64 Years of Smoky Mountain Wildflowers to Enjoy Annual Pilgrimage

February 25, 2014

Spring is an exciting time in the Smoky Mountains. The region is finally warming up and blooming for the new season, and spring events are planned all season in celebration. Now that the Great Smoky Mountains National Park is blooming into a kaleidoscope of colors, there’s no better time to take a walk on the wild side and see nature at its most beautiful. To educate and entertain National Park visitors, botanical experts will be leading a Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage event in Gatlinburg.

This weeklong event is scheduled from April 15 through April 19. During this time, visitors to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park’s can enjoy nearly 150 indoor presentations and guided walks. For those who can’t attend any of the events, the National Park still has plenty of gorgeous wildflower walks to explore on your own.

Topics included in the Wildflower Pilgrimage will range from wildflowers and ecology to the culture and history of the region. Of the 146 total programs, 132 will be held in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, while 14 educational classroom sessions will be held at the W.L. Mills Conference Center or Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.

The outdoor programs will be led by National Park Staff, volunteers and educators. The indoor programs will be given by professional naturalists, botanical experts and educators.

Anyone who wants to participate can register online until April 11. Those who don’t register in advance can do so on-site April 15 starting at 5:00pm in the Mills Conference Center.

Registration costs include your choice of 146 professionally guided walks and indoor presentations. These prices include each event except the Wednesday Luncheon which costs $25.00. Event prices are listed below.

Adults

$50.00 for one day

$75.00 for two or more days

Students

$15.00 for one or more day with a verified ID

Children under 12

Free

All participants are required to check-in at the on-site registration desk to pick up their official name tag, event schedule and tickets.

Mills Conference Center

Historic Nature Trail

Gatlinburg, TN

Want to see even more spring colors up close? Auntie Belham’s Cabin Rentals invites guests of the Spring Wildflower event in Gatlinburg to stay in one of our Smoky Mountain cabin rentals. Our cabins feature the best spring mountain views, from the lush green forests to the flowers blooming near rushing streams. Whether you’d like to rock on the porch or relax in front of a large screen HDTV, we’ll make sure your vacation to the Smokies is memorable and refreshing.

Call us today at (800) 436-6618 to speak to one of our friendly and knowledgeable reservationists. They’ll make sure you have every detail checked off your vacation rental list, so all you have to do is check-in and enjoy.