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Spring in the Smokies: Small Wonders, Big Joys

Spring in the Smoky Mountains feels like a soft nudge from nature for me to stop for a minute and savor the small wonders I encounter daily. As winter slowly fades into the background, I find myself smiling (a lot) at the quiet miracles that unfold all around me.

Find Eastern gray squirrels almost anywhere in the Smoky Mountain area.

Green Miracles Everywhere

Bits of green emerge here and there through the once-cold ground. I love finding a wildflower where I didn’t expect one or a tiny sprout in my garden that cheerfully announces its arrival. They are important reminders to slow down, step outside, and appreciate the constantly changing beauty of nature.

Gorgeous white trillium. There are 10 different trillium species in the GSMNP.

A Symphony of New Beginnings

After the quiet of winter, the sounds of spring really bring the landscape to life. The almost deafening chorus of frogs near the creek and the calls of so many different types of birds fill the air – the world is waking up! It’s a daily gift that brightens my day, and I try not to take it for granted.

Image: Picryl A group of Upland chorus frogs can be REALLY loud.

Nature’s Wardrobe Refresh

As the temperature climbs, trees shed their “nakedness” of winter and add fresh, green foliage. One of my favorite things is to stroll on a (flat) mountain trail and see the intricate patterns the sun makes through the leaves in the sky and onto the ground. Each step in the Smoky Mountains offers a new discovery – if I LOOK.

Looking up on a drive through Cades Cove 3.18.2025.

Walk on the Wild Side

Spring also brings delightful visitors. I often look through my home office window and catch glimpses of deer wandering through my yard in the early morning. Rabbits hop about, playing and snacking, and squirrels and butterflies add playful energy to the day. Every surprise encounter with these creatures deepens my connection to this remarkable place.

Clouded sulfur butterfly.

Digging In

Inspired by the life popping up around me, I’ve started planning my own garden spots and am ready to get to weeding. Whether it’s making space for native plants and wildflowers or setting up a little container veggie patch, nurturing seeds into thriving plants is incredibly rewarding for me—especially when it leads to yummy homegrown food. It’s also a lovely way to invite more wildlife into my space.

I always try to plant sugar snap peas in 5-gallon buckets. The containers are beside the carport – we often grab a few to snack on when leaving or coming home.

Toasting the New Season

Spring in the Smokies is a celebration of all kinds of life—from the tiniest green shoots of the trillium to awe-inspiring wildlife like bears. I encourage you to take just a few minutes every day: step outside, feel the sun’s warmth and enjoy every wonderful detail nature offers.

Here’s to new beginnings, bountiful gardens, and the simple pleasures of this beautiful season. Happy spring!

There’s just something about pink dogwood flowers – the colors are indescribable.

Spring is far more than just a changing of seasons; it’s a rebirth of the spirit.

-Toni Sorenson

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