What is Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage?
For five full days in April each year, nature lovers have an opportunity to experience access to some of the nation’s leading botanical experts. In addition, Appalachian wildlife authorities assist. The Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage dates back to 1951. It now offers over 150 programs including a unique variety of instructional walks and guided hiking tours. These are especially designed to meet individual walking skill and ability. In addition, you can find demonstrations and guest lecturers.
 Mountain laurel grows throughout the National Park |
 Black throated warblers seen in the Smoky Mountains |
What Programs Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage Covers
Programs cover bats, butterflies, bears, birding, and bugs. In addition, they also feature cultural history of Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Participants can also learn about ecology, ferns, fungi, mosses, and natural history. Most noteworthy, programs include photography, salamanders, sketching, trees, and wildflowers.
Guided hikes and indoor presentations by park rangers explore our region’s rich natural and cultural resources. National park trails will be the location for most programs. Various Gatlinburg facilities facilitate indoor programs. The Mills Conference Center and the national park training room at Sugarlands will host indoor programs.
No activities for the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage are cancelled due to poor weather conditions. They will be held rain or shine except in the event or a tornado.
Registration & Information
Pilgrimage headquarters is at Mills Conference Center in Gatlinburg. Participants can pick up pre-registration packets, register on-site, attend the scheduled indoor activities, and meet for van departures.
The next pilgrimage will be April 24-28, 2019, marking its 69th year.
For more information on the pilgrimage, please visit www.springwildflowerpilgrimage.org.
Gatlinburg has lots of great places to stay. Either a cabin or hotel room will place you within easy access to all the area has to offer.
