Visiting the Smokies in the Spring (Page 2): Check out Maggie Valley, http://maggievalley.org/ There are many waterfalls in the area. I think May would be a good time to catch the...

Fstop12 Loc: 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.

Check out Maggie Valley, http://maggievalley.org/ There are many waterfalls in the area. I think May would be a good time to catch the flowers and a lot of running water in the falls.

ncshutterbug

You are going to see crowds there any time the weather is good. DO NOT go on weekends! You will never get out of there! You actually have to wait your turn to photograph the best sites.The wild flowers are beautiful in early spring, and the animals are getting out more. Sure hope the burned areas are back to their natural beauty.Best of luck!

Ted Evans Loc: Jasper, AL

Again, for any question like these call the
Park itself. Sugarlands Visitor Center,
GSMNP.
Ted Evans
or call Friends of the Smokies

Fstop12 Loc: Kentucky

It's going to take a long time for Gatlinburg to recover. Check out the aerial view of the damage.

http://wate.com/2016/11/29/video-aerial-video-of-gatlinburg-fire-damage/

Billy Bob

When I was on the road living the good life for 10 years. I used AAA motor club and any state dept of touristic. Gatlinburg CofC will give you all the info you need. You will be in GOD's country. ENJOY

twillsol Loc: St. Louis, MO

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

According to this news release, Gatlinburg was burning down yesterday.

If the link does not work, copy and paste it into your browser.

http://www.msn.com/en-us/weather/topstories/deadly-destructive-wildfires-ravage-tennessee-tourism-town/ar-AAkWQ84?OCID=ansmsnnews11

Big Tony Loc: Fort Myers, Florida

If you want to visit the Smokies, you may want to check out the Maggie Valley area in North Carolina. No fires there yet Quick access to the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is a lot of things to do and photo ops within an hour in any direction. If you need a place to stay this place is awesome. www.vrbo.com property # 893793

Mary White Loc: Port St Lucie, Florida

I usually go in mid-April for wildflowers.

Elliern Loc: Myrtle Beach, SC

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.

Several years ago we planned a vacation from south Florida to the Blue Ridge and Smokies for 3rd week in May, thinking we would see spring flowers, dogwoods, etc. But we were very disappointed to learn that most had bloomed weeks earlier. I would plan for mid to late April instead, or first week in May at the very latest.