Springtime in the Smoky Mountains

It is officially springtime in the Smoky Mountains. Today, Saturday, March 20, at 5:37 A.M. EDT began the first day of spring and the vernal equinox. The word equinox comes from the Latin words for “equal night”—aequus (equal) and nox (night). So on this first day of Spring 2021, it brings a nearly perfect balance of daytime and nighttime across the world. Equinoxes are the only two times a year that the Sun rises due east and sets due west for all of us on Earth.

Spring Has Sprung

According to The Old Farmer’s Almanac, many ancient sites mark the equinoxes (and solstices). One of the most famous ancient Spring equinox celebrations was at Chichen Itza in Mexico. The Mayans built a giant pyramid around the year A.D. 1000. The play of the Sun’s light on it signals the beginning of the seasons, and during the spring equinox, it looks like a majestic snake is slithering down the steps. Mayans called this day “the return of the Sun serpent.” 

Lodging

One of the best parts of visiting the Smokies during early spring (March to May), you will also get the benefits of fewer crowds and lower lodging rates. Reserve a glamping tent at Little Arrow Outdoor Resort or park your R.V. at Big Meadow Family Campground. Or if you aren’t really into camping, check into something a little cozier at Dancing Bear Lodge, Highland Manor Inn, or Tremont Lodge and Resort.

Springtime in the Smoky Mountains

Because of our great friend (and hidden gem) Randy Ratliff, whom I met in the Facebook group Hiking The Smokies, we have some gorgeous spring photos. It was so hard to decide which to feature; I’ve decided to cut back the words, add some springtime quotes and let the spring pictures show you the magic. Hiking The Smokies, an open group for those who love to hike in and around our beloved Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

“But only a person in the depths of despair neglected to look beyond winter to the spring that inevitably followed, bringing back color and life and hope.”― Mary Balogh

“Had I known that you would be my first glimpse of spring, I would’ve kissed every fallen petal of my hope along the way.” ― Sai Pradeep

“In spring, the dead trees, roots, and animals come to life again exactly as they were, thus providing hundreds of thousands of examples, specimens, and proofs of the supreme resurrection.” ― Master Nursi

“Animate or inanimate, all bodies under the sun give expression to their vitality. Especially on a fine day in spring!” ― Henry Miller

“Spring is far more than just a changing of seasons; it’s a rebirth of the spirit.” ― Toni Sorenson

“The first day of spring is one thing, and the first spring day is another. The difference between them is sometimes as great as a month.” – Henry Van Dyke

“The point is that the pleasures of spring are available to everybody, and cost nothing.” ― George Orwell

For more fun Springtime in the Smoky Mountain options, check out these posts:

The Best Spring Trails in the Smoky Mountains

Enjoy These Spring Break Ideas in the Peaceful Side of the Smokies