The NC High Country is Back and Blooming! Our signature events are happening, charming downtowns are open and vibrant wildflowers are blooming. View our Back and Blooming! Spring Color Guide below and plan your trip to the NC Mountains.

CURRENT SPRING COLOR REPORTS

The High Country of North Carolina offers the best in wildflower watching.  The elevation changes as you drive to the small High Country towns of the Blue Ridge Mountains insures you will see a wide variety of blooms! Here is a list of websites that are updated daily or weekly with current wildflower bloom reports that can help you plan your trip:

1. BLOWING ROCK COLOR UPDATE
   Read this week's standout color, top bloom spots and notable native blooms
2. GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN SPRING COLOR GALLERY
   Spring color photographic reports as flowers begin to bloom on Grandfather Mountain

BLOOM FORECAST BY ELEVATION

Flower blooms return with longer days and warmer air. Lower elevations will see color earlier due to the warmer temperatures.  Here is breakdown by elevation:

• Late March-October-  2,000 Elevation (Sparta, Wilkesboro, Stone Mountain State Park, )
• 2nd Week of April-September- 3,000 Elevation (Boone, Blowing Rock, West Jefferson, Price Lake MP 297)
• 3rd Week of April-September-  4,000 Elevation (Banner Elk, Mount Jefferson State Park) 
• 3rd Week of April-September- 5,000 Elevation (Beech Mountain, Rough Ridge Trail MP 302.9) 
• 3rd Week of April-September- 6,000 Elevation (Mt Mitchell State Park, Grandfather Mountain) 

SPRING WILDFLOWER IDENTIFICATION

The blooms are pretty, but what are there names!? We have all had this thought.  Luckily, there are some great local websites with photos, names and details of High Country Wildflowers:

• High Country Wildflowers and Tips
• Blue Ridge Parkway Bloom Calendar and Bloom Photo Gallery
• Grandfather Mountain Wildflower Bloom Calendar
• High Country Rhododrendon Viewing Locations

HOW TO CELEBRATE SPRING COLOR

Here are some ideas on how to celebrate spring in the NC High Country!

1. TAKE IN A SPECIAL EVENT AT GRANDFATHER MOUNTAIN
   Attend the Rhododendron Ramble in Late May to view the most iconic flower of the NC Mountains, or learn how to take the best bloom photos from the pros during Nature Photography Weekend
   
   
2. TRY ALL 5 THINGS TO DO THIS SPRING IN BLOWING ROCK
   Take advantage of the slower season and enjoy the flavors, sights and smells of spring 
   
   
3. CELEBRATE BEECH MOUNTAINS HIKE ON MONTH
   During a spring trek, hikers can take in waterfalls, wildlife, and wildflowers. Drop by the Beech Mountain Visitor Center in May for free maps, waterbottles and decals. 
   
   
4. SEE SUGAR MOUNTAIN
   Take in the blooms from Sugar Mountain Golf Course, tennis courts-- or for a thrill, from the Wilderness Run Alpine Coaster!
   
   
5. GO OUTDOORS IN WILKESBORO
   Spring is the time to explore Wilkesboro and the lower elevations! View our list 
   
   
6. DAY TRIP IN WEST JEFFERSON
   Take a stroll around downtown West Jefferson.  Blooms can be found on every corner!
   
   

7. SHOP, DINE AND STROLL BANNER ELK
   Banner Elk’s village-like atmosphere is pedestrian-friendly with delightful shopping and dining experiences blooming around every corner.