Thunder in the Smokies Motorcycle Rally rumbles through Maggie Valley the last weekend in April. Sponsored by Handlebar Corral, this event brings in riders looking for a unique and challenging riding experience. With exciting rides on the Blue Ridge Parkway, the Tail of the Dragon, and Cherohala Skyway, this event in biker friendly Maggie has been bringing in riders since 2003.

To make sure you get the most out of your riding experience hook up with Wayne at America Rides Maps for the best in touring maps for Maggie and the surrounding area.

Along with some great riding, the event calendar includes The Alabama Blues Brothers and Amanda Overmyer, American Idol finalist.

Don’t miss out on all the action the weekend of April 23 through April 25, 2010. And if you are looking for a place to stay that provides easy access check out Mystic Mountain Cabin. With sleeping for up to 6 adults, its comfortable and affordable.

Another hike from Kevin Adams North Carolina’s Best Wildflower Hikes (Westcliffe Publishers) worth taking in April leads to a pleasant waterfall at Moore Cove . The trail head begins at a stately bridge built by the WPA, definitely worth a few clicks of the camera. The narrow trail meanders but is basically an easy walk with flowers strewn along the path all the way to the waterfall.

Spring rains bring variety
Thanks to a very moist environment there were some remarkable little jewels. I enjoyed photographing romantic groupings of purple violets nested in the shade of decaying tree trunks or resting below outcroppings of large boulders.
Close to the falls we found massings of trilliums and other colorful exotics .

Pisgah Inn satisfies the hungry hiker
If you plan this hike in the morning, you can have a pleasant lunch at the Pisgah Inn with spectacular views from the peak of the Blue Ridge Parkway. The meals are sure to please at a remarkably reasonable price. Whenever you plan your hike to Moore Cove Falls include a stop at the Pisgah Inn for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

What’s your favorite meal at the Pisgah?

Kevin Adams through his book North Carolina’s Best Wildflower Hikes (Westcliffe Publishers) guided us to the Oconaluftee wildflower hike in April of 2008. Running along the Oconluftee River, the easy hike provided the relaxing sounds of the river along with the beauty of the mountainous landscape in the distance. The markers along the trail supplied interesting Cherokee folklore with mystic illustrations.

Wildflowers can be elusive
For us, the wildflower hike proved a little like a scavenger hunt because many of these little gems are found low to the ground. Once your eyes become accustomed to searching along the trails and in among the rocks, tree trunks and decaying debris, the walk takes on a contemplative pace.

Photograph first; identify later
We found that it was best to photograph the wildflowers with your digital camera and to work on identification after returning to the cabin. Traveling with a laptop made this project doable and allowed us to relive the pleasures of the hike. A few of the flowers we photographed and identified were white trilliums, blue phlox, yellow violets, and squawroot.

Where to look
Numerous websites provide photos to help you with your identification.

Check out Smokies Guide for an alphabetical listing and accompanying photos for more commonly found flowers.
Go to Wikipedia for an overview of the Smokies and additional photos.