Here in mid-summer Parkway meadows are filled with beautiful blooms of summer that remind us that just about any time of year or season the Parkway is a wonderful place for those who love wildflowers.

On the north end of the Parkway through the Humpback Rocks area look for Woodland Sunflower, Milkweed, Yarrow, Black Eyed Susan, Fleabane, Ox-Eye Daisy, Queen Anne’s Lace, Viburnum, Goldenrod, Columbine and the bright orange Butterfly Weed. Many of these same species are blooming in the beautiful picnic area at Milepost 5.8.

Through the Peaks of Otter area, look for many of the same species. In addition Milkweed, Tall Coreopsis, and Wild Bergamot are showy right now.

Visiting Mabry Mill or Rocky Knob look for Jewelweed, Heal All, New York Ironweed and of course Coreopsis. A few Rosebay Rhododendron are still visible along with Sourwood trees, orange Day Lilies, Butterfly Weed and some Field Hawkweed near the Blue Ridge Music Center through the North Carolina area.

Phlox and Bee Balm, Pink Bergamot, Black Eyed Susan, and Sundrops are all showy in the high elevations of the Parkway throughout North Carolina, especially south of Mt. Pisgah into Cherokee. Turks Cap Lily is also beginning to show nicely.

In this 75th Anniversary year the Parkway is crowded with visitors, especially on the weekends. Please don’t be in a hurry and enjoy your visit to America’s Favorite Drive.

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.