Great Smoky Mountains in May

April and May bring wildflowers and manageable crowds. The weather stays cool enough for comfortable hiking, and you'll see trilliums, lady slippers, and flame azaleas blooming throughout the park. But spring also means unpredictable weather — pack for everything. Fall draws the biggest crowds for good reason. September and October deliver spectacular leaf colors, with peak foliage typically hitting mid-October at higher elevations. Book accommodations months in advance for fall visits. Traffic on weekends can be brutal. Summer brings heat, humidity, and crowds. If you visit June through August, start hikes early — by 7 AM if possible. The parking lots fill up fast, especially at popular waterfalls. Air quality can suffer during hot spells too. Winter offers solitude but requires preparation. Many higher elevation roads close, including the road to Clingmans Dome. But lower elevation trails stay accessible, and you might catch snow-covered peaks on clear days. Just check road conditions before driving up.