This is the Blue Ridge Parkway Wildflower Report for the middle of May, 2012. All of the Parkway Campgrounds and Picnic Areas opened their gates on May 11, so it should be a great time to visit.
This is the Blue Ridge Parkway Wildflower Report for the May 24, 2012. All Park campgrounds and picnic areas are open along with most Visitors Centers so it should be a great time to visit.
It continues to be a warm spring in many parts of the country including here along the Blue Ridge. Species of wildflowers and their early arrival are indicative of that.
In the north end of the Parkway there are many flowers lining the road, with Rhododendron, Mountain Laurel, and Pink Azalea being common. The Rhododendron across Apple Orchard Mountain from milepost 75 to 81 is on display right now, and if you want a nice hike down Falling Water Cascades Trail near the Peaks of Otter you will see good displays of Rhododendron and Laurel.
South of Roanoke up on the High Plateau, Flame and Pink Azalea along with Mountain Laurel are nicely in bloom. The meadows and fields so common in that area are filled with Golden Alexander and Ox-Eye Daisy. Fraser Magnolia and Tulip Poplar are also in bloom.
Through the Doughton Park area in North Carolina Rhododendron is nicely on display, and dependent on your location you may find bright red Fire Pink blooming along roadsides.
Rhododenron is popping nicely in the Grandfather Mountain corridor all the way south past Linville Falls. Between Asheville and Craggy Gardens the blooms of Rhododendron are beginning to show nicely along with Mountain Laurel.
Wild Geranium, Columbine, and Coreopsis will also be visible in many locations as you drive the Parkway.
Regular updates for color reports will be posted to our web site home page. You can also use the National Park Service information line at 828-298-0398 to keep informed of what’s being reported on the Parkway.
Have a safe Parkway visit! Enjoy the view, but watch the road.