Some hikes are all about reaching a destination. Others are about slowing down and noticing the smaller things along the way. My walk on the Little River Trail in Great Smoky Mountains National Park was definitely the latter.

I explored the section from the trailhead to the Cucumber Gap Trail junction, keeping an eye out for summer wildflowers. While many species have already reached or passed their peak bloom, there were still plenty of beautiful sights to enjoy. Heal All was especially impressive, carpeting portions of the trail with vibrant purple blossoms, while Saint John’s Wort is just beginning its seasonal display.

The Little River Trail stretches a little more than four miles from Elkmont, beginning less than a mile from the Elkmont Campground. Following the route of an old lumber company railroad bed, the trail is unusually wide for a Smokies hike—broad enough for four or five people to comfortably walk side by side. The gentle grade and peaceful river views make it one of the park’s most enjoyable strolls.

Even though several flowers were past their prime, they still offered a reminder that every season in the Smokies has its own beauty. Sometimes the best part of a wildflower walk isn’t finding perfect blooms—it’s seeing how the landscape changes from week to week.

Wildflower Finds

  • Heal All — Many++ — At peak bloom and putting on the best show of the hike.
  • Saint John’s Wort — Few — Just beginning to bloom.
  • Daisy Fleabane — Few — Past peak bloom.
  • Rosebay Rhododendron — Few — Well past peak bloom, though a handful of attractive blossoms remain.
  • Tall Bellwort — Few — Past peak bloom.
  • Thimbleweed — 2 plants observed — Slightly past peak bloom.
  • Turk’s Cap Lily — 2 plants observed — Past peak bloom.
  • Wood Nettle — Few — Past peak bloom.

Although both the Thimbleweed and Turk’s Cap Lilies were past their peak bloom, they were still worth photographing. That’s one of the joys of returning to the same trail throughout the growing season—you never know what you’ll discover, and every visit tells a slightly different story.

Tom Harrington is a regular hiker who reports on his hikes and mountain stories from the Smokies.

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