May but that is unusual. Follow SM website for updates

Will do. Hope my friend can go then!

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

I wonder what the conditions will be , in view of the fires,

AzPicLady Loc: Behind the camera!

bobmcculloch wrote:

I wonder what the conditions will be , in view of the fires,

Yes, I'm curious about that too.