The best way to experience the Smokies’ wildflowers is to take a hike or stroll down one of the Park’s many clearly marked quiet walkways. However, several park roads also provide good wildflower viewing from your vehicle. The following are some of the best park roads for viewing wildflowers.

Laurel Creek Road - This paved, winding route follows scenic Laurel Creek for seven miles from the Townsend "Y" (near the Townsend entrance to the park) to Cades Cove. Plants in bloom include fringed phacelia, columbine, blood-root, fire pink, Fraser sedge, yellow trillium, and many other species. Early April – May

Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail (opens April 1) - From Gatlinburg, TN, turn off the parkway at stoplight #8 and follow Airport Road into the park. Roaring Fork is a paved, but narrow, one-way loop road. No motorhomes or trailers. Wildflowers include spring-beauty, yellow trillium, hepatica, large-flowered trillium, and violets. Early April – May

Clingmans Dome Road (opens April 1) - This seven-mile paved road runs from Newfound Gap to near the summit of Clingmans Dome. Plants in bloom include serviceberry, fire cherry, silverbell, witch-hobble, fringed phacelia, bluets, and spring-beauty. Mid- to Late May.

 

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