Naturalist Adventure Outings

The Smokies offers the most spectacular spring wildflower display in the Appalachian Mountains. We will be in the park during peak spring wildflower bloom. The mountains and hollows are springing to life as wildflowers grace the forest floor with their incredible displays of whites, purples, blues, yellows and reds. This is enhanced by the many hues of spring green from a great variety of plants sprouting their new leaves. Incredible! 

Birds are very visible as they flood the forests and fields, filling the air with their vibrant songs. These are some of the sights and sounds to be experienced and absorbed during a Smoky Mountain spring. To experience this most wonderful time in the Smokies, Just Get Outdoors with Liz for her Wildflower Outings or her Nature Photography workshops!

Don’t miss the most diverse and incredible wildflower display in the Appalachians! 

I am offering two days of hiking to provide opportunities for you to enjoy the peak spring wildflower season! We will have plenty of time to “stop and smell the flowers,” to take photographs, and to enjoy the Smokies in all of its Spring glory.

You can join me for one day, or if you are like me and can’t get enough of the exceptional beauty of spring in the Smokies, join me for a second day. We will make new discoveries along the way and investigate anything that crosses our path and catches our interest. 

 **Trails will be selected just prior to each trip, dependent on where the best wildflower displays are occurring at the time.

• Costs and Inclusions for Naturalist Adventure Outings

By day we will hike a trail in the Smokies and investigate whatever crosses our path and catches our interest. This will include anything from birds, salamanders and other wildlife to wildflowers and other plants, as well as animal tracks and traces. By Night we will spend an evening with Synchronous Fireflies! This is a sight to see because these special fireflies light up in synchrony and they are found only in the Smokies and in Thailand (& a few other places)  – the Smokies are a lot closer for most of us.

This also will be a special opportunity for kids to enjoy learning about the natural world and have a safe, fun experience in the park at night. We will even call for Barred Owls while we enjoy the light show. Maybe we will get one or two owls to respond and come in for a closer look to check us out.

You can join me for my Naturalist’s Ramble and the Synchronous Fireflies, or you can come for one or the other, the choice is yours. 

Naturalist’s Ramble and Synchronous Fireflies - $120

Naturalist’s Ramble only - $95

Synchronous Fireflies only - $35

** I offer special discounted rates for families and for groups with 5 or more people. Total group size for this program is limited to 15 (maximum) and a minimum of 5 Firefly Watchers is required for the evening outing.

**Children must be 5 years or older to attend.

• Costs and Inclusions for Naturalist Adventure Outings

Join me for Naturalist Rambles to Andrew’s Bald and Gregory’s Bald, two of the most scenic grassy balds in the Smokies! There is no better place to see the variety and abundance of azalea blooms than on these balds. Both are an awesome display of color and Smoky Mountain beauty. 

Hiking on weekdays will help us avoid the plethora of weekend hikers!

We will hike 1.8 miles (3.6 mi roundtrip) to Andrew's Bald to see the display of the many shades of our native Flame Azaleas. The azaleas should be at their peak bloom and Catawba Rhododendron may still be in bloom as well. Wow! As a most special bonus, Andrew's Bald offers a fantastic mountain view.

June 25 - 27, 2024: This year, we will be backpacking in about 2 miles and staying overnight to enjoy a shorter day hike to Gregory Bald (7.5 miles versus more than 9 miles). It's a wonderful trip which includes a pleasant experience in the backcountry and the unique Flame Azaleas of Gregory Bald. Please contact me (Liz) directly for more information. 

We will also make our way to Gregory’s Bald (a 9- or 11.3-mile roundtrip hike, depending on which route we take) where the variety of colors of azaleas is unmatched anywhere. We’ll see reds, pinks, oranges, yellows and fragrant whites. We will enjoy another outstanding view from Gregory's Bald. Overnight backpack and day hike to Gregory's Bald planned (June 25 - 27). Please contact Liz for details.

•  Costs and Inclusions for Naturalist Adventure Outings

TBA - Nature Photography Workshops    

Photographing wildflowers, waterfalls, wildlife, fall colors, and more… Let Liz know of your interest in a 1- or 2-day workshop!

If you would like to improve your basic photography skills and learn more about nature photography, this workshop is for you! You will learn to compose pictures of beautiful landscapes, wildflowers, and wildlife (as opportunities arise) while enhancing your skills of observation and your enjoyment of the natural world. You will also learn about the various plants and animals that we photograph. As time and desire permits, we will spend some time discussing and critiquing your images as well. 

Please join me for a two-day workshop to learn the basic techniques and skills of being a nature photographer, to enhance and build upon your current skills, and for the pure enjoyment of participating in this creative outlet. This will be a hands-on experience with our time spent outdoors seeking photographic and learning opportunities in Great Smoky Mountains National Park.