Celebrate Spring with the Wildflower Pilgrimage in Gatlinburg

It’s officially the season of hot apple cider, warm blankets, and pumpkin patches. It’s also the season for fall festivals, and the Smoky Mountain area is full of them!

Here are three festivals you can enjoy while on your Smoky Mountain vacation.

1. Dollywood Harvest Festival

If you love Dollywood and the fall season then you won’t want to miss this event! From early September to late October this annual celebration marks the best weather and some beautiful fall foliage in the Smokies. Stay late into the evening to see beautifully carved pumpkins, lit up and on display. During the day you’ll enjoy fall themed food, and colorful leaves all throughout the park.

2. Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair

In early to mid October the Gatlinburg Craftsmen’s Fair heads into full swing. Artisans from across the country gather to peddle their wares while musicians serenade the crowds. You’ll see everything from woodworking and pottery to handcrafted jewelry and leatherworkings. If you have an appreciation for handmade goods then this event is for you.

3. Wears Valley Fall Festival

The Wears Valley Fall Festival takes place in mid October and is a favorite event for locals. Come experience the hundreds of vendors, melodic live music, and incredible Southern cuisine. If you’re interested in a true rustic, Appalachian festival with plenty to do and see for the whole family, then this one is for you.

No matter the festival you choose you’ll need a place to stay. Choose from one of our many options at Bear Camp Cabin Rentals today!

Spring has sprung in the Smokies, and there is no better way to celebrate the season than the annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage! Now in its 64th year, this beloved Gatlinburg event features guided tours of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a collection of fantastic workshops about the area’s wildlife and natural history.

When and Where

The Wildflower Pilgrimage will last from Tuesday April 15 – Saturday April 19. The outdoor events take place all over the national park, and the indoor workshops and lectures will be at the Sugarlands Training Room and the Mills Conference Center.

What to Expect

With 146 different walks and workshops, there is no shortage of things to do at the Wildflower Pilgrimage! As you probably guessed, there are plenty of hikes that will take guests to some of the best wildflower viewing spots in the Smokies, including Baskins Creek Trail, the Noah “Bud” Ogle Trail, and the Chestnut Top Trail.

Aspiring artists should consider taking some of the excellent drawing and photography classes offered as part of the Wildflower Pilgrimage. Many of the workshops take guests out into the national park so they can capture the natural beauty of the area on canvas or on film.

In addition to the wildflower hikes and artistic workshops mentioned above, you’ll have the chance to learn about bird watching, tree and plant identification, Native American traditions, and so much more!

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Registration

Registration is currently available online on the Wildflower Pilgrimage website, or you can register in person starting on April 15. The walks and workshops fill up fast, so it’s better to sign up sooner rather than later! For adults, registration is $50 for one day or $75 for two or more days. Children 11 years old or younger get in free with a registered adult. Students who bring a valid ID can register for the entire week for only $15.

Where to Stay

Bear Camp Cabins is just minutes away from this awesome Gatlinburg event! With fully furnished kitchens, bubbly hot tubs, and wireless internet, our Smoky Mountain cabins have everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. Before you book, take a look at our Specials page to learn how you can get a free night at Bear Camp, or give us a call at 1-800-705-6346.