You’ve waited patiently and now, with Spring just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to start planning your trip to the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. The blooms are emerging, the area wildlife is young and rife, and witnessing the Appalachian Mountains turn all shades of green is a sight you will remember always, but bring your camera anyway because Spring in the Great Smokies is a true delight!
Spring is the perfect time of year to emerge from your winter hibernation and take a trip to the Smoky Mountains of Western North Carolina. As the weather warms, wildflowers begin to peek out from the forest floor, and clear views of the Appalachian Mountains stretch on for miles.
No matter if this is a solo getaway, meeting up with friends and family, or a couple’s chance for romance, you will be elated with the countless opportunities to make memories in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Plan your Smoky Mountain escape—be it a romantic getaway, a family vacation or a solo expedition—with these favorite springtime adventures.
Smoky Mountain Blueway Trails
If you find your bliss by the water, then this system of tranquil lakes and pristine rivers is the adventure for you this spring. Together, 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
offers all manner of recreational water sports, from boating and tubing to stand-up paddle boarding and swimming. Your thirst will be thoroughly quenched.
Anglers also love this system of waterways for its Class A trout streams, while the lakes host large- and smallmouth bass, walleye, crappie, muskeye and sunfish.
Waterfalls
There are more than 100 waterfalls in the Great Smoky Mountains because of the perfect recipe of plentiful rainfall and the natural elevation changes. The Springtime makes the waterfall show even more breathtaking due to the frequent rains. The highest waterfall in all of the Eastern U.S. is Upper Whitewater Falls near Cashiers. At 411 feet and it stuns and dazzles with its multiple tiered cascades. One of the prettiest you will see.
More than a dozen popular waterfalls are readily accessible on short hikes, and some can be seen right from the side of the road. Check out our guide to the top waterfalls in the North Carolina Smokies.
Great Smoky Mountains Railroad
The whole family will love a spring ride on these historic steam and diesel trains that wind through the Nantahala Gorge or along the Tuckasegee River. Choose from open-air gondola cars with unencumbered views and photo opportunities galore of the surrounding budding landscape or plush first-class seated cars that also include a boxed lunch.
On the Nantahala Gorge route, passengers travel across a historic trellis bridge over Fontana Lake, then journey onto a stop at 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 the youngest passengers.
Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking
The N.C. Smokies are the place to find whitewater adventures, with regional rivers providing rapids of all levels.
Visit the Nantahala Outdoor Center for an unforgettable guided river tour. This Bryson City outpost welcomes top whitewater athletes from across the globe when it hosts international paddlesports competitions, but don’t let that fool you—the NOC offers trips for kids as young as 7 years old.
Outfitters on the Nantahala, Tuckasegee and Ocoee rivers offer guided and self-guided rafting expeditions.
Or maybe you’re more in the mood for a leisurely float down the Little Tennessee River, where you can focus on seeing river otters, beavers, deer and countless Southeastern birds.
Scenic Drives
It’s hard to top the scenic beauty of the N.C. Smoky Mountains. If you just can’t get enough of the winding roads, stunning views, rivers, waterfalls and wildflowers of this region, then 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 and boasts breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.
To the southeast, U.S. Highway 64 earns its nickname “Waterfall Byway” by winding 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, N.C. Then follow this scenic road to the north, stopping at overlooks and hiking trails along the way.
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 what Cherokee life here was like in the 1700s. This cultural edication center was voted a Top Ten Best Open Air Museum Experience by USA TODAY.
Today Cherokee is also a destination for entertainment at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort. In addition to slot machines and game tables, visitors can enjoy restaurants, shopping and a calendar of world-class performances throughout the year.
Hiking Trails
Hit the trail this spring and explore the forests and peaks of the N.C. Smokies. With easy, moderate and difficult trails available, you’re sure to find the right adventure for your visit. See beautiful mountain views, or sneak a peek at some local wildlife. 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 opportunities to hike in the Great Smoky Mountains will satisfy them all.
Zipline Tours
How about seeing the Great Smokies from a whole new point of view 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 thumping and are also highly educational as the knowledgeable guides share information about the region’s natural and cultural history.
Whether your destination is on the river meandering through the mountain, exploring a rhododendron canopied hiking trail or a trip back in time to better understand the historical significance of this beautiful region, the towns and forests of the N.C. Smokies are ready to welcome your adventurous spirit.