A Delightful May in the Smoky Mountains
Published Jan 14, 2021
Plan your Smoky Mountain vacation for May to experience our unique spring delights. You’ll find blossoms, bears, bluegrass and beer awaiting you! Here’s a guide to May’s marvels.
1. Bask in Great Weather
In the Smoky Mountains, May wafts in with daily average highs in the mid-70s. It’s not hot and sticky like summer! You’ll get 13 or more hours of daylight most days in May, too, so plan to stay outside longer to visit amusement parks or get one last ride on a thrilling mountain coaster or zipline.
2. Get Wowed by Wildflowers
Hike or walk in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park to take in the delicate colors of native wildflowers. May brings out lush, flowering shrubs. The famous pink and white mountain laurel starts blooming in early May throughout the park. You’ll find it easily along roads and trails. Flame azalea shrubs, sparked with blossoms that range from white to orange, red or yellow, bloom in low- to mid-elevation forests in May.
3. Watch Black Bears
This is a good month for spotting the Smokies’ mascot, the black bear. Mothers and cubs usually emerge from their winter dens in March and April—so by May, cubs go venturing in the forests with moms nearby. The best times to catch a glimpse of a bear is the early morning or late evening. Remember, feeding bears illegal and so is approaching them. Stay safe.
4. Enjoy May Festivals
Sevierville hosts the Bloomin’ Barbeque and Bluegrass festival with down-home bluegrass music all day long on three different stages, plus a barbeque competition, and walking tours of Sevierville’s historic downtown.
Try Ober Mountain’s MayFest, a celebration of spring, German-style. Sample brews , listen to “oompah” band music, pick up local crafts, and bring the kids for the bounce house, games and more.
Whether you’re a crafter, or you just appreciate handicrafts, the Mountain Quiltfest will entice you to wander the displays of artistic quilts.
5. Gaze at the View from Your Cabin
May evenings in the 60s are just right for sitting on your rental cabin’s deck and sipping a warm drink or local wine. Don’t miss May in the Smokies. Reserve your cabin today.
