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The arrival of spring is marked by a symphony of birds and the colorful majesty of blossoming wildflowers. Spring here abounds with tender sprouts and blooms some of which are seen nowhere else than the Great Smokies such as the native Flame Azalea. By summer, the hills, coves, and valleys take on a rich green, tinged with the blue haze that gives the Smokies their name. Botanical and animal life abound. The wildflowers of the Great Smoky Mountains are amazing in their diversity. The Park is home to over fifteen hundred kinds of different flowering species, and over three hundred rare plants. The latitude involved, different elevations, and amount of rain, attributes to the diversity of these native plants. Also we have the National Park Service to thank for their efforts in art of preservation. Visit the Great Smoky Mountains National Park Website |
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| January: Black Bear cub are born. Winter birds present include; Ruffed Grouse, Belted Kingfisher, Cedar Waxwing, Golden-Crowned Kinglet, Purple Finch, Red-Breasted Nuthatch, Pine Siskin, Black-Capped Chickadee, Winter Wren, American Goldfinch, Barred Owl, and Wild Turkey. | |||
| February: Red Maple trees bloom. Trailing Arbutus may bloom along trail edges. Spicebush blooms. Mourning Doves are courting. | |||
| March: Wildflowers that may bloom this month include; Spring Beauty, Sharp-lobed Hepatica, Bloodroot, Vinca Minor, and several species of Violets. Arriving migratory birds include Brown Thrasher, Solitary Vireo, Yellow Throated Warbler, Black and White Warbler, and Louisiana Water thrush. Redbud and Serviceberry trees bloom along Little River Road. | |||
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Blooming Periwinkle |
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| April: Flowering Dogwood trees reach their peak of bloom about mid month, April 22-28- Annual Wildflower Pilgrimage. Dozens of woodland wildflowers are in bloom, including Foamflower, Columbine, Fire Pink, Dutchman's Britches, Trout Lilly, White Trillium, Yellow Trillium, Crested Dwarf Iris, White Fringed Phacelia and Wild Geranium. Many Warblers and other migratory birds arrive to spend the summer and breed. They include; Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds, Veery, Wood Thrush, Yellow-Throated Vireo, Chestnut-Sided Warbler, Blackburn Ian Warbler, Canada Warbler, and Scarlet Tanager. | |||
| May: Mountain Laurel is in bloom, Flame Azalea is in bloom at the lower elevations. Silverbell trees and Tulip trees are in bloom as well as Umbrella and Fraser Magnolia trees. Woodland wildflowers in bloom include Creeping Phlox, Wake Robin, Snowy Orchids, Yellows Lady's Slipper, Galax and Woodland Bluet. | |||
| June: Catawba Rhododendron reaches it's peak of bloom. Rosebay Rhododendron reaches it's peak at the lower elevations. June 15 - 30th Gregory Bald, a nine mile hike out of Cades Cove is ablaze with Flaming Azaleas. As William Bartram, a noted botanist of the eighteenth century said, "This is certainly the most gay and brilliant flowering shrub yet known." | |||
| July: Wildflowers in bloom include; Butterfly Weed, Yellow-Fringed Orchid, Cardinal Flower, Purple-fringed Orchid, and Fly Poison. Rosebay Rhododendron reaches it's peak of bloom at the middle and higher elevations. Sourwood trees bloom. | |||
| August: Wildflowers in bloom include Joe-Pye-Weed, Turk's Cap Lily, Pink Turtlehead, Heart-Leaved Aster, Nodding Lady's Tresses, Canada Goldenrod, Bee Balm, and Touch-Me-Not. Fruits are ripe on Pin Cherry trees | |||
| September: Flocks of migrating Broad-winged Hawks may be seen from Clingman's Dome and Look Rock Tower. Wildflowers in bloom include Mountain Gentian, New York Ironweed, and Wide-Leaved Sunflower. | |||
| October: During the first half of the month, fall colors will reach their peak at the higher elevations. Colors will reach peak at the lower elevations during the second half of the month. Bulk Elk are bugling. | |||
| November: Oak Trees continue to show good color early in the month. Watch for the possible arrival of Evening Grosbeaks. Deciduous leaves of Buffalo Nut remain bright green. Many Fall Asters continue to bloom. | |||
| December: December 8th - The Festival of Christmas Past at Sugarlands Visitor Center. Mammals in various states of deep winter sleep include Black Bear, Woodchuck, Chipmunks, and Jumping Mouse. Witch-Hazel, a small tree, blooms with bright yellow flowers. | |||
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