The Great Smoky Mountains are known for its variety of
wildflowers – in fact more than 1,500 plants can be found here. Did you know
that the Park is known as the “Wildflower National Park?” Thanks in part to the
abundance of rainfall in the area and nutrients left from the leaves of last
fall, the forest floor is very moist. Before the trees leaf out, the warming
sun streams through and awakens the earth and voila-out pop the wildflowers!!!
In late March and early April the flower show begins and the
island is dotted with pops of colors from a variety of spring blooms. Wild phlox, Trillium, Lady Slippers,
Columbine, Jack-in-the pulpit and Bluets are just a few of the rare species you
may find. And while you’re enjoying the
flora, you can’t help but be serenaded by the songs of our feathered friends.
Blue Jay, Carolina Chickadee, Tufted Titmouse, Red-bellied Woodpecker and
Ruffled Grouse make their nests here. You may also see a Screech-Owl,
Whip-poor-will or Chipping Sparrow. Listen! That rustling in the leaves may be
a flock of Wild Turkey!!!
Trees and shrubs are abloom, too. The mountains are awash
with the blooms of Flowering Dogwood, Redbud, Tuliptree and Silverbell. And
Spicebush and Dog-hobble make their home
near the forest floor. This area is well known for blooming Mountain Laurel and
Rhododendron.
Stay in the secluded cabins near Rafting in the Smokies at
Wildwood Mountain and enjoy an amazing vacation. Rafting in the Smokies and
their magical Adventure Island is bordered by the Big Pigeon River, bring a
picnic lunch and enjoy a day long adventure. Enjoy a thrilling day of whitewater rafting, ziplining, a challenge rope course, and nature ex The rushing waters are
very soothing, you might just take a nap! Make sure to bring your cameras, you’ll
likely get a great picture of some of our forest friends on this peaceful natural
preserve called Adventure Island.
