Here in late summer along the Parkway the meadows are filled with Coreopsis and Black Eyed Susan, Queen Anne’s Lace, Butterfly Weed, Joe-Pye Weed. All of those late summer blooms that fill the meadows with color.

On the north end of the Parkway look for Joe-Pye and Goldenrod, Queen Anne’s Lace, Black Eyed Susan, Blazing Star and Jewelweed. As the elevation drops through the James River and Otter Creek areas you’ll find Tickseed and Sunflower, Morning Glory, Trumpet Creeper and Common Fleabane.

Many of the same species may appear as visitors climb across Apple Orchard Mountain and Peaks of Otter. But you may also find Milkweed, Chicory, Crown Vetch and Fleabane commonly seen right now. In the Rocky Knob and Mabry Mill area, Daisy Fleabane, Ox Eyed Daisy, Yarrow, Jewelweed, Flowering Spurge and lots of dark purple New York Ironweed are also showing. Tall Sunflower and Goldenrod are new arrivals this week.

In North Carolina in the Cone and Price Park area, Indian Pipe and Jewelweed, Bull Thistle, Milkweed, Joe-Pye Weed are common. Visiting the Linn Cove Viaduct you’ll find good blooms of Oswego Tea, Jewelweed and Pink Turtle Head. Bee Balm is blooming in the Linville Falls picnic area and along the Linville River. Queen of the Meadow is in nice display behind the Minerals Museum. Ironweed is in lots of places between milepost 316 and 331.

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.