White Oak Sinks in the Smokies is one of the top spots for spring wildflower viewing.
One of many types of trillium that can be found in the park.
Crested dwarf iris.
Named lady slipper, because it resembles a small slipper, the lady slipper is a very rare and loved wildflower in the park.
On May 27, 1941, Harvey Broome wrote in his personal journal, "Sunday we encountered specimens of the rarely appearing lady slipper. This orchis is fragilely beautiful." Today, in 2018, the yellow lady slipper is still rare.
Pink ladyslippers are gems in the Smokies that are endangered. If you spot them, feel blessed, take a photo and leave them to be.
The foamflower can be found in the Smokies from April through June.
Showy orchis is just one of the members of the orchid family that can be found in the Smokies.
Wild ginger bloom.
Fiddlehead ferns curled up and waiting to burst into life.
A wild geranium waiting to bloom.
You'll find blue phlox among the wildflowers throughout June.
"If the path be beautiful, let us not ask where it leads." Anatole France.
You'll have to look underneath the umbrella-like leaves of the mayapples to see their blooms!
White Oak Sinks is one of the most loved and protected areas of the Smokies.
Spring flowers blooming on the forest floor.
Shooting stars.
Butterflies and wildflowers are a perfect mix for an afternoon stroll.
Protected and treasured, the Smokies lady slippers are endangered and should only be admired, never touched or removed.
Spring time in the Smokies is an experience that everyone must have at least once.
Solomons seal.
Jack in the pulpit.
Water droplets on a Solomons seal leaf.
While searching for wildflowers, you may even have the opportunity to have lunch with a snail.
Look a little closer and you'll find drops of beauty and magic throughout the park.
The Cove Hardwood Nature Trail is a perfect spot to take the family.
The purple in the fringed phacelia fades as it ages.
Wander the woods and search for wildflowers for a relaxing morning.
The fringed phacelias cover the forest floor in many areas of the park throughout May.
Early spring blooms.
Many types of trillium thrive in the Smokies.
You'll find multiple members of the violet family throughout the park.
A bloodroot breaking through the winter and helping spring begin it's grand entrance.
Wildflowers can be found in every corner of the Smokies.
A local hanging out with some "FunGuys."
Leave No Trace while visiting the Smokies; however, the park does allow visitors to take home small quantities of morel mushrooms.
The Smokies are made of billions of tiny moments that all work together to create a wonderland of nature.
Fiddlehead ferns are always a sign that spring has finally arrived.
Where there are flowers, there will be butterflies and reminders of how beautiful life is.
Explore the park and you'll find yourself in the midst of the magic that has made the Smokies the most visited national park in the country.
You'll find 1,500 kinds of flowering plants within the Smokies.
After the darkness winter, the burst of colors throughout the park by all of the wildflowers is a very energizing sight.
Take a moment to say hello to the locals, even the smallest of them.
While exploring the wildflowers in the park, take time to slow down and admire the many succulents that you'll find within the park as well.
Trout lily thrives in moist hardwood floors throughout May.
Bloodroot blooms are some of the first blooms seen as the Smokies begin to welcome springs return.
If you look closely at the Bishop's Cap blooms, they resemble snowflakes. Delicate and dainty but beautiful.
The Dutchman's britches is a common wildflower and can be found throughout April and May.
A rare summer flower, the grass of Parnassus is a mid-high elevation flower that is simple but beautiful.
The columbine bloom is quickly recognizable by its vibrant red and yellow color.
The bursting heart splits open once summer passes.
The Jack in the pulpit bloom turns to a maroon color once it has been pollinated by flies.
Painted trillium.
Kristi Parsons
Photo Date: 
05/21/2017
Following a small stream, you'll find tranquility and wildflowers all along the Schoolhouse Gap Trail.
Kristi Parsons
Photo Date: 
05/01/2017
Porters Creek Trail.
Kristi Parsons
Photo Date: 
05/01/2017
Fern Branch Falls is a 40-foot waterfall located on the Porters Creek Trail.
Kristi Parsons
Photo Date: 
05/01/2017
Explore the Little River Trail with the family. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is the salamander capital of the world. Take time to meet the locals!
Kristi Parsons
Photo Date: 
05/08/2017
Wildflowers line the Middle Prong Trail in the spring and summer.
Kevin Murray
Photo Date: 
08/04/2016
Wide open views from the Gregory Bald summit. During the month of June the bald will be filed with flame azaleas.
Kristi Parsons
Photo Date: 
04/25/2017
Wildflower identification time along the Big Creek Trail.
Kristi Parsons
Photo Date: 
04/25/2017
Mouse Creek Falls.
Kristi Parsons
Photo Date: 
05/21/2017
Keep an eye out while exploring the Oconaluftee River Trail for some of the most famous locals.
Kristi Parsons
Photo Date: 
05/21/2017
The Oconaluftee River Trail is one of only two trails in the Smokies that allow dogs on the trail. Dogs are not allowed in the farm area, but they are allowed on the river trail.