Spring has arrived in the NC High Country, and Blowing Rock is beginning to burst into bloom! As temperatures warm and days grow longer, the landscape transforms with delicate dogwood blossoms, cheerful daffodils, and budding trees. Each week, we’ll share where to find vibrant seasonal color, which blooms are peaking, and some special spots to soak in the sights.
Whether you’re walking downtown or hitting the trails, the beauty of spring is all around—come on up and see what’s blooming in Blowing Rock!
This Week’s Standout Color: Pinkshell Azalea
One of the earliest native azaleas to bloom in the High Country, Pinkshell Azaleas are showing off their soft pink petals this week. These delicate blooms are native to the Southern Appalachians and can be found in moist, wooded areas around Blowing Rock, especially near higher elevations and along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Their light pink hue brings a gentle, romantic touch to the spring landscape.
Top Blooming Spots This Week:
Annie Cannon Gardens
- Daffodils and early azaleas are creating a soft, sunny palette
- Great for a peaceful walk just off Main Street
Sections along the Blue Ridge Parkway
- Dandelions and Golden Ragwort line the sides of the road – a great sign as pollinators get to work ahead of a very busy season!!
- Fraser Magnolia blooms can be seen popping up overhead around Sims Creek – Milepost 295
- Mileposts 298 – 300 provide access to some stunning wildflowers that can easily be spotted roadside
What We’re Seeing:
Here are a few notable native blooms this week:
- Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis): Bright pink blooms on bare branches—eye-catching along trails and roadsides
- Trout Lily (Erythronium americanum): Small yellow woodland flowers, especially along Shulls Mill Road
- Dogwood (Cornus florida): Iconic white flowers beginning to bloom in sunnier areas
We’re also seeing the buds and blooms creeping up the mountain side. On our hike of Glen Burney Trail, we saw a noticable difference in color at the Caldwell County line. Caldwell County is experiencing lots of buds and early greens and Watauga County, sitting at just a little higher elevation, is just getting started.
