March 04, 2025

Top 5 Spring Hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains

Are you planning a spring trip to the Smokies? If so, you’ll want to spend as much time surrounded by the natural beauty of spring as possible! One of the best ways to soak up all that the season brings is going on a hike. This time of year, you can see colorful wildflowers, impressive waterfalls, and majestic views when you explore Smoky Mountain hiking trails. Here’s a list of the top spring hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains that you won’t want to miss:

1. Schoolhouse Gap Trail

One of the top spring hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains is the Schoolhouse Gap Trail. You can find this hiking trail between Townsend and Cades Cove. This trail is considered a great family hike because it is wide, short, and relatively easy. Your hike begins along a peaceful stream. About a mile in, you’ll reach an unmarked fork to the left, which leads to Blowhole Cave and White Oak Sinks. If you continue along the Schoolhouse Gap Trail, you will reach a junction at the end that connects to the Chestnut Top Trail. This is approximately two miles from the trailhead. This is an excellent spring hike because the trail is lined with colorful wildflowers this season! You may see pink lady’s slippers, Virginia bluebells, sun drops, beaked violets, gold asters, red clovers, and other Smoky Mountain wildflowers.

2. Porters Creek Trail

Another one of the best spring hikes in the Smoky Mountains is the Porters Creek Trail. This hike is approximately 4 miles long and is great for all ages! You can access this hiking trail from the Greenbrier section of the national park. From the trailhead, you’ll take an easy gravel road through a lush, mossy forest next to Porters Creek. During your hike, you’ll see old stone walls, a historical cemetery, and a farm site with a cantilever barn. The gravel road becomes a dirt path as you enter an old-growth forest. This trail has two footbridges that cross over the creek. After the second footbridge, you’ll reach an area that’s filled with wildflowers in spring! These flowers start to bloom around mid-March to April and may include white trillium, violets, and fringed phacelia. In late spring, you may also get to see yellow trillium, woodland bluets, Jack-in-the-pulpits, and mayapples.

3. Little River Trail

The Little River Trail is one of the top spring hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains that you’ll want to explore this season. This hike is just under 5 miles and features a slight change in elevation. To access the trailhead, head toward the Sugarlands Visitor Center. Then, take Little River Road to the Little River Trail parking lot. This trail follows an old railroad bed along the Little River. During your hike, you’ll pass old vacation cottages and a small waterfall! This is an excellent hike in March and April when the spring wildflowers are in full bloom. Some of the flowers you may spot include yellow trillium, hepaticas, rhododendrons, Canadian violets, umbrella leaf, and others.

4. Gregory Ridge Trail

One of the can’t-miss hikes in the Smoky Mountains is the Gregory Ridge Trail to Gregory Bald. This is one of the more strenuous spring hikes with an elevation gain of 3,020 feet and roundtrip length of 11.6 miles. However, the views at Gregory Bald are worth the effort! This mountain peak is known for vibrant azaleas that bloom in a variety of colors, such as red, pink, yellow, orange, and white. From the bald you can also take in spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges and see notable landmarks, including Kuwohi, Rich Mountain, Cades Cove, Fontana Lake, and Thunderhead. If you’re looking for a spring hike that includes both colorful wildflowers and stunning views, you’ll definitely want to hike the Gregory Ridge Trail!

5. Middle Prong Trail

Are you looking for Smoky Mountain spring hikes that feature waterfalls? If so, you should hike the Middle Prong Trail! This hike is 8.3 miles round trip and follows the path of an old railroad grade. For the first couple of miles of this trail, you can see an assortment of spring wildflowers such as trillium, violets, foamflower, toothwort, and wood sorrel. As you continue your hike, you will also get the chance to see multiple waterfalls! During your trek, you’ll pass by Lower Lynn Camp Falls, Lynn Camp Falls, and Indian Flats Falls. This is the perfect spring hike if you want to see both vibrant wildflowers and breathtaking waterfalls!

More Things to Do in Spring

You won’t want to miss these spring hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains! Are you looking for more ways to enjoy the spring season in the Smokies? Check out these can’t-miss spring events in Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge to celebrate all that the season has to offer!