If you’re looking for the best North Carolina hiking trails in the spring, you’re in the right place.
Spring in North Carolina is pure magic—wildflowers burst into bloom, waterfalls flow at their fullest, and the crisp air makes every trail feel like an adventure.
From cascading waterfalls in the Smokies to cherry blossom-lined paths in botanical gardens, these trails offer the perfect way to shake off winter and embrace the season.
Whether you’re after a short scenic stroll or a bucket-list-worthy trek, these spring hikes will have you lacing up your boots in no time.
1. Deep Creek Trail/ 3 Waterfall Hike, Bryson City
🌊 Chasing Waterfalls: My First Multi-Waterfall Hike in North Carolina 🌿
I’ll admit it—I’m a huge waterfall chaser. I’ve even rappelled down multiple waterfalls in Costa Rica.
There’s just something about the sound of rushing water, the mist in the air, and the way a waterfall can make a trail feel like a hidden piece of paradise. So when I first heard that Deep Creek Trail in Bryson City had three waterfalls in one hike, I was beyond excited to check it out.
This was actually the first multi-waterfall hike I ever did in North Carolina, and I got to experience it with my youngest daughter. We knew what we were in for—three waterfalls, one trail, and some of the best scenery in the Smokies—but we didn’t expect just how magical it would feel.
🌿 Juney Whank Falls was the first stop, tucked back in the trees and spilling down behind a rustic wooden bridge. Some say its name comes from a woman buried nearby, adding a little bit of mystery to an already enchanting spot. By the time we made it here, I was already planning my next waterfall adventure.
💦 Tom Branch Falls was our next stop, and it was one of those waterfalls that makes you want to just sit and stay a while. The water gently tumbles down a rock face into Deep Creek, where people were lazily floating by on tubes. I remember thinking, “Wow, this is only the beginning?”
🚶♂️ Next came Indian Creek Falls, and this one was completely different. Where Tom Branch Falls was gentle, Indian Creek was powerful. The water crashes down a 25-foot drop into a foamy, fast-moving stream. We stepped closer, feeling the cool mist on our faces, and I knew—this was a moment that officially solidified my obsession with North Carolina waterfalls.
But what really made Deep Creek feel like something out of a fairytale was the wildflowers.
The trail has one of the longest wildflower seasons in the Smokies, blooming from late February through September—but the absolute best time?
Mid-to-late April, when trilliums, violets, and mountain laurel turn the trail into a living bouquet.
✨ A Pro Tip: Most hikers stop at the waterfalls, but if you keep going past Indian Creek Falls, you’ll leave the crowds behind and step into pure solitude. The only sounds? Birds, rustling leaves, and the distant rush of the creek. It’s worth every extra step.
🐾 Dog-Friendly? Nope! Since it’s inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park, dogs have to sit this one out. But don’t worry—there are plenty of pet-friendly trails nearby!
2. Duke Gardens Japanese Cherry Blossoms in March
🌸 Spring Magic at Duke Gardens: Trails, Cherry Blossoms & Hidden Beauty 🌿
My middle daughter had been dreaming of seeing cherry blossoms in Japan. She imagined walking beneath those delicate pink blooms, watching petals drift down like soft snowflakes. While a trip to Japan wasn’t in the cards just yet, I wanted to give her a glimpse of that dream right here in North Carolina.
That’s how we found ourselves at Duke Gardens in Durham on a perfect March afternoon, standing beneath branches heavy with cherry blossoms, watching them sway in the breeze. It was like stepping into another world—one where time slowed down, and for a moment, we could pretend we were halfway across the globe.
She stood there, taking it all in, her eyes full of wonder. Then, as the wind picked up and sent a flurry of petals swirling around us, she turned to me and said, “It really does feel like Japan.”
🌿 Why Duke Gardens in Spring is Pure Magic
✔️ Cherry Blossoms in March – The best blooms are near the Japanese Garden and the Culberson Asiatic Arboretum. But their season is fleeting—one strong gust of wind, and they’re gone. Seeing them in full bloom feels like catching a rare and beautiful moment in time.
✔️ Winding Trails and Hidden Beauty – We wandered through stone pathways, a bamboo forest, and wooden bridges, feeling like we were uncovering secret corners of the world. The Terrace Gardens were alive with color—tulips, daffodils, and pansies putting on a show of their own.
✔️ Peaceful Water Features – Whether it was the red bridges over koi ponds, the quiet trickle of waterfalls, or the reflection pools mirroring the cherry blossoms, there was something deeply calming about this place. We sat for a while, just watching the petals drift across the water.
✨ A Moment I’ll Never Forget: Just as we were about to leave, the wind swept through, sending cherry blossom petals raining down around us. My daughter closed her eyes, letting them fall, as if she wanted to soak in every second. And in that moment, I knew this was a memory we’d both hold onto forever.
💡 Pro Tip: If you want to experience the cherry blossoms without the crowds, go early in the morning. The air is crisp, the gardens are quieter, and you’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into a secret spring wonderland.
🌸 We may not have made it to Japan (yet!), but for one perfect afternoon, Duke Gardens gave us a little piece of that dream.
Connect with me on socials!