From March on, in the park and in town, activities are nonstop. Most are oriented toward nature, history, and crafts. Wildflowers first appear in February, when stems of spring beauty start spreading a petaled blanket on entire hillsides. This show continues through May. By April a whole parade of flower species has joined in, and the annual late-April Wildflower Pilgrimage is probably the most popular event of the year.
Visitors join motorcades, guided walks, and photography tours and watch slide presentations.
Late spring and all summer, the calendar is packed with special celebrations, storytelling, crafts and quilt shows, and pioneer life demonstrations. Demonstrations include making sorghum molasses and apple butter. Instructional talks focus on wildlife poaching and other topical subjects. Through all the seasons, many presentations describe the wildlife of the park. There is also an official Smokies' Junior Ranger program for kids 5 to 12 years old.