Chestnut Top Trail © William Britten use with permission only
Just a hundred yards north of the Townsend Wye is a parking lot, and across the road is the start of the Chestnut Top Trail. In spring this is one of the premier wildflower hikes in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The trail cuts into a steep embankment, climbing steadily for the first half-mile or so. It is this part of the trail that is packed with a huge assortment of wildflowers. Hike the trail often during late March and April, and you will see plenty of Trilliums. Fire Pink, Star Chickweed, Trailing Arbutus, Crested Dwarf Iris, Squawroot, Spring Beauty, Bishops Cap, Foamflower, Stonecrop, and many more. How’s that for name-dropping?
Another nice thing about Chestnut Top Trail is that the steep bank puts many of the wildflowers almost at eye level on the upper side of the hill.
As you climb the steep hill, the Little River runs north below you, and eventually you can spot the fields of Tuckaleechee Cove.
Please stop in and visit me to see the complete display of Smoky Mountain Photography at the William Britten Gallery in Gatlinburg, TN.
Crested Dwarf Iris © William Britten use with permission only
I live in Gatlinburg TN, on the edge of the Great Smoky Mountains. The Smokies are a very spiritual place, and I attempt to capture some of that spirit in each of my photographs.
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