It’s official! Spring has sprung in the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. The flowers are blooming, wildlife is young and active, and the Appalachian Mountains are ripening into all shades of green, visible both up close and from the many scenic vistas. This spring in the Great Smokies is a sight you’ll never forget, but keep your camera handy to capture these breathtaking spring moments!
As the weather warms, the vibrant spring colors blossom in shades of pink, orange, yellow, and purple, awakening all your senses. Have you experienced the delight of watching spring blossoms floating on the breeze or catching the delicate scent of wildflowers in the mountain air? These spring sensations, combined with clear views of the Appalachian Mountains stretching for miles, create an unforgettable experience.
Yes, spring is truly the ideal time to visit the Smoky Mountains!
Whether you’re traveling with friends, family, your adventure partner, or enjoying a well-deserved solo spring retreat, you’ll be enchanted by countless opportunities to create lasting memories in the Great Smoky Mountains during this beautiful season.
Here are 8 ways to make the most of your spring visit to the Great Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina:
1. Smoky Mountain Blueway Trails
If you find your bliss by the water, this system of tranquil lakes and pristine rivers is perfect for you. The Little Tennessee, Nantahala, Oconaluftee, and Tuckasegee rivers flow into Fontana Lake, passing through three picturesque lakes along the way.
The Smoky Mountain Blueway Trails offer all manner of water activities, from boating and tubing to stand-up paddle boarding and swimming.
Fishermen particularly love these waterways for their Class A trout streams, while the lakes house large and smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, muskellunge, and sunfish. Fish independently or with professional guides who provide everything needed for a great day on the water.
2. Spring Waterfalls
With over 100 waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains – thanks to plentiful rainfall and the natural elevation changes – spring makes these cascades even more spectacular due to frequent seasonal rains.
Upper Whitewater Falls, near Cashiers in Jackson County, stands as the highest waterfall in the Eastern United States. At 411 feet, its multiple-tiered cascades are especially impressive during this season and guaranteed to be among the most beautiful you’ll encounter, guaranteed to be one of the prettiest you will see.
More than 12 popular waterfalls are accessible via short hikes and can be viewed from the roadside. Check out our guide to the top waterfalls in the North Carolina Smokies.
3. Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
The whole group will enjoy a ride on these historic steam and diesel trains winding through the Nantahala Gorge and along the Tuckasegee River. Choose from open-air gondola cars offering unique views of the surrounding landscape with abundant photo opportunities, or plush first-class seated cars that include a boxed lunch.
Adult-only specialty excursions to enjoy locally crafted beer, wines, and bourbon paired with carefully selected foods are available throughout the season.
On the Nantahala Gorge route, passengers travel across a historic trellis bridge over Fontana Lake before journeying to the adventure-packed Nantahala Outdoor Center.
All Great Smoky Mountains Railroad trips depart from the depot in charming Bryson City, N.C. Check the calendar for fun-themed rides designed for younger passengers.
4. Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking
The Great Smokies in NC offer ultimate whitewater adventures, with regional rivers naturally providing rapids of all levels.
Visit the Nantahala Outdoor Center for an unforgettable guided river tour. This Bryson City outpost welcomes top whitewater athletes globally when hosting international paddlesports competitions throughout the year. They offer trips for children as young as 7 years old, ensuring everyone can enjoy adventures regardless of experience.
Guided and self-guided rafting expeditions are offered by several outfitters on the Nantahala, Tuckasegee, and Ocoee rivers. There’s also no shame in enjoying a leisurely float down the Little Tennessee River, where you can spot river otters, beavers, deer, and countless Southeastern birds in their natural habitat.
5. Scenic Drives
The scenic beauty of the NC Smoky Mountains reaches its peak in spring. To fully appreciate the winding roads, stunning views, rivers, waterfalls, and wildflowers, head for the hills on one of the area’s scenic byways.
Cherohala Skyway in Graham County connects the Cherokee National Forest to the Nantahala National Forest, offering breathtaking views of the mountains adorned in fresh colors.
To the southeast, U.S. Highway 64 earns its nickname “Waterfall Byway” as it winds past 200+ distinct waterfalls on its 98-mile route. For a quick trip, check these four favorite falls in Macon County.
Find the southern end of the Blue Ridge Parkway, known as “America’s Favorite Drive,” in Cherokee, NC. Follow this scenic road northward, stopping at overlooks and hiking trails along the way.
Due to ongoing recovery from Hurricane Helene and seasonal weather conditions, always check for updated road closures on the Blue Ridge Parkway before your visit.
6. Experience Cherokee
The first inhabitants of the Southern Appalachians arrived more than 11,000 years ago, when the Cherokee Nation stretched from the Ohio River to South Carolina.
The interactive Museum of the Cherokee People takes visitors back in time to experience the life of Western North Carolina’s indigenous people. The museum was featured in USA TODAY for being one of the Best Native American Experiences.
Nearby, the Oconaluftee Indian Village offers an immersive look at Cherokee life in the 1700s. This cultural education center was voted a Top Ten Best Open-Air Museum Experience by USA TODAY.
Today, Cherokee is also becoming a top destination for entertainment at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. In addition to slot machines and game tables, visitors can enjoy multiple restaurants, boutique shopping, and a calendar of world-class performances throughout the year.
7. Spring Hiking Trails
Experiencing this mountain paradise is effortless when exploring the hiking trails throughout the forests and peaks of the Great Smokies. With easy, moderate, and difficult trails available, you’ll find the perfect match for everyone in your group. Enjoy beautiful mountain views, glimpses of local wildlife, and abundant bird sightings as the forest comes to life. Spring is an excellent season for birdwatching amid the new forest leaves. Multi-use trails also welcome mountain biking and horseback riding.
No matter your reason for getting outside, the numerous rewards of hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains will satisfy them all.
8. Zipline Tours
How about seeing the Great Smokies from a completely different perspective as you soar between the mountaintops on a zipline tour?
With options available for the whole family, these thrilling treetop adventures will get your heart racing! They are also highly educational, as the knowledgeable guides share information about the region’s natural and cultural history while they guide you through the budding canopies.
Whether your adventure goal is to meander along the rivers, bike through the mountains, hike trails in full bloom, or better understand the historical significance of this beautiful region, the towns and forests of the Great Smokies of NC are ready to welcome your adventurous spirit this season.
Download your free Visitors Guide to start planning your Smoky Mountain adventure today.