events

Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage

An annual five-day event in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this group of programs consists of a variety of wildflower, fauna, and natural history walks, motorcades, photographic tours, art classes, and indoor seminars. Outdoor and indoor offerings are held in the park and various venues throughout Gatlinburg, TN. Visit the event’s official web site for updated registration information for the Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage. 2018 dates are April 24-28, 2018.

Mountain Life Festival at the Mountain Farm Museum

September 16, 2017: Demonstrators will provide visitors with a glimpse into the past as they make soap, apple cider, sorghum molasses, hominy, music and more.

The Great Smoky Mountains Institute at Tremont

The institute at Tremont is located on the Townsend, Tennessee side of the Park. Year-round, the Institute offers workshops and programs for all ages – from grade school children to groups and teachers. Programs include hiking, slide show demonstrations of mountain music, living history, and wildlife. A small fee applies. For more information, call (865) 448-6709.

The Smoky Mountain Field School

The Field School offers weekend workshops, hikes, and adventures for adults and families throughout the year. In cooperation with the National Park Service and University of Tennessee, experts on Smoky Mountain plants, wildlife, and history lead programs. A fee is charged. For more information call (865) 974-0150.

Cades Cove Biking

Each Wednesday and Saturday morning from May ’til September, the Cades Cove loop road is closed to motor vehicles until 10:00 AM for the benefit of walkers and bicyclers. If you don’t have your own, bicycle rentals are available at the Cades Cove store.

Autumn Splendor

Nature empties her paint bucket on the trees each Fall in the Smokies. Foliage reaches peak color at the higher elevations first two weeks in October. During the latter two weeks of October, colors peak in the lower elevations. Some pockets of good color remain into early November.