Wildflowers in the Smokies
Where Opportunities Abound!

Wildflowers are abundant in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It hosts more flowering plants than any other national park! With over 800 miles of trails there are many opportunities to go on wildflower hikes.

The best time to see wildflowers is April and early May, but early summer is good too, if you don't mind the warmer weather. Remember it's illegal to pick any wildflower in the park. Bring your camera instead:)

The following descriptions of wildflowers are not all-inclusive. These are just the wildflowers I've been able to get pictures of. I wanted to share them with you so you know what to look for when you're out on the trail.

*flame azalea: orange/red/yellow flowers, bloom May-June, found open woods and mountain balds. Some trails where you can find it: Sugarland Mountain Trail, Gregory Bald, Andrews Bald

*rhododendron: rose/purple-lilac flowers, blooms May-June, found on rocky summits/slopes, woods, stream banks. Some trails where you can find it: Metcalf Bottoms, Cucumber Gap

*mountain laurel: pinkish-white flowers, blooms May-July. Some trails where you can find it- Chestnut Top, Schoolhouse Gap, Rich Mountain Loop

*pink lady's slipper: pink flower with distinctive slipper-like shape, blooms April-July, found in forests, pine woods, rock outcrops. Some trails where you can find it: Gregory Ridge Trail

*Catesby's trillium: pink or white flowers in petals of three, blooms April-June. Some trails where you can find it: Gregory Ridge Trail

*bluebead lily: greenish-yellow to whitish, drooping, bell-like flowers, blooms May-August. I took this picture on the Appalachian Trail to Charlies Bunion.

*bluets: pale blue flowers with golden yellow centers, blooms April-June.

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