Nantahala National Forest, North Carolinawildflowers
Out of season: the next wildflowers season is in 2027.
Right now in Nantahala National Forest · September
168days to the next wildflowers seasonMar 15–May 15, The Forest Service gives a best time for each of five Nantahala wildflower trails, from mid-March at Joyce Kilmer to mid-May on the Wasilik Poplar Trail
Next 7 days
- Rain likely · up to 60% chanceSunday, Sunday Night
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.
Nantahala National Forest through the year
- Wayah Bald road closedJan–Mar
- Spring wildflower trailsMar–May
- Tsali and Cheoah campgrounds closedNov–Apr
- Wayehutta off-road area closedDec–Mar
Best spots around Nantahala National Forest
- Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest Loop TrailTwo loops, 2 miles, in a figure eight through virgin cove forest; most flowers mid-March to early May
- Whitewater Falls trailSteep 1-mile trail through cove forest, best near the river; early to mid April
- Appletree TrailLower half mile climbs gently through a narrow cove of spring wildflowers; mid-April to early May
- Wasilik Poplar TrailHigh-elevation cove with calcium-rich soils and many herbs; late April to mid-May
- Rufus Morgan TrailGentle 1-mile loop through mature cove forest to a small waterfall; mid to late April
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest Loop Trail (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Whitewater Falls (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Appletree Trail (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Wasilik Poplar Trail (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Rufus Morgan Trail (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, North Carolina seasonal closures (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak wildflowers in Nantahala National Forest in 2027?
The Forest Service gives a best time for each of five Nantahala wildflower trails, from mid-March at Joyce Kilmer to mid-May on the Wasilik Poplar Trail: Mar 15–May 15. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it blooming in Nantahala National Forest right now?
Not now: the wildflowers season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 168 days (Mar 15–May 15, The Forest Service gives a best time for each of five Nantahala wildflower trails, from mid-March at Joyce Kilmer to mid-May on the Wasilik Poplar Trail).
When is the best time to go?
It depends on the trail and its elevation: Joyce Kilmer from mid-March to early May, Whitewater Falls early to mid April, Rufus Morgan mid to late April, Appletree mid-April to early May, and the Wasilik Poplar Trail late April to mid-May.Sources: US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest Loop Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Whitewater Falls ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Appletree Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Wasilik Poplar Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Rufus Morgan Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Is there anything in bloom in summer?
Not much at Joyce Kilmer: blooms there are sparse in summer and fall, mostly starry campion, wood asters and Curtis's goldenrod.Source: US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest Loop Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Are there fees or restrooms?
Joyce Kilmer and Whitewater Falls are fee sites with picnic tables and restrooms. The Appletree, Rufus Morgan and Wasilik Poplar trailheads have no facilities, and the gravel road to Rufus Morgan may be gated in winter.Sources: US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest Loop Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Whitewater Falls ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Appletree Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Rufus Morgan Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Wasilik Poplar Trail ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Nantahala National Forest?
Joyce Kilmer Memorial Forest Loop Trail: two loops, 2 miles, in a figure eight through virgin cove forest; most flowers mid-March to early May; Whitewater Falls trail: steep 1-mile trail through cove forest, best near the river; early to mid April; Appletree Trail: lower half mile climbs gently through a narrow cove of spring wildflowers; mid-April to early May; Wasilik Poplar Trail: high-elevation cove with calcium-rich soils and many herbs; late April to mid-May; Rufus Morgan Trail: gentle 1-mile loop through mature cove forest to a small waterfall; mid to late April.
Are there closures or permits to know about in Nantahala National Forest?
Wayah Bald road closed (Jan–Mar); Tsali and Cheoah campgrounds closed (Nov–Apr); Wayehutta off-road area closed (Dec–Mar).
What is Nantahala National Forest like through the year?
Wayah Bald road closed (Jan–Mar), Tsali and Cheoah campgrounds closed (Nov–Apr), Wayehutta off-road area closed (Dec–Mar) and Spring wildflower trails (Mar–May).