Blue Ridge Parkway, North Carolinawildflowers
Out of season: the next wildflowers season is in 2027.
Right now in Blue Ridge Parkway · September
- Visitor centers open · May–Oct
- Wildflowers · Mar–Oct
205days to the next wildflowers seasonusually Apr 21–May 10
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 6:23 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
Blue Ridge Parkway through the year
- WildflowersNowMar–Oct
- Visitor centers openNowMay–Oct
- Azaleas and rhododendronsMay–Jun
- Fall colorOct
Best spots around Blue Ridge Parkway
- Craggy Gardens (Milepost 364-367)Catawba rhododendron usually peaks here in early to mid-June; the Craggy Gardens Trail climbs 0.3 miles, then a short spur reaches the meadow
- Peaks of OtterWhere the purple Catawba rhododendron starts blooming, in early June
- High Meadow Trail, Blue Ridge Music Center (Milepost 213)A 1.35-mile woodland and meadow trail with seasonal wildflowers in spring, summer and fall
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway Wildflowers (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway Showy Blooms (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, See the Rhododendrons Bloom at Craggy Gardens (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Hike the High Meadow Trail at the Blue Ridge Music Center (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway FAQ (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway visitor centers (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26) · National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway fall colors (opens in a new tab) (Sep 26)
Questions people ask
When is peak wildflowers in Blue Ridge Parkway in 2027?
There's no forecast yet. In a typical year it peaks Apr 21–May 10. We add the forecast as soon as one is published.
Is it blooming in Blue Ridge Parkway right now?
Not now: the wildflowers season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 205 days (usually Apr 21–May 10).
When is the best time for wildflowers?
Late April to early May, as the trees begin to leaf out and the forest floor fills with trillium, trout lily, spring beauty and more. Something blooms from late March through October.Source: National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway Wildflowers ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Does it bloom earlier in Virginia or North Carolina?
Usually earlier in Virginia and at lower elevations. Cooler temperatures up high can push bloom back by several weeks.Sources: National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway Wildflowers ↗ (opens in a new tab), National Park Service, Blue Ridge Parkway Showy Blooms ↗ (opens in a new tab)
When do the rhododendrons bloom at Craggy Gardens?
Typically early to mid-June. Rhododendron and mountain laurel keep blooming elsewhere on the Parkway through late July.Source: National Park Service, See the Rhododendrons Bloom at Craggy Gardens ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I pick flowers or bring my dog?
No picking: collecting any plant or plant part in the park is illegal. Dogs are welcome at Craggy Gardens on a leash shorter than 6 feet.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)
Where are the best spots in Blue Ridge Parkway?
Craggy Gardens (Milepost 364-367): catawba rhododendron usually peaks here in early to mid-June; the Craggy Gardens Trail climbs 0.3 miles, then a short spur reaches the meadow; Peaks of Otter: where the purple Catawba rhododendron starts blooming, in early June; High Meadow Trail, Blue Ridge Music Center (Milepost 213): a 1.35-mile woodland and meadow trail with seasonal wildflowers in spring, summer and fall.
What is Blue Ridge Parkway like through the year?
Azaleas and rhododendrons (May–Jun), Visitor centers open (May–Oct), Fall color (Oct) and Wildflowers (Mar–Oct).