Tennessee is home to some of the most stunning wildflowers in the country, and they’re in full display this spring. While you can find them throughout the state, some places stand out as the best places for viewing. Thus, get the scoop on the best spots for exploring Tennessee’s beautiful wildflowers before embarking on an adventure.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
Great Smoky Mountains National Park sits on more than 500,000 acres that are full of vegetation and wildlife. People travel to the park for various adventures, including viewing the wildflowers. And you don’t even have to get out of your car to see the park’s most impressive flowers. Instead, you can head to the park’s entrance in Townsend and drive through Cades Cove. Along with wildflowers, you can expect to see an assortment of wildlife during your drive.
You can also park before arriving at Cades Cove and tackle the trail on foot or on your bicycle. Then, you can get even closer to these majestic wildflowers.
Overton Park
Overton Park in Memphis is another spot to see exquisite native wildflowers. Once you arrive, take a stroll through the Old Forest, where you’ll encounter hundreds of species of flowering plants. The wildflowers are in full bloom during the spring, so expect to see bursts of purple, yellow, green, and other colors. Check out the park’s plant guide to find out what you’ll encounter during your visit.
Memphis Botanic Garden
If you go to Overton Park in Memphis, you might want to stop by the Memphis Botanic Garden as well. The wooded trails and gardens practically explode with color, and it seems like you encounter a new species with every step forward. While you do have to pay a small admission fee before exploring the 96-acre property, it’s well worth it. With so much to see, you can easily spend the better part of a day here. And if you want even more out of your trip, you can take a guided tour. Then, instead of just seeing the wildflowers, you can learn about them.
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Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Natural Area
You can also head to Shelby Bottoms Greenway and Natural Area in East Nashville to see the wildflowers. The greenway is known for its massive collection of tickseed sunflowers, but that’s far from the only plant worth viewing here. You’ll love wandering through the meadows, taking in one species after the next. Oh, and keep your eyes open for deer, amphibians, and birds during your stroll.
You’re going to have the most visually spectacular spring yet if you visit these spots. They might be a bit of a drive from Knoxville, but the views are too stunning to miss.