Springtime….What a wonderful time of new life and new beginnings! The sights, sounds, and smells welcoming in another new season of life are simply amazing! Spring is the perfect time to get outside and be overwhelmed by the simple elegance of nature! And there’s no place better to experience this gift of natural wonder but in the mountains…. The Smoky Mountains to be exact!
The Smoky Mountains are a mountain range located on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Located in The Great Smoky Mountains National Park, these mountains offer mesmerizing views of nature and wildlife year-round. A popular vacation area, this national park had the second most visitors out of all the national parks in 2015. The Smoky Mountains are abundant in trails that go through forests, wildflowers, waterfalls, and rivers.
The park is home to over sixty-five species of mammals, and over two hundred species of birds. A lot of these birds are of concern as their population is decreasing, and the park has become vital to the survival and reproduction of their species. It is also home to over fifteen hundred black bear and other animals like deer, elk, moose and many other small animals. Springtime is a wonderful time to sneak a peak at many of these birds and animals who are coming out from a long winter. The mountains are abuzz with activity!
Special Sites to See
Along with the beautiful views, and gorgeous wildlife, there are additional aspects of this park that make it a sight worth seeing. There is a sight in the park known as the Newfound Gap. To get here, you need to walk about halfway up Newfound Gap road, which is about third two miles. Through this gap, you can see gorgeous landscapes that stretch across the whole park! Due to the height, you will often even still see snow! This is a great way to cool off after the long trek up this road.
One of the most famous parts of this park is the observation tower on top of Clingmans Dome. Located six thousand, six hundred and forty-three feet in the air, this tower offers a cool breeze and a beautiful view that is hard to beat!
Cades Cove is another interesting place to visit. Cades Cove was first settled in the early 1800’s and was once a small farming community located in one of the parks’ many valleys. It is home to many historical buildings including old places of worship and is a great place to browse, especially if you’re a history buff.
Make a point to check out the beautiful waterfalls, such as Cataract Falls. This is a small but gorgeous waterfall less than a mile from the visitor’s center inside the park. It can also be easily accessed by just about anyone, even small children.
This park also hosts over seven hundred miles of streams and rivers with over fifty species of native fish. If you decide to camp here, make sure to be outside during the sunset. Sunsets in the Smoky Mountains are simply magnificent, leaving rich colors such as dark reds and oranges which streak across the sky. Stargazing is also a popular activity at the park, as thousands of stars light up the beautiful night sky.
Springtime in the Park
Of course, this mountain range is gorgeous all year round. However, during the spring, this park is even more phenomenal! Check out the trail up to Clingmans Dome, as it is only open in the spring due to heavy snowfall in the winter. From some of the park’s highest points, you will see all the freshly bloomed flowers stretch out across the mountains and view the beautiful trees that span the horizon.
You’ll beat the crowds by coming in the spring. Due to the chillier temperatures during the springtime, it is much less busy than in summer. This makes spring an optimal time to visit!
As you make your plans to celebrate spring in one of Mother Nature’s masterpieces, The Smoky Mountains, you’ll need a convenient and comfortable place to make your home base. Creekside Lodge in Maggie Valley is a wonderful place to do this! Creekside Lodge is a family-owned and operated mountain lodge that will make your stay a wonderful experience. Call us today at 800-621-1260 and let our friendly staff help you as you set up your wonderful adventure! We’d love to help make your Spring Vacation in the Smokies one of your favorite vacations ever!
