How Spring-like is Gatlinburg/Great Smokey Mountains National Park Right Now? (Bradford: live, best)

[canudigit]

My mom's husband just passed away this past week after a long illness. She is doing very well, but I was wondering if it might be a good idea to take her somewhere for a few days to get away before coming back and dealing with everything at home. We live about 8 hours from Gatlinburg, and she has always wanted to visit the Smokeys, but her husband never wanted to go.

My question is, how spring-like is it there right now if I were to bring her this coming week for a few days? What are the daytime and nighttime temps, and, most importantly, are the leaves out on the deciduous trees yet? I think the Smokeys are breathtaking any time of the year, of course, but I think that they look best when they are green. Are any wildflowers in bloom yet?

The earliest that my family has ever been to Gatlinburg was in mid-May, and it was perfect then. I'm wondering if it's still too cold and brown right now to get the full effect, though, since my mom would be seeing it for the first time.



Thanks! : )

[calvinbama]

Many wildflowers are blooming, but the leaves aren't out yet for the most part. Temps have mostly been high 50s during the day and low 40s at night, maybe a little colder higher up.

[TN Gal now]

about 60+ miles southwest of Sevier County and, although the Bradford pears, redbud trees, and forsythia have bloomed, there's not much more sign of spring other than some really beautiful days last week. Today we're back to grey and cooler.

Personally, I'd wait until at least mid-April. The dogwoods should be beautiful then.

[canudigit]

Thanks for your replies. I think we'll put it off for a couple of weeks. When my mom sees the Smokeys for the first time, I want it to be green and gorgeous. Not that it isn't always breathtaking, but the greener the better, and warmer temps will be nice too.

Thanks again.