Blue Ridge Parkwaywhen to catch its peaks

When should I visit Blue Ridge Parkway to catch its natural highlights?

On the Blue Ridge Parkway, early spring (late April to early May) is the best time to see many species in bloom, and the Catawba rhododendron at Craggy Gardens in North Carolina usually peaks from early to mid-June.

Checked Sep 30. Sources: National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway Wildflowers ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, See the Rhododendrons Bloom at Craggy Gardens ↗ (opens in a new tab) National Park Service sources: no claim to original U.S. Government works.

The peaks through the year

In each source's words; never a forecast

Best viewingSpring wildflowers
late April to early May
Along the whole parkway, as the canopy trees begin to leaf out
“Arguably the single best time of the year to see many species in bloom is early spring, just as canopy trees are beginning to leaf out (late April –early May).”
Source: National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway Wildflowers ↗ (opens in a new tab)Wildflowers at Blue Ridge Parkway →
Usual peakCatawba rhododendron at Craggy Gardens
early to mid-June
Craggy Gardens' meadow in North Carolina, up the short spur by the trail shelter; not the whole parkway
“Their blooms usually peak from early to mid-June, depending on environmental factors such as rainfall, wind, and temperature.”
Source: National Park Service, See the Rhododendrons Bloom at Craggy Gardens ↗ (opens in a new tab)Wildflowers at Blue Ridge Parkway →

On one calendar

Approximate months; the cards above give the timing

Spring wildflowersBest viewing: late April to early May
Catawba rhododendron at Craggy GardensUsual peak: early to mid-June

Solid: a usual peak, the best viewing time or when animals are most numerous. Hatched: a broader season, never a peak.

Choose what you want to catch

Each has its own full guide

Fall foliage
Season: October, highest elevations first, 4 best spots
See the guide →
Wildflowers
Usual peak: early spring (late April to early May), 3 best spots
See the guide →

Where to see it

Best spots from every event page, and official visitor points

Map: approximate positions; state lines US Census; visitor points from agency records.

Before you go

Check the park's own pages for today's conditions

Fees: No fee is charged to travel the Blue Ridge Parkway. Official page ↗

Other peaks nearby and other seasons

Blue Ridge Parkway in pictures

Illustrative photos, not current conditions

The parkway winding through mountainsides of red, orange and yellow trees — Blue Ridge Parkway fall foliage, seen from Waterrock Knob. Photo: Tanya Schoenhoff / USGS · public domain

Questions people ask

When is the best time to see wildflowers on the parkway?

Early spring, late April to early May, as the canopy trees begin to leaf out.Source: National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway Wildflowers ↗ (opens in a new tab)

When do the rhododendrons bloom at Craggy Gardens?

They usually peak from early to mid-June, depending on rainfall, wind and temperature.Source: National Park Service, See the Rhododendrons Bloom at Craggy Gardens ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Is there a fee to drive the parkway?

No: no fee is charged to travel the Blue Ridge Parkway.Source: National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway fees ↗ (opens in a new tab)

How we know

Every timing above, from these pages

Sep 27Park ServiceBlooming late March through October; best time late April-early May; earlier in Virginia and at low elevationsSource (opens National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway Wildflowers in a new tab)
Sep 27Park ServiceCatawba rhododendron at Craggy Gardens typically early to mid-June; others through late July; Milepost 364-367Source (opens National Park Service, See the Rhododendrons Bloom at Craggy Gardens in a new tab)
Sep 30Park ServiceNo fee is charged to travel the parkwaySource (opens National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway fees in a new tab)
National Park Service sources: no claim to original U.S. Government works.