Many find the Parkway their favorite place to escape the summer heat. Even here in early to mid August, Parkway meadows are filled with the 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 live wildflowers.

On the northern end near Humpback Rocks typical summer blooms of Goldenrod, Butter and Eggs, Woodland Sunflower, Black Eyed Susan, Ox-Eyed Daisy, and Queen Anne’s Lace are all very evident. Morning Glory and Purple Headed Coneflower and a few Cardinal Flowers are being reported on the farm at Humpback. At the picnic area, Heal All and Yarrow are also common.

Many of the same species are found around the Peaks of Otter, Yarrow and Black Eyed Susan, Woodland Sunflower, Joe-Pye Weed and Appalachian Bellflower. Virgin’s Bower and Bull Thistle are also common. Look for the pale Touch Me Not between Milepost 80 and 85 and Butterfly Weed around Milepost 90.

At Mabry Mill and Rocky Knob look for Jewelweed, New York Ironweed, Coreopsis, Crown Vetch, Joe-Pye, Smooth Phlox, Floxglove, Wild Indigo and Evening Primrose to be blooming nicely. The deep purple New York Ironweed, the green slender tall Coneflower, Coreopsis, and Queen Anne’s Lace are all blooming around the Blue Ridge Music Center at Milepost 213.

In the Asheville area in North Carolina Goldenrod, Black Eyed Susan, and a few Beebalm are around. Look closely to find White Snakeroot and Angelica around the Parkway visitor’s center along with Fleabane, Jewelweed, and Virgin’s Bower in some areas.

In this 75th Anniversary year the Parkway is crowded with visitors especially on 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.

Have a safe Parkway visit! Enjoy the view, but watch the road.