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#10 on this list
Assateague Island
Maryland / Virginia
Wild ponies on the beach before summer crowds and bugs.
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#1 on this list
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
North Carolina / Tennessee
Peak spring wildflower season — over 1,500 flowering plant species.
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Specs side by side
| Spec | Assateague Island | Great Smoky Mountains National Park |
|---|---|---|
| Managing Agency | National Park Service and USFWS | — |
| Location | Maryland and Virginia Atlantic Coast | — |
| April Highs | 58°F to 64°F | — |
| April Lows | 42°F to 48°F | — |
| Terrain | Barrier island, coastal dunes, salt marsh | — |
| Camp Permits | Recreation.gov reservation required | — |
| Total Area | — | 522,427 acres |
| Highest Elevation | — | 6,643 feet (Clingmans Dome) |
| Wildflower Peak | — | Mid to late April |
| Parking Fee | — | Tag required for stops over 15 minutes |
| Backcountry Access | — | Advance permit required for all sites |
| Average Rainfall | — | 4 to 7 inches in April |
What our reviewers liked and didn't
Assateague Island
- Virtually bug-free conditions compared to the brutal summer months
- Uncrowded beaches and easy permits for primitive backcountry sites
- Active spring bird migration along the Atlantic Flyway
- Cool, mild temperatures ideal for loaded sand trekking and paddling
- Atlantic water temperatures are far too cold for swimming
- High coastal winds demand specialized sand stakes and bombproof tents
- All fresh water must be hauled into primitive sites
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- World-class spring ephemeral wildflower displays across lower and mid-elevation coves
- Peak early-season wildlife viewing with active black bears and reintroduced elk
- No general park entrance fee required for highway driving and scenic passes
- Expansive network of more than 800 miles of maintained backcountry footpaths
- Extreme weather volatility with frequent cold soaking rains and high-elevation freezes
- Severe vehicle traffic around Cades Cove and Newfound Gap on mild weekends
- Mandatory parking permits and competitive backcountry shelter reservations
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