What: 52nd Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage.
Where: Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
When: April 21-28.
Registration: Gatlinburg Convention Center, April 22-27. Monday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Tuesday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Saturday 7:30 a.m.-noon. Cost, Adults $15, students with high school or college ID $5, children under 12 free. Registration covers all events except those where additional costs are noted.
Info: Visit online at www.wildflowerpilgrimage.org. Phone 865.436.7318 ext. 22 or pick up a brochure at Friends of the Smokies Waynesville office, 160 South Main Street.
Sponsors: University of Tennessee Botany Department, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Southern Appalachian Botanical Society, Great Smoky Mountains National History Association, Friends of Great Smoky Mountains National Park, City of Gatlinburg, Gatlinburg Garden Club and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts.

pil ° grim ° age - n. 1. A journey to a sacred place. 2. A long journey or search, esp. one of exalted purpose.

— from the American Heritage Dictionary

A botanical event that has become an annual rite of spring in the Smokies will kick off next weekend.

The 52nd Annual Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park starts April 21. The Pilgrimage began in 1950 as collaborative venture between the park, the Gatlinburg Garden Club and the University of Tennessee under the nurturing guidance of the late botany professor Dr. Jack Sharp.

It is doubtful that even Sharp, who The New York Times called an “avid popularizer of botany,” could have predicted the success of the Pilgrimage. It has continued to grow since 1950, and this year the event has been extended to a full week (April 21-28.)

GSMNP spokesperson Nancy Gray said increased interest and increased attendance allowed the Park Service to incorporate additional sponsors. The Friends of the Smokies and Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts joined established sponsors last year, providing additional resources.

The Great Smoky Mountains National History Association has also been instrumental in the expansion of the Pilgrimage. “They have taken the lead in organizing the event. They worked to help us expand,” Gray said.

The park is truly one of the world’s botanical wonders. It is home to more than 4,000 species of plants, 230 species of birds, 65 mammals, nearly 30 salamanders and untold insects. The opportunity to spend a week learning about, seeing, hearing, smelling, touching and experiencing this rich web of life is becoming increasingly popular.

The Pilgrimage will offer more than 145 programs led by botanists, zoologists, biologists, park rangers, experienced naturalists and other professionals. The GSMNP is offering a selection of ranger-led walks and talks during the first three days of the event in recognition of National Park Week. Nature walks, art classes, flower identification walks, birding trips, photographic tours and lectures throughout the week offer participants an opportunity to experience the GSMNP to its fullest. Gray said there were programs available for all interests, skills, and fitness levels.

“We hope to continue a week-long program and continue to include park staff. We believe with the type of interest generated that the new expanded format will be sustainable,” Gray said.

Wildflowers are the heart and soul of the Pilgrimage. Those who make the annual trek to experience first hand the rebirth of the Smokies are greeted by a kaleidoscope of color. The dazzling whites of bloodroot, fringed phacelia, spring beauty and toothwort will blend with the yellow of trout lily, yellow violets, buttercups and bellwort and the purples of birdfoot violet, purple phacelia and crested dwarf iris to create an unforgettable sensory experience.

Elevation variations of from 850 feet to 6,643 feet ensure a myriad of habitats. More than 800 miles of trails provide plenty of accessibility, and experienced program leaders guarantee a successful outing.

As interest and attendance in this annual event grew, organizers added a variety of programs to compliment the wildflower experience and showcase the biodiversity and cultural history of the park. Some programs offered along with the numerous wildflower hikes include, “The Life & Times of Horace Kephart,” “Aquatic Insect Diversity Walk,” “Salamander Foray,” “Return of the Elk to Great Smokies,” “Preserving Habitat for Wildlife,” along with bear walks, bat walks, and a discussion on air quality in the Smokies.

This year’s extended format will offer a variety of new hikes and indoor programs. New events include, “Bear Management and Hog Reduction,” “Cascades and Wildflower Walk Along Lynn Camp Prong,” “Meadow and Wetland Restoration in Cades Cove,” “Leave No Trace,” “Wild Edibles and Medicinal Plants,” “Nature’s Journal: Drawing on Location in the Smokies,” plus many more.

The Pilgrimage begins Monday, April 21, with a luncheon at W.L. Mills Auditorium in Gatlinburg and ends with a closing buffet Saturday night at the Gatlinburg Convention Center. Noted author and newspaper columnist Sam Venable will be the guest speaker at Monday’s luncheon. Fee for the luncheon is $15. Award winning Appalachian humorist Joe Dabney will present “Humor from the HIlls” at Saturday’s closing buffet. Cost for the buffet is $22. There will be one Sunday morning program - “Wildflower & Big Tree Walk False Gap Prong.”