What-To-Do Issue 1 2025-2026 - Magazine - Page 28
Nature’s Beauty
Landscapes of the Smokies
Mother Nature is an artist! From the floral blooms that
decorate the valleys to the rolling hills and waterfalls
surrounding Cades Cove where settlers lived off the
land, the sights in the Great Smoky Mountains are gorgeous. While you are here, make sure to see some of
these beautiful natural settings.
Waterfalls
With over 100 cascading waterfalls in the Great
Smoky Mountains, it’s no surprise that visitors jump at
the chance to see some. Even though people will hike
miles to get to impressive waterfalls, there are a few
that are located close to roads for easier access. Rainbow
Falls near Roaring Fork is famous for the spectrum of
colors that is seen in its mist. Nearby is Grotto Falls,
where visitors can walk behind the waterfall. Abrams
Falls in Cades Cove showcases the force of gravity in
its powerful waters. Serious hikers may enjoy taking an
8-mile round-trip hike to the largest falls in the Smokies,
the 100-foot-tall Ramsey Cascades. If you’re traveling by
car, look out for Meigs Falls west of Sugarlands Visitor
Center, and the Place of a Thousand Drips at stop #15 on
the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. It is worth the journey to see these gorgeous spectacles.
Caves
Visit the Forbidden Caverns to see a part of the natural
world that is usually hidden from us by exploring a cave.
The guides will take you on a tour through underground
passages and by beautiful rock formations throughout
most of the year. In the summer, it is especially refreshing to go below the surface of the earth, into the cool,
misty caverns and escape the heat of the sun. This destination near Sevierville is sure to astound visitors and is
a must-see attraction while in the Smoky Mountains.
Wildflower Landscapes
Flowers are in bloom throughout much of the year
in the Smoky Mountains. The lush petals that are
found on shrubs, stems and trees combine to create
a vibrant landscape that is rich in color. In late winter,
just before the warmer spring temperatures, flowers
such as bleeding hearts, columbines, crested dwarf
irises, painted trillium and others appear before giving
way to summer’s flowers. The blooming season continues into the fall and early winter with the unique
yellow petals of the witch hazel plant.
To learn more about the flowers in the Smokies,
plan to attend the 75th Annual Spring Wildflower
Pilgrimage on April 23-26, 2025. At this event, nearly
150 programs will take place not only on wildflowers,
but also on birding, bats, bears and more. Guided tours
will showcase natural displays and educate attendees
on plants that are currently blossoming.
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