Great Smoky Mountains, Tennesseewildflowers
Out of season: the next wildflowers season is in 2027.
Right now in Great Smoky Mountains · September
- Cades Cove car-free Wednesdays · May–Sep
195days to the next wildflowers seasonusually Apr 11–30
Next 7 days
- Rain likely · up to 63% 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.
Great Smoky Mountains through the year
- Snow most likelyJan–Feb
- Spring wildflowersApr–May
- Cades Cove car-free WednesdaysNowMay–Sep
- Synchronous firefliesMay–Jun
- Elkmont closed after noon on firefly nights (reservations and campers only)May–Jun
- Fall colorOct–Nov
Best spots around Great Smoky Mountains
- Cove Hardwood Nature Trail3/4-mile loop at Chimneys Picnic Area, among the park's best
- Porters Creek TrailOften spectacular late March through April
- Little River TrailGood from mid-March through April, near Elkmont
- Kanati Fork TrailBest in the first mile or two, early spring
- Appalachian Trail from Newfound GapHigher up: good mid-April through May
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains synchronous fireflies (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains firefly viewing dates, 2026 news release (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains wildflowers (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains wildflower walks (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Cades Cove (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains fall color (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains weather (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26)
Questions people ask
When is peak wildflowers in Great Smoky Mountains in 2027?
There's no forecast yet. In a typical year it peaks Apr 11–30. We add the forecast as soon as one is published.
Is it blooming in Great Smoky Mountains right now?
Not now: the wildflowers season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 195 days (usually Apr 11–30).
Which parts bloom first?
The lower elevations: spring wildflowers usually peak there in mid- to late April, and a few weeks later on the highest peaks.Source: National Park Service, Great Smoky Mountains wildflowers ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Great Smoky Mountains?
Cove Hardwood Nature Trail: 3/4-mile loop at Chimneys Picnic Area, among the park's best; Porters Creek Trail: often spectacular late March through April; Little River Trail: good from mid-March through April, near Elkmont; Kanati Fork Trail: best in the first mile or two, early spring; Appalachian Trail from Newfound Gap: higher up: good mid-April through May.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Great Smoky Mountains?
Elkmont closed after noon on firefly nights (reservations and campers only) (May–Jun).
What is Great Smoky Mountains like through the year?
Spring wildflowers (Apr–May), Synchronous fireflies (May–Jun), Cades Cove car-free Wednesdays (May–Sep), Fall color (Oct–Nov), Snow most likely (Jan–Feb) and Elkmont closed after noon on firefly nights (reservations and campers only) (May–Jun).