As spring spreads its way into the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, a wave of bright green foliage cascades down mountainsides, the air fills with birdsong, and native wildflowers brighten up roadsides and mountain trails.
Brilliant blooms in every color of the rainbow are now emerging, and continue in a parade of flowers until early fall, each variety giving way to the next.
Remember, you can help protect these precious plants — keep your feet on marked trails, and bring your camera for long-lasting memories!
Here are a few top spots for finding wildflowers in McDowell County, surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains this spring:
Catawba Falls
The Catawba Falls trail is open and accessible through Old Fort (Basecamp), and is a favorite destination for waterfall-lovers, known for its scenic 100-foot cascading waterfall. This 4-mile, fairly easy round-trip hike will get you up close and personal with a variety of blooms, such as:
- Mountain Laurel
- Blue and lavender Dwarf Crested Iris
- Pink Wild Geranium
- The iconic Trillium
- The lacy Foamflower
- The delicate Chickweed
These are just a few of the beauties who will be poking their heads toward the sunshine. Parking is available on Catawba River Road at the trailhead. Once you're hungry for lunch, stop by Hillman Beer (Old Fort), Black Beary's Cafe, or Deb's Diner.
Little Switzerland
This beautiful getaway hiding along the Blue Ridge Parkway in McDowell and Mitchell Counties is known for its eclectic shopping, delicious dining, Southern hospitality, and uninterrupted mountain views at its impressive 3400 ft elevation. In the spring, you can also get a glimpse of seasonal flowers prominent in the area, such as:
- More Trillium
- Dutchman's Breeches
- Yellow Trout Lilies
- Bright orange flame azaleas
- Several varieties of rhododendron
These all thrive at this higher altitude. Little Switzerland is a delightful place to stay while on your springtime wildflower pilgrimage, or swing by the Switzerland Cafe for dinner.
Copper Ridge Trail at Fonta Flora State Trail
This moderately challenging 4.8-mile out-and-back is great for birding, hiking, and mountain biking, with many opportunities to catch sight of colorful spring dainties. It's called the "Fonta Flora" State Trail for a reason! Consider this one a proper workout, as well as a chance to see:
- Mountain Laurel
- Queen Anne's Lace
- Catawba Rhododendron
- Maybe even some Allegheny blackberries
Linville Caverns
Linville Caverns is a notable natural attraction, and the 12,000-acre Linville Gorge Wilderness surrounding it offers a diverse range of springtime blooms. The Daffodil, which annually announces the spring season, is a prominent yellow feature of this area. While wildflower chasing this spring, taking a detour through the subterranean world of the caverns and seeing inside the mountain may provide a different perspective on the flowered world above. It will be a highlight of your spring visit to McDowell.
