Wildflower Walks, Weekends, Pilgrimages and Special Events

By Sheridan Alexander

Southeast US Travel Expert, about.com

Spring wildflower walks, weekends, pilgrimages and special events offer a wonderful way to explore and learn about the diverse array of wildflowers that bloom in the mountains of the Southeast U.S. In addition to the following highlights, many other state parks, national parks, botanical gardens, botanical societies and garden clubs across the region offer wildflower-themed events throughout the spring season.

To get started, here are some of the annual highlights:

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Great Smoky Mountains Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage

(April)  First held in 1951, this annual wildflower event offers close to 150 programs across five days, including instructional walks, guided hiking tours, demonstrations and guest lectures. Most of the programs take place outdoors in Great Smoky Mountains National Park and explore the park's wildflowers, fauna and natural history. Indoor seminars and evening entertainment events take place at W.L. Mills Conference Center in downtown Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Registration is required.

• New River Gorge Wildflower Weekend
  
  (April)  The New River Gorge National River, which is located in southern West Virginia (about one hour east of Charleston, West Virginia), is one of the oldest rivers in North America. The gorge area is home to the most diverse array of plants found in any river gorge of the central and southern Appalachian Mountains. The annual New River Gorge Wildflower Weekend explores the wonders of Appalachian spring from the river to the rim of the gorge. Ranger-guided programs throughout the weekend take place in local National and State Park sites, which may include the New River Gorge National River, Babcock State Park, Hawks Nest State Park, Little Beaver State Park and Pipestem Resort State Park. Some programs and events may also take place at Tamarack, a large West Virginia arts, crafts and specialty foods center and a popular tourist destination.  All New River Gorge Wildflower Weekend programs are free.
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• Grandfather Mountain Naturalist Events
  
  (May and June)  Located in northwestern North Carolina about one mile south of the Blue Ridge Parkway (Milepost 305), Grandfather Mountain is an an International Biosphere Reserve with 16 different classifications of natural communities. A popular travel attraction, the mountain boasts one of the highest peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains and features a Mile High Swinging Bridge, many hiking trails for varying levels of difficulty, scenic picnic areas and more. During the spring and early summer wildflower blooming season, Grandfather Mountain offers an array of naturalist activities and weekends, including the annual Naturalist Weekend held each year in May, a Nature Photography Weekend held in late May or early June and The Remarkable Rhododendron Ramble from early to mid June.
  
   
• Asheville Spring Wildflower and Bird Pilgrimage
  
  (May)  The ancient Appalachians surrounding Asheville, North Carolina are home to one of the most abundant and diverse assortments of spring wildflowers in the world. This annual three-day event, sponsored by the University of North Carolina at Asheville Biology Department and the Botanical Gardens at Asheville, offers a weekend of wildflower and birding exploration, including guided walks, drives, fieldtrips, evening programs and more. Tours are designed to be informative and enjoyable. A modest registration fee covers all events and activities take place rain or shine.
  
   
• Shenandoah National Park Wildflower Weekend
  
  (May)  Shenandoah National Park is home of more than 1,300 species of plants, including more than 850 species of flowering plants.  Approximately 600 species of flowering plants found in the park are native including many lovely woodland wildflowers.  The typical wildflower growing season begins in late March and continues into the fall. The annual spring Wildflower Weekend offers two days (Saturday and Sunday) of informative and enjoyable walks, hikes and programs. The trails vary in difficulty from gentle to strenuous.  Wildflower Weekend activities are free with your park admission and it is not necessary to pre-register.
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• West Virginia Wildflower Pilgrimage
  
  (May)  Held annually for more than 50 years, this wildflower event offers an array of hikes, walking tours, driving tours and more.  Tours start at Blackwater Falls State Park and explore  natural wonders and other related points of interest in the surrounding area.  Specialists are on hand to help attendees identify the beautiful and interesting flora and fauna. Families are encouraged to attend and the tours that are best suited for children are identified as family friendly. Advanced registration is required and the weekend is offered as a packaged deal.
  
  

Note: Information about listed events is subject to change.  All details should be confirmed by visiting the websites provided for details and updates before making your travel plans.