Do you love finding fresh berries in the wilderness? The Great Smoky Mountains are teeming with wild, juicy berries begging to be picked. But you can’t just roam the woods and randomly start plucking berries however you want. Successful berry picking requires knowing where, when, and how to do it safely and responsibly.
Here is a guide with everything you need to know about picking berries in the Smokies…
Can You Harvest Berries in the Great Smoky Mountains?
Yes, you can pick berries in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. But you can only harvest the berries for personal use and not sell them directly or in other products, like jam or pie. Moreover, you may only use your hands to pick berries. No rakes or other types of collection tools are allowed.
Types of Berries Native to the Smokies
With its diverse ecosystem, the Smokies are home to some of the best berries, including:
Blackberries
These juicy, dark purple berries are a summer classic. Look for them in sunny spots along trails and roadsides, but watch out for thorns.
Blueberries
The Smokies are full of wild blueberries, which are far more intensely flavored than the store-bought variety. They thrive along trails and often ripen in mid-summer.
Raspberries
Both red and black raspberries exist in the park. These sweet and slightly tart berries favor moist, shady areas and typically ripen in late summer.
Strawberries
Native strawberries are a delightful find, with their intense aroma that hangs in the air on warm days. They love sunny meadows and ripen in late spring and early summer.
Elderberries
These dark purple berries grow in clusters and are often used to make jams, jellies, and wines. They prefer moist areas, like along creeks and rivers, and ripen in late summer.
Huckleberries
Huckleberries are small, round berries, much like blueberries but slightly more tart. They do well in acidic soil, reaching peak ripeness in mid to late summer.
Serviceberries
Serviceberries are purplish-blue berries with a sweet and slightly nutty flavor. They start to ripen in early summer and can be seen along many trails.
As you explore the park’s trails, keep your eyes peeled for these colorful treasures. Each berry type offers a unique taste of the Smokies, so you definitely have to try them all.
Best Times for Smoky Mountain Berry Picking Trips
Timing is everything when going on berry-picking adventures through the Great Smoky Mountains. You can start picking ripe strawberries, serviceberries, and blueberries early in the summer. Come later in the summer to find blackberries, raspberries, huckleberries, and elderberries at their peak. So, if you want to enjoy the freshest berries around, plan your trip around these times.
Where to Find Berries in the Smokies
Although you can stumble upon berries throughout the Great Smoky Mountains, certain trails are especially good for berry picking. Here are a few:
- Cove Hardwood Quiet Walkway: This 0.8-mile trail is a bit challenging but well worth it for some berry picking. You’ll find plenty of blackberries and blueberries along the path through the forest. It’s also an excellent spot for bird watching and taking pictures of nature.
- Porters Creek Trail: This 7.0-mile round-trip trail is perfect for finding raspberries and elderberries in late summer. The shaded, moist areas along the trail make it an ideal spot for berry picking and enjoying peaceful nature scenes.
- Andrews Bald Trail: This 3.6-mile round-trip hike offers stunning mountain views and is great for berry lovers. In July and August, you’ll find wild blueberries at the top, along with breathtaking 360-degree views.
- Middle Prong Trail: This 14.3-mile loop trail takes you on a seven-hour trip through the forest. As you hike alongside the cascading Middle Prong of the Little River, watch for raspberries in the shady areas and blackberries in the sunnier spots.
Before heading out on berry-picking trips, remember that storms and other issues can sometimes close down trails. Be sure to check trail conditions and closures ahead of time to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Top Guided Berry-Picking and Foraging Tours
Want to take your berry-picking experience to the next level? Take a guided foraging tour in the Smoky Mountains. On this type of tour, you’ll learn from experienced guides who know the best spots for finding wild berries and other edible plants. Below are two tour companies offering this experience.
No Taste Like Home
828-209-8599
See Website
No Taste Like Home lets you connect with nature and learn about the rich food heritage of the Southern Appalachians. Choose their Foraging Tour for a three-hour trek through the wilderness, with the location changing based on the season.
Along the way, you’ll get hands-on experience finding seasonal berries and other wild food items. Your guide will also share helpful tips for preparing and enjoying your finds.
A Walk in the Woods
865-436-8283
See Website
A Walk in the Woods offers nature walks and backpacking trips focused on finding edible and medicinal plants, including berries. With an expert guide leading the way, you’ll explore the Smokies’ trails while learning about the park’s plants and wildlife.
You’ll discover how to identify edible berries and learn best practices for picking them responsibly. The guides also share interesting stories about how Native Americans and early settlers used these berries for food and medicine.
Wildlife and Berry-Picking Safety Tips
Berry picking in the wild is a very rewarding outdoor activity, but safety must come first. Use these tips to stay safe while searching for berries in the Great Smoky Mountains.
- Dress properly: Wear long sleeves and pants to protect against thorns, insects, and poisonous plants.
- Stay hydrated: Bring plenty of water, especially during hot weather, to avoid dehydration and stay alert.
- Stay on trails: Stick to marked paths to avoid getting lost or running into any hazards.
- Carry bear spray: Have bear spray with you and know how to use it in case you run into dangerous wildlife.
- Make noise: Talk, sing, or clap as you hike to avoid surprising bears or other animals who might also be foraging.
And finally, remember to leave no trace. This means respecting the environment by picking berries safely, leaving plenty for wildlife, and carrying all your trash out to keep the park clean for others.
Are you ready to head out on your berry-picking trip through the Smokies? With the proper knowledge, a sense of adventure, and a focus on responsible foraging, you’re set to enjoy nature’s sweetest treats. So, grab your basket and get out there.
