57th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage
The 57th Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage set for April 23 through 29, is truly an experience that offers something for everyone.
The Pilgrimage provides events that range from wildflowers, wildlife, and human history walks, to motorcades, photographic tours, and indoor seminars. The walks go from moderately easy to very strenuous hikes, with the longest being 16 miles. The majority of hikes are less than a mile, and the many indoor activities at Mills Conference Center in Gatlinburg include seminars, presentations during the day and special presentations in the evenings.
The cost for Adults is $40 for the whole week, and $25.00 for one day. Children under twelve are free but must be accompanied by an adult. Fees cover material and housing for over 100 hike leaders from across the country.
The Pilgrimage began in 1951 when Gatlinburg's city manager asked officials of Great Smoky Mountains National Park and the University of Tennessee botany department to collaborate on a wildflower festival. The Gatlinburg Garden Club also co-sponsored the event, feeling it would be very successful.
In 2001 the Pilgrimage went from a 3 day to a 7 day event, and a wider variety of events were added that are “more festive, larger, and more broad in scope.” We now have over 180 events spread over seven days. Last year we had 1,000 participants who averaged about three days of activities, including six events.
Special this year is a closing night event that celebrates the 100th birthday of the late Rachel Carson who wrote “Silent Spring,” the book that detailed the harm DDT was doing to the environment and led to it being banned.
Online registration begins at 9 a.m. Monday, and will close on at 4 p.m. on April 16th. Registrations will also be taken during the event.