Wildflowers in the Great Smoky Mountains?

I've been thinking of heading down to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in either April or May to shoot wildflowers. Anyone have suggestions on any locations that might be more productive than others?

Thanks,
Chris

http://www.great.smoky.mountains.national-park.com/

This link may help you out Chris, i know the dogwoods are just beautiful in the spring. Ill be there in april

robert.........

Hey Chris,

Generally the western (TN) side of the park is generally lusher, receiving more precipitation than the eastern side (NC). The park rangers don't like giving out specifics on wildflower locations because people steal the flowers from the park.

Be sure and post a head's up when you guys are coming down .. I'll be there plenty this spring.

Cheers

Carl

Count me in. It would be great to do a Nature eScape with several members of the forum and any others that would like to join us. Keep us posted.

You can count me in on this one!
Was planning on going this past April/May, but things kept popping up that prevented that from happening.
I'm ready whenever that day comes around!!

Mike

In early to mid-April, the flowers and flowering trees (dogwoods and redbuds) begin blooming at the lower elevations. This blooming will "climb" the mountains at a rate of about 100' per day. The Smokies vary in elevation from 800' to over 3000' - so it takes awhile to cover the mountains.

When you arrive, ask the rangers at what elevations they are seeing blooming. Or, start along the rivers and climb from there.

Some less congested areas include Greenbriar, Tremont, and Cataloochee.

There are two excellent wild flower books availble at the Visitors Center and these are helpful in locating and identifying the flowers.

The weather can be cool and rainy at times. This is good because it drives the less determined photographers inside.

Don Saunders

I'll be there third weekend in April...as always.

Thanks everyone. I agree the idea of a Nature eScape sounds good. If someone more familiar with the area wants to take the lead, I'll be glad to help.

Thanks again for the info.