George Washington and Jeffersonwildflowers
Out of season: the next wildflowers season is in 2027.
Right now in George Washington and Jefferson · September
- Beartree campground open · May–Oct
- Bark Camp campground open · May–Sep
174days to the next wildflowers seasonMar 21–May 31, Back Creek Gorge Trail, per the Forest Service: spring ephemerals late March into April, then a second wave April into May
Next 7 days
No frost, strong wind or heavy rain in the forecast.
National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 7:06 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.
George Washington and Jefferson National Forests through the year
- Spring wildflower trails near CovingtonMar–May
- Beartree campground openNowMay–Oct
- Bark Camp campground openNowMay–Sep
- Fall color in the highlandsOct
Best spots around George Washington and Jefferson National Forests
- Back Creek Gorge Trail (Blowing Springs)Easy, level old railroad bed along Back Creek; trilliums, trout lily and toothwort in early spring
- Roaring Run Wildflower TrailFrom a historic iron furnace to Roaring Run Falls; pink lady's slippers and showy orchis in spring
How we know
National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Back Creek Gorge Wildflower Trail (George Washington & Jefferson National Forests) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Roaring Run Wildflower Trail (George Washington & Jefferson National Forests) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Beartree Recreation Area (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Bark Camp Recreation Area (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · US Forest Service, Fall Colors (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)
Questions people ask
When is peak wildflowers in George Washington and Jefferson National Forests in 2027?
Back Creek Gorge Trail, per the Forest Service: spring ephemerals late March into April, then a second wave April into May: Mar 21–May 31. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.
Is it blooming in George Washington and Jefferson National Forests right now?
Not now: the wildflowers season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 174 days (Mar 21–May 31, Back Creek Gorge Trail, per the Forest Service: spring ephemerals late March into April, then a second wave April into May).
When do the wildflowers bloom?
On Back Creek Gorge Trail, spring ephemerals start in late March and run into April; columbine, wild geranium, phlox and violets follow from April into May. Spring has the biggest show, but something blooms through summer and fall.Source: US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Back Creek Gorge Wildflower Trail (George Washington & Jefferson National Forests) ↗ (opens in a new tab)
How hard are the trails?
Both are easy: Back Creek Gorge follows a level old railroad bed, and Roaring Run is well marked, with footbridges and one steep set of stairs with handrails.Sources: US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Back Creek Gorge Wildflower Trail (George Washington & Jefferson National Forests) ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Roaring Run Wildflower Trail (George Washington & Jefferson National Forests) ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are they?
Both are near Covington, Virginia: Back Creek Gorge at the back of Blowing Springs Campground, Roaring Run off Roaring Run Road (SR 621).Sources: US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Back Creek Gorge Wildflower Trail (George Washington & Jefferson National Forests) ↗ (opens in a new tab), US Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Roaring Run Wildflower Trail (George Washington & Jefferson National Forests) ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in George Washington and Jefferson National Forests?
Back Creek Gorge Trail (Blowing Springs): easy, level old railroad bed along Back Creek; trilliums, trout lily and toothwort in early spring; Roaring Run Wildflower Trail: from a historic iron furnace to Roaring Run Falls; pink lady's slippers and showy orchis in spring.
What is George Washington and Jefferson National Forests like through the year?
Beartree campground open (May–Oct), Bark Camp campground open (May–Sep), Fall color in the highlands (Oct) and Spring wildflower trails near Covington (Mar–May).