Stuart Memorial Drivewildflowers
At Stuart Memorial Drive, Monongahela National Forest, the timing for wildflowers comes in 4 separate phases, each its own display, none of them a peak: Spring ephemerals in the middle-elevation hardwoods, bloom in rapid succession from late March through early May; Flame azalea in the low oak-hickory woods, in mid to late May; Mountain laurel in the low oak-hickory woods, usually in June; and Great laurel in the stream bottom, in June and July. Its usual window for this year has passed.
- March–MaySpring ephemerals in the middle-elevation hardwoodsbloom in rapid succession from late March through early May
- MayFlame azalea in the low oak-hickory woodsin mid to late May
- JuneMountain laurel in the low oak-hickory woodsusually in June
- June–JulyGreat laurel in the stream bottomin June and July
Your guide to the area
Best spots around Stuart Memorial Drive, Monongahela National Forest
- Low-elevation oak-hickory woods near the west endDry slopes where the road starts, about 2,200 feet up by the Shaver's Fork River: flame azalea, then mountain laurel
- Gated Forest Service roads in the middle elevationsPark fully off the road without blocking the gate and walk in to see violets, trout lily, toothwort, spring beauty and trilliums
- Stream bottom below the roadGreat laurel in June and July
- Bickle Knob Observation TowerPanoramic forest view off Forest Road 91A, about 4 miles along the drive; daylight only and open when the roads are snow-free; no restrooms or water
Nearby
- Shenandoah76 milate March to June, flower by flowerSatRain Showers Likely
- Catoctin Mountain133 mifrom early April through the summerSatChance Rain Showers
- Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens150 milate May through SeptemberSatChance Rain Showers
- Cuyahoga Valley186 milate March to mid-MaySatSlight Chance Rain Showers
- George Washington and Jefferson189 milate March into April, then April into MaySatShowers And Thunderstorms
- Allegheny National Forest203 mi2 separate phases, from spring (Late April-May), offers the showiest displaySatMostly Sunny
The year at Stuart Memorial Drive
- Spring ephemerals in the middle elevations (late March to early May)Mar–May
- May: Flame azalea (mid to late May)May
- Great laurel in the stream bottom (June and July)Jun–Jul
- Jun: Mountain laurel (usually June)Jun
Questions people ask
When do wildflowers bloom at Stuart Memorial Drive, Monongahela National Forest?
In 4 separate phases, each at its own spot: Spring ephemerals in the middle-elevation hardwoods, bloom in rapid succession from late March through early May, Flame azalea in the low oak-hickory woods, in mid to late May, Mountain laurel in the low oak-hickory woods, usually in June and Great laurel in the stream bottom, in June and July. They're separate displays, not one long season, and none of them is a peak.
Is it blooming in Stuart Memorial Drive, Monongahela National Forest right now?
Not now: its usual wildflowers window for this year has passed. Next time: Spring ephemerals in the middle-elevation hardwoods, bloom in rapid succession from late March through early May.
Can my car handle the road?
In good weather you don't need four-wheel drive, but the road is unpaved, ruts when wet and may be too rough for low-clearance cars such as sports or compact cars. It's narrow and winding, too.Source: USDA Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Stuart Memorial Drive ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can there still be snow in spring?
Yes: snow and ice can occur until the end of April, the road isn't plowed, and drifts can block the high sections long after the low end is clear. Don't try to drive through snow.Source: USDA Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Stuart Memorial Drive ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where can I stop to walk?
Pick a spot where you can pull completely off the road without blocking a gate, then walk one of the gated Forest Service roads, the best way to see the small spring flowers.Source: USDA Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Stuart Memorial Drive ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Anything to watch out for on foot?
Steep slopes, uneven ground and poison ivy, plus wood nettle, common in moist woods in late spring and summer, which can give you a rash.Source: USDA Forest Service, Celebrating Wildflowers: Stuart Memorial Drive ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Can I bring my dog to Bickle Knob?
Yes, on a leash. The tower is day-use only, open in daylight when the roads are snow-free, with no restrooms or drinking water.Source: USDA Forest Service, Monongahela National Forest: Bickle Knob Observation Tower ↗ (opens in a new tab)
Where are the best spots in Stuart Memorial Drive, Monongahela National Forest?
Low-elevation oak-hickory woods near the west end: dry slopes where the road starts, about 2,200 feet up by the Shaver's Fork River: flame azalea, then mountain laurel; Gated Forest Service roads in the middle elevations: park fully off the road without blocking the gate and walk in to see violets, trout lily, toothwort, spring beauty and trilliums; Stream bottom below the road: great laurel in June and July; Bickle Knob Observation Tower: panoramic forest view off Forest Road 91A, about 4 miles along the drive; daylight only and open when the roads are snow-free; no restrooms or water.
What is Stuart Memorial Drive, Monongahela National Forest like through the year?
Spring ephemerals in the middle elevations (late March to early May) (Mar–May), Flame azalea (mid to late May) (May), Mountain laurel (usually June) (Jun) and Great laurel in the stream bottom (June and July) (Jun–Jul).