Wildflowers in the springtime tend to be one of life’s most simple pleasures, but still one of the most magnificent. Tennessee has a fairly moderate climate throughout the four seasons, with hot, but not terribly hot summers and chilly winters that spit snow every once in awhile – but springtime? Ah, springtime is the cream of the crop. Our frigid days melt into warm mornings and pleasant nights, our trees bloom with greenery and our hilltops are studded with wildflowers.

Here’s one of our favorite places to spot blooms this year…have you been?

Quel Beast! - Flickr
Cades Cove is best known for its explosion of rhododendron in the early summertime, but that's not all this gorgeous countryside has to offer during our favorite season. The Great Smoky Mountain gem provides a stunning peek at the Tennessee floral catalogue any time of the year.
Keith Callahan - Flickr
The area is credited with the growth of seven different wildflower species, including the ever popular rhododendron, azaleas, mountain laurel, butterfly weed, and purple, yellow and white lady slipper.
Jim Liestman - Flickr
The azaleas and rhododendron show off with a punchy pink color and show off beginning in mid to late June.
Brenda Wiley - Flickr
You'll also find less prevalent but still stunning wildflowers along the Cades Cove ridge, including Black-eyed Susans and Yellow Fringed Orchid.

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Brenda Wiley - Flickr
Cades Cove has become a pilgrimage of sorts for lovers of all flora and fauna, and you can find a guide to the flowers in the are on its main website, www.cadescove.net.
Keith Callahan - Flickr
Ken Lane - Flickr
While you're in the area, we'd recommend taking the 5.2 mile hike to Abrams Falls, coupling your wildflower sightings with the crest of a waterfall.
Caobhin - Flickr
Hiking to Laurel Falls and Gregory Bald also give you a perfect view of the budding azaleas or even the dramatic colorings of autumn as the year dies down.
Brenda Wiley - Flickr
Have you been to Cades Cove, searching for wildflowers? Even if you have been for the annual Rhododendron Festival, we'd recommend you take a trip during the less-busy times of the year. Springtime is here, and beauty is waiting.

If you’re looking for some way to ease those hunger pangs after your wildflower trek, you should check out the most unusual restaurants in Tennessee.

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