Cherokee National Forest, Tennesseewildflowers
Out of season: the next wildflowers season is in 2027.
Right now in Cherokee National Forest · September
- Chilhowee Campground open · Apr–Oct
- Backbone Rock Campground open · Apr–Oct
174days to the next wildflowers seasonMar 21–May 31, The Forest Service's best times for two Cherokee wildflower areas: North River Road from late March through April, Lost Creek in April and May
Next 7 days
- Rain likely · up to 62% chanceSunday, Sunday Night
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 7:06 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Cherokee National Forest through the year
- Spring wildflowersMar–May
- Chilhowee Campground openNowApr–Oct
- Backbone Rock Campground openNowApr–Oct
- North-zone forest roads gatedDec–Mar
Best spots around Cherokee National Forest
- North River Road (Forest Road 217)Drops from over 4,000 ft at Stratton Gap on the Cherohala Skyway to below 2,000 ft; best displays in the first higher miles
- Lost Creek Campground Wildflower TrailFlat and easy, with at least four kinds of trillium; April and May
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: North River Road (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Lost Creek Campground Wildflower Trail (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Chilhowee Recreation Area (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Winter road schedule, north zone of the Cherokee National Forest (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Backbone Rock Recreation Area (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak wildflowers in Cherokee National Forest in 2027?
The Forest Service's best times for two Cherokee wildflower areas: North River Road from late March through April, Lost Creek in April and May: Mar 21–May 31. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it blooming in Cherokee National Forest right now?
Not now: the wildflowers season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 174 days (Mar 21–May 31, The Forest Service's best times for two Cherokee wildflower areas: North River Road from late March through April, Lost Creek in April and May).
When is the best time to go?
North River Road from late March through April, when the bloom moves along the mountainside with the elevation; the Lost Creek trail in April and May.Sources: US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: North River Road ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Lost Creek Campground Wildflower Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where on North River Road are the best flowers?
Often in the first few miles of the higher elevations, just off the Cherohala Skyway at Stratton Gap.Source: US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: North River Road ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How do I reach the Lost Creek trail?
It starts across the road from Lost Creek Campground, 7 miles up gravel Forest Road 103; you step across a small stream at the start, so wear suitable shoes.Source: US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Lost Creek Campground Wildflower Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Cherokee National Forest?
North River Road (Forest Road 217): drops from over 4,000 ft at Stratton Gap on the Cherohala Skyway to below 2,000 ft; best displays in the first higher miles; Lost Creek Campground Wildflower Trail: flat and easy, with at least four kinds of trillium; April and May.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Cherokee National Forest?
North-zone forest roads gated (Dec–Mar).
What is Cherokee National Forest like through the year?
Chilhowee Campground open (Apr–Oct), North-zone forest roads gated (Dec–Mar), Backbone Rock Campground open (Apr–Oct) and Spring wildflowers (Mar–May).