Here in mid-summer the Parkway meadows are filled with the beautiful blooms of summer that remind us that 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, Ox-Eye Daisy, Queen Anne’s Lace, Viburnum, Goldenrod, Columbine, and Butterfly Weed. Many of these same species are blooming in the beautiful picnic area at Milepost 8.5.
Around Rocky Knob and Mabry Mill, many of the same species are blooming in addition to Jewel Weed, Ironweed, Deptford Pink and Spiderwort. The large white Rosebay Rhododendron is also starting to show up nicely in this area.
Farther south near the Blue Ridge Music Center find Ox-Eye Daisy and Butterfly Weed. Blooming Sourwood Trees, Field Hawkweed, and Black-Eyed Susan are dominant in this area.
Rosebay Rhododendron is beautiful in the Boone and Blowing Rock area of North Carolina along with Wild Hydrangea, Sundrop and the orange Turks Cap Lily. Mountain Ash is showy around Rough Ridge.
North of Asheville in the Mt. Mitchell area, look for Mountain St. John’s Wort, Yarrow, Rosebay Rhododendron, and some remaining Mountain Laurel. Right at Milepost 369 find some Columbine, Fire Pink and Coreopsis showing their faces to the visiting public.
In the Asheville corridor, Columbine, Phlox, and Black Eyed Susan are common along with some nice Sundrops. Headed to the high country south of Asheville don’t miss the Spiderwort, Bee Balm, Fire Pink, and Turks Cap Lily along with Rhododendron in the Mt. Pisgah area and continuing south.
Lots of weekend traffic with folks escaping the heated lowlands so be especially careful as you visit the Parkway this summer.
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.
