Mary Priestley

Dutchman’s breeches, trout lilies, early trilliums, bloodroot, Virginia bluebells, phlox and native larkspur. Nature’s spring show in the Chattanooga area is truly spectacular.

“Each flower lives only a day or so,” said Mary Priestley, curator of the Sewanee Herbarium at the University of the South. “And they’re all out in glory right now.”

This weekend is expected to be the peak of a six-week show.

Spring weather varies, so check conditions before you head out. Wear sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots, bring water and snacks, and pick a hike that matches your skill level.

Most hike leaders appreciate it when you call ahead.

SCHEDULE OF AREA WILDFLOWER WALKS, SPRING NATURE HIKES

TODAY, APRIL 11, 18 and 25: Wild About Wildflowers, Cloudland Canyon State Park, Rising Fawn. Join the park’s naturalist in the picnic area for an easy, guided wildflower hike. The hikes will include flower identification, cultivation tips and good exercise. 1–3 p.m. Bring water and a sack lunch. Limit 40 participants. $3 parking. 706-657-4050.

REGISTER NOW-APRIL 13: Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Annual five-day event a variety of wildflower, fauna, and natural history walks, motorcades, photographic tours, art classes, and indoor seminars. April 22-April 26. On-site registration April 21-25. $30 adults one-day, $50 adults two or more days. $10 student one or more days, free children under 12 with registered adult. Phone registration: (865) 436-7318, ext. 222, www.springwildflowerpilgrimage.org.

TODAY-SUNDAY: Fall Creek Falls State Park’s Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage, 2009 Village Camp Road, Pikeville, Tenn. (423) 881-5298

Today: Collins Gulf Trail at Savage Gulf. Meet at Inn Lobby. 9 a.m. CDT. 5-mile roundtrip, strenuous, spectacular scenery.

- Gilbert Gaul Hike. Meet at Youth Camp 2 gate. 9 a.m. CDT. 3.7-mile stroll, flat.

- Wildflowers of Camps Branch Excursion. Meet at Nature Center. 10 a.m. CDT. Easy drive to Old Crusher Hole. Bring car.

- Crusher Hole Wildflower Jaunt With Tips for Photography. 11 a.m. CDT. Bring field guides and camera, car.

- Cable Trail Adventure. Meet at Nature Center. 10:30 a.m. CDT. Short, strenuous hike to view one of park’s most prominent geological features.

- Wheeler Farm Excursion. - Meet at Nature Center. 1 p.m. CDT. Moderate 2.5-mile roundtrip natural bridge, waterfall.

- Bike Tour. Meet in parking area at the Dam. 1:30 p.m. CDT. Scenic 6-mile ride to Fall Creek Falls and Piney Falls. Spectacular views of Cane Creek Gorge.

- Edible/Medicinal Plant Hike. Meet at Nature Center. 2 p.m. CDT. Short hike.

- Fire Tower Tour. Meet at Nature Center. 3:30 p.m. CDT. Short drive to Fire Tower. Beautiful views. Bring car.

Sunday: “Garden Spot” Tour. Meet at Inn lobby. 9 a.m. CDT. Moderate 5-mile hike to waterfalls, the Caney Fork River, and wildflower garden.

SUNDAY: Chattanooga Hiking Club Beginner Hike, Chattanooga Audubon Society’s Audubon Acres, 900 N. Sanctuary Road, East Brainerd. View spring wildflowers. Child-friendly (8 years or older with adult). Wear sturdy shoes, bring snack and water. 2 p.m. Free. (423) 643-6889. http://hiking.chattanooga.net, www.chattanoogaaudubon.org/AudubonAcres.html

SUNDAY: Weekend Walk in Shakerag Hollow, Sewanee Herbarium, University of the South, Sewanee, Tenn. Jon Evans charts a path through Sewanee’s “Mecca” for wildflower lovers. 1:30 p.m. CDT. 2 miles, moderately strenuous. Free. Yolande Gottfried, (931) 598-5327, ygottfri@sewanee.edu.

WEDNESDAY: Wednesday Walks at Noon (CDT), Sewanee Herbarium, University of the South, Sewanee, Tenn. Meet at the University Cemetery Free. Yolande Gottfried, (931) 598-5327, ygottfri@sewanee.edu.

APRIL 11: Weekend Walk in Shakerag Hollow, Sewanee Herbarium, University of the South, Sewanee, Tenn. 1:30 p.m. CDT. 2 miles, moderately strenuous. Free. Yolande Gottfried, (931) 598-5327, ygottfri@sewanee.edu.

APRIL 12: Wildflower hike, Sequatchie Valley Institute, 1233 Cartwright Loop, Whitwell, Tenn. Staff and friends lead walks to see spring wildflowers, such as bloodroot, phlox, trout lily and trilliums. Choice of short or strenuous. 10 a.m. hayride up hill. 11 a.m. hike All times CDT. $5-20 donation sliding scale. (423) 949-5922, ashley@svionline.org. http://svionline.org/what-we-do/scheduled-events/