Top 5 Spring Hikes in the Smoky Mountains

Are you visiting the Smokies this spring? There’s so much natural beauty to soak up this season, from wildflowers to mountain views to waterfalls and more! One of the best ways to enjoy spring in the Smokies is hiking. Here are some of the best spring hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains that you should explore:

1. Little River Trail

One of the top spring hikes in the Smoky Mountains is the Little River Trail. This hiking trail is just under 5 miles roundtrip and has only a slight elevation change. The Little River Trail follows along an old railroad bed beside the Little River and travels past old vacation cottages. You’ll even come across a small waterfall! In spring, you can see beautiful wildflowers in bloom, such as yellow trillium, hepaticas, rhododendrons, violets, and many others.

2. Porters Creek Trail

Another one of the best spring hikes in the Smokies is the Porters Creek Trail. This hike is 4 miles roundtrip and is suitable for hikers of all ages! The trail begins as an easy gravel path through a lush, mossy forest next to Porters Creek. You’ll pass old stone walls, a farm site, and a historical cemetery. The gravel road turns into a dirt trail and travels through a larger, old-growth forest. You’ll then come to an area that’s filled with an assortment of beautiful wildflowers in spring!

3. Schoolhouse Gap Trail

The Schoolhouse Gap Trail is one of the best spring hikes for families because it is short, wide, and relatively easy. It begins with an easy hike along a peaceful stream. After about a mile, you’ll encounter an unmarked fork to the left, which leads to Blowhole Cave and White Oak Sinks. Continue to the right to reach the end of the Schoolhouse Gap Trail at a junction with another trail approximately two miles from the trailhead. Along this hike you can see pink lady’s slippers, Virginia bluebells, red clovers, golden asters, and other spring wildflowers!

4. Middle Prong Trail

If you’re looking for spring hikes in the Smokies that feature both wildflowers and waterfalls, you should take the Middle Prong Trail. This hike is 8.3 miles roundtrip and travels along the path of an old railroad grade. Over the first couple of miles you can see a variety of wildflowers like violets, trillium, foamflower, wood sorrel, and more. Continue along the trail to see multiple beautiful waterfalls! You’ll pass by Lower Lynn Camp Falls, Lynn Camp Falls, and Indian Flats Falls.

5. Gregory Ridge Trail

One of the best spring hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains is the Gregory Ridge Trail to Gregory Bald. This is a more strenuous hike with an elevation gain of just over 3,000 feet and roundtrip length of 11.6 miles. However, the effort is worth it for the views at Gregory Bald! The bald offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges and is known for vibrant azaleas that bloom in hues of pink, red, orange, yellow, and white.

Where to Stay in the Smokies This Spring

These are some of the best spring hikes in the Smoky Mountains that offer spectacular views, stunning waterfalls, and vibrant wildflowers! If you’re wondering where to stay during your spring trip, you can’t go wrong with our Gatlinburg condos! Find out why hikers love staying in our condos in Gatlinburg and start planning your stay today!