Gatlinburg Bypass.

Have you been enjoying the spring bird songs?

Photo of dogwood blossom by Ken Voorhis.

The flowering dogwood and redbud trees are making especially abundant displays this year.

Their peak of bloom has arrived about 2 weeks earlier than normal. Conditions are just right to maximize their loveliness.

Spring woodland wildflowers are also peaking early this year. This is a good time to hike Porters Creek, Deep Creek, Cove Hardwood Nature Trail, or Kanati Fork Trail.

Trilliums, fringed phacelia, Dutchman's breeches, and spring-beauty are all showing spectacular blooms.

The park's prescribed burn in the Wash Ridge area of Cataloochee was a success.

The 500 acre burn ignited March 24 should help restore fire-dependent oak and pine woods and create excellent habitat for the Smokies' elk herd.

For those visiting Cataloochee, the burn should be visible from near the end of Cataloochee Valley Road (look to the northwest).

The burn is contiguous with the open meadows.