Where The Wildflowers Are

I started writing this post back in 2021, and finally finished it in 2024. Just one month before Hurricane Helene devastated the Southeast. Unfortunately some of the areas mentioned in this post were badly damaged by the storm. Still, I wanted to share it with you. Seeing how hard the Forestry Service, National Parks Service, State Park employees, and local volunteers are all working to repair the trails gives me hope that many of them will be open again by Spring. Just in time to see the wildflowers bloom! And if not... then maybe the next year.

These beautiful wildflowers are only around for a short time each year. Here's everything you need to know about when and where to find them:

Quick Leave No Trace reminder: While it may be tempting to take some of these beautiful wildflowers home with you, please do not pick them while hiking the trails featured in this post! It is against public lands regulation, and some of the species mentioned here are endangered. Physical contact can damage and in some cases spread disease to the plant. Leaving wildflowers undisturbed helps ensure that others can enjoy them too for years to come. "Take only pictures. Leave only footprints." 

Oconee Bells

Devils Fork State Park & Foothills Trail

The Oconee Bell is a rare white flower only found in a few counties across North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia. (There have been reports of naturalized populations showing up in Tennessee and Virginia now too.) One of the best places to see them is along the Oconee Bell Trail in Devils Fork State Park. You'll want to take this short pleasant walk through the forest in early Spring, when the bells are in full bloom. The mile and a half loop will lead you through a quiet forest, over footbridges, and beside gently flowing creeks.

As you pass the water features, keep your eyes peeled. Oconee Bells love to grow in shady moist areas. You're most likely to see them growing in clusters along the banks of the creeks. Oconee Bells aren't the only flora worth admiring along this trail! Friends of Jocassee put together a very informative guide on the many plant species that call the Foothills home. I highly recommend giving it a read, either before or after your visit. Oconee Bells typically bloom in March. However, you have the best chance of seeing them by planning your visit around the annual Bell Fest. Each Spring, a festival is hosted at the park. There's live music, food trucks, and guided walking tours along the Bell Trail. If crowds aren't your thing, try to plan your visit either the week before or after the event.

Want to turn your search, into an overnight adventure? The park offers 25 walk-in campsites on Lake Jocassee. My personal favorites are sites T10 through T15. The views of the lake simply can't be beat! To get a feel for this trip, check out my short video from Devils Fork State Park.

For those wanting to see Oconee Bells in a wilder setting, consider spending a couple nights along the Foothills Trail. Specifically sections A4 through A7. Fondly called the "Crown Jewel" this 30 mile stretch through the Jocassee Gorges runs from Laurel Valley access to Bad Creek access. Oconee Bells are commonly seen near the many bridges, stairways, and water features along the way. This route is typically completed as a 3 day 2 night shuttle hike averaging 10 miles a day. Backpackers also have the option to complete part of it as an out and back trip beginning from either access point.

Oconee Bell Trail

Route Type: Loop

Distance: 1.5 miles (total)

Difficulty: Easy

Blaze: White

Fees & Permits: Park entrance fee - $8 for adults, $5 for seniors, and $4 for children. All camping in the park is by paid reservation only.

Location: Devils Fork State Park Salem, SC

Foothills Trail

Route Type: Point-to-Point / Shuttle

Distance: 30.5 miles (total)

Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous

Blaze: White (Foothills) Blue (Bad Creek parking spur)

Fees & Permits: Parking at Bad Creek access and Laurel Valley access is free. No permits required for dispersed camping along the Foothills Trail.

Location: Jocassee Gorges. Sunset & Salem, SC

Like many of the wildflowers on this list, the bells are only around for a short time each year, so don't miss them! You can find more information about Oconee Bells and a brief history of their discovery on NCpedia. I also recommend this article from the South Carolina Native Plant Society about the work of Mr. Joe Townsend. A local nature lover who, through persistence and skill, found a way to grow the endangered plants from seeds.

Daffodils

Daffodil Flats, Linville Gorge Wilderness

While daffodils are a fairly common sight on the roadsides of North Carolina, what makes this particular patch worth seeing is the unique location. It would appear to be nothing special 10 months out of the year; just another wooded area on the gorge floor. However, in late Winter a sea of bright yellow daffodils spring to life year after year. The window to see them is short, lasting just a few weeks. They typically bloom from the end of February through the beginning of March. In recent years, mid to late February has been the ideal time to go.

This destination is a short distance from the trailhead, but don't let that fool you. You're in for a rugged plunge on the way down and a grueling climb on the way back up. Daffodil Flats can be accessed from either Pinnacle / MST trailhead or Pinch-in trailhead. The distance is about the same either way, and each poses the same level of difficulty. You will descend on either the Mountains to Sea or Pinch-in trail for just over 1 mile before reaching the Linville Gorge / Linville River trail. The Winter views of the surrounding area are outstanding this time of year, and offer a welcome distraction from the difficult task at hand. Once on the gorge floor, the sounds of the mighty Linville river will accompany you to your destination.

From the MST, head North on Linville Gorge trail for about 1.7 miles. The spur path to Daffodil Flats will be on the left. From Pinch-in, head South on Linville Gorge trail for about 1.6 miles. The path to Daffodil Flats will be on the right. After photographing the flowers to your heart's content, return the way you came. Be prepared for the ascent back to the trailhead to take about twice as long.

It's important to note: This is a very popular hike and parking is limited at both trailheads. Getting there early and / or visiting on a weekday will give you the best chance of securing a spot. While you may see visitors parking on the roadside, this is not advised. Not only does it block the way for thru-traffic, it can also result in a hefty fine. The Forest Service has been issuing citations to vehicles not parked in designated areas in recent years.

Linville River Trail via Pinch-in

Route Type: Out-and-Back

Distance: 5.4 miles (total)

Difficulty: moderate to strenuous

Blaze: None

Fees & Permits: Parking at Pinch-in trailhead is free. Free permit is required for overnight camping Friday and Saturday nights May - Oct. (Not applicable in February or March)

Location: Linville Gorge Wilderness, Marion NC

Linville River Trail via Pinnacle / MST

Route Type: Out-and-Back

Distance: 5.5 miles (total)

Difficulty: moderate to strenuous

Blaze: None

Fees & Permits: Parking at the Pinnacle/MST trailhead is free. Free permit required for overnight camping Friday and Saturday nights May - Oct.

(Not applicable in February or March)

Location: Linville Gorge Wilderness, Marion NC

Visitors have the option to complete this route as either a day hike or a backpacking trip. One perk to backpacking is the opportunity to combine your visit to Daffodil Flats with some of the other stunning sights in Linville Gorge. For beginning backpackers I recommend making this an overnight out-and-back. (Trail journal and trip video can be found here.) For more experienced backpackers I recommend making the Rock Jock loop a part of your adventure. Whether you choose to make it a multi-day excursion or just an afternoon outing, this is sure to be a memorable experience!

Rock Jock Loop & Daffodil Flats

Route Type: Loop with Out-and-Back spur trip

Distance: 12.7 miles (total)

9.5 miles (loop) + 3.2 miles (spur)

Difficulty: Strenuous

Blaze: None

Fees & Permits: Parking at Conley Cave trailhead is free. Free permit required for overnight camping Friday and Saturday nights May - Oct. (Not applicable in February or March)

Location: Linville Gorge Wilderness. Marion, NC

Route Overview: From the trailhead, descend on Conley Cave just over a mile to LGT. Take LGT South for 3 miles to the junction with Pinch-in trail. Continue South on LGT for another 1.6 miles to Daffodil Flats. Return 1.6 miles to the junction. Ascend on Pinch-in trail for just over a mile. Follow road / Kistler Memorial Hwy North about 0.5 mile to Rock Jock trail. Take RJT about 3.5 miles back to Conley Cave trail. Bear left to return to the trailhead.

You may be wondering how the daffodils got there? After all, they don't bloom anywhere else in the Gorge. From what I’ve been told, the site was part of the old Dellinger family homesteaded. The daffodils were planted by the family over 100 years ago, and continue to bloom there to this day. Some fascinating stories from the gorge’s history can be found on the Linville Mountain History Society Facebook page. Many of which are shared by Ms. Denise, a descendent of the Dellinger family.

Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies

Landsford Canal State Park

The Rocky Shoals Spider Lily is an aquatic perennial found only along the rocky rivers of Georgia, South Carolina, and Alabama. The largest population of which can be seen each year at Landsford Canal State Park. Rocky Shoals Spider Lilies typically bloom in May and stick around until early to mid June. Similar to the Oconee Bells, your best strategy for seeing them is to plan your visit around the state park's annual festival: Lilyfest. Every Spring, the park holds a festival with live music, food trucks, and guided nature hikes. In past years, Landsford Canal has shared weekly updates on the status of the lilies on the park website. This is an incredibly helpful resource for those who want to time their visit just right.

From the parking lot, follow the paved path through the picnic area and passed the visitor center. You'll have the option to take the Canal trail (right) or continue on the Nature trail. The Nature trail is half a mile one way and runs parallel to the Catawba River. The longer Canal trail will take you through the forest and passed remnants of the old canal. The two paths reconvene shortly before the lily viewing area. So, you'll reach your destination regardless of which one you choose. A map of the walking trails and waterway can be found on the park website.

At the enclosed viewing platform, you can expect to see thousands of stark white lilies adoring the river. Further down the Canal trail are several historic waypoints such as the mill complex and lock keepers house. Watch your step if you choose to continue along the Canal trail. The path can be very slick and muddy in places, especially after a recent rain. Unfortunately, camping is not available at this state park. So, your visit to Landsford Canal will have to be a day hike. If you're dead set on making it an overnight trip though, nearby Andrew Jackson State Park (15 miles away) does offer 25 drive-up RV and tent sites.

Nature / Canal Trail

Route Type: Out-and-Back

Distance: 0.75 (one way) 1.5 miles (total)

Difficulty: Easy

Blaze: none but signs are present

Fees & Permits: Park entrance fee - $6 for adults, $3.75 for seniors, and $3.50 for children.

Location: Landsford Canal State Park. Catawba, SC

If you want to see the lilies up close and personal, then consider taking a kayak out on the water! There's a designated put-in and take-out point at either end of the canal near the park. Paddlers can begin from the launch and return to their car by foot along the trail before retrieving their kayak from the take-out. Don't own a kayak? No problem! Optimist Training operating out of Fort Mill, SC offers rentals, shuttles, and guided tours. It's important to note, there are Class I and II rapids along this route. So, if you aren't an experienced paddler, you'll want to book a guided tour with the outfitter.

Gray's Lilies

Roan Mountain, Cherokee National Forest

Every Summer visitors flock to Roan Mountain to admire the rhododendrons and flame azaleas. The vibrant splashes of pink and orange across the grassy balds are truly a sight to behold. It's easy to see why folks come from far and wide every year to witness the display. Around the time that these flowers start to wilt and fall away, another one comes out to play: Gray's lily. Named after the renowned 19th century botanist who discovered it, Asa Gray, the vulnerable species is only found at higher elevations in North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia. Like Oconee Bells, these wildflowers are endangered. Its greatest threats include grazing wildlife, habitat alteration, and fungal disease. The disease can be transmitted by human contact, so it's imperative that trail-goers don't pick them! The ideal time to see Gray's lily largely depends on the weather each year, but they typically bloom between the last two weeks of June and first two weeks of July.

From Carvers Gap, head North on the Appalachian Trail. The path winds up the grassy hillside before briefly cutting through a shady fir forest. A little over half a mile from the parking area is the first of many incredible viewpoints: Round Bald. Two info boards are located at the summit identifying the visible peaks of Tennessee on one side and North Carolina on the other. The trail then meanders down the side of the bald toward Engine Gap. It's along this stretch you'll begin seeing clusters of Gray's lilies standing tall above the surrounding grass. Their appearance is unmistakable with a red bell-shaped exterior and purple speckled interior. The trail rises once again up the side of Jane Bald. The rocky outcrops at the top are a great place to take a break before continuing the rest of the way to Grassy Ridge Bald.

About 1.25 mile from Round Bald, a sign marks the junction with the Grassy Ridge spur trail on the right. The steady ascent through rhododendron offers some much needed shade before giving way to exposed ridgeline again. It's here that the lilies become harder to spot. Especially if you aren't intentionally looking for them. Across the bald are several small groves where you can sit and enjoy lunch before retracing your steps to Carvers Gap.

Planning your visit around the the flame azalea and rhododendron season in June will ensure more flowers to admire on your hike. But it will also mean contending with a jam-packed parking lot, crowds at viewpoints, and congestion on the trail. By July the activity will have died down slightly. Hitting the trail early in the morning will not only increase your chances of getting a good parking spot, it will also help you avoid the brutal Summer heat. Visiting on a weekday is also recommended for those seeking a bit more solitude along the way.

Grassy Ridge Bald via the Appalachian Trail

Route Type: Out-and-Back

Distance: 2.5 miles (one way) 5 miles (total)

Difficulty: Moderate

Blaze: White

Fees & Permits: Parking at Carvers Gap trailhead is free but limited. No permits required for dispersed camping along this section of the Appalachian Trail.

Location: Cherokee National Forest, Roan Mountain TN

For a longer trek, consider taking a multi-day backpacking trip across the Roan Massif beginning at Carvers Gap and ending either at Mountain Harbour Hostel or The Station off 19E. If you're interested in taking this adventure, but not sure where to start, then check out my itinerary. It includes all the need-to-know details such as campsite and water source locations, mileage estimates, shuttle information, and more. You'll also want to check out my video and trail journal from this trip!

Trilliums

Shining Rock & Middle Prong Wilderness, Pisgah National Forest

Trilliums are a personal favorite of mine. Coming across them on the trail feels like running into an old friend. These members of the lily family come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, all the while sharing a distinct characteristic: three petals and three sepals. They typically grow in shady wooded areas and bloom from late April to early June. You can find trilliums in a number of places across the Blue Ridge Mountains, but I recommend seeking them out in either Shining Rock or Middle Prong Wilderness.

Primitive campsites are prevalent along both the Art Loeb and MST, making the backpacking opportunities in these two wilderness areas virtually endless. It should be noted though that campfires are prohibited in both Middle Prong and Shining Rock. Also, SRW has a bear canister requirement. There's been some confusion over the years as to whether or not canisters are required in Middle Prong too, with reports of campers receiving citations despite the area not being included in the 2015 Forest Order. So, I decided to email Pisgah Ranger District back in 2022 to get to the bottom of it. In short, their reply was "No."

If you enjoy trekking through untamed, unblazed wilderness then Shining Rock is the place! With over 18,000 acres to explore it's hard to know where to begin. So, I recommend taking the Art Loeb Southbound to Cold Mountain. While not as merciless as Pinch-in trail, you're still sure to feel the burn as you make the steady climb to the top. This 10 mile out-and-back route can be completed as an arduous day hike or overnight backpacking trip. From the Camp Daniel Boone trailhead, follow the Art Loeb Trail toward Deep Gap for about 4 miles. You'll encounter stairs and sharp switchbacks within first 2 miles. You'll also cross several small streams. Red trilliums can be spotted sporadically beside the trail. Keep your eyes peeled for other unique wildflowers along the way!

A large campsite is located after the final uphill push to Deep Gap. This is a great place to set up if you plan on spending the night. After making camp or taking a much needed break, continue another mile on the Cold Mountain trail (located on the far left side of the site) to the summit. There's a few smaller sites, as well as a season spring, located along this trail. Whether you encounter wildflowers or not, the view from the overlook is unlike any other and well worth the journey!

For a shorter milder outing, hop on the Mountains to Sea trail at Rough Butt Bald overlook. From the overlook, carefully cross the Blue Ridge Parkway to the blue marked connector trail on the other side. After about 0.2 mile, you'll reach a three way junction (Buckeye Gap) with the MST. Continue West (left) on the white marked MST. Clusters of red trilliums can be spotted beside the trail over the next quarter mile... but that's not all! This time of year, the forest floor of Middle Prong Wilderness is decorated with hundreds of other wildflowers. Like trout lilies, spring beauties, and wood anemones. If you're feeling a bit more adventurous continue another 1.4 miles to the junction at Haywood Gap. Rather than continuing on the MST and recrossing the parkway, take Haywood Gap trail (right.) After just under three quarters of a mile, you'll reach a stretch of large mossy rocks on Haywood Gap stream. This is a perfect spot to filter water and take a snack break before turning around! The first half mile of this route is a great option for families; especially if your little one isn't ready for long walks or rough terrain yet.

Cold Mountain via Art Loeb (Southbound)

Route Type: Out-and-Back

Distance: 5 miles (one way) 10 (total)

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

Blaze: None in SRWA

Fees & Permits: Parking at the Northern terminus / Camp Daniel Boone trailhead is free. No camping permits required. Fires prohibits, bear canisters required, and groups limited to 10 people within the wilderness area.

Location: Shining Rock Wilderness. Canton, NC

MST via Rough Butt Bald Overlook

Route Type: Out-and-Back

Distance: 0.5 to 2.5 (one way) 1 to 5 miles (total)

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Blaze: None in MPWA (with exception of blue and white markers at Buckeye Gap junction)

Fees & Permits: Parking at Rough Butt Bald Overlook on the Blueridge Parkway is free. No camping permits required. Campfires prohibited and groups limited to 10 people within the wilderness area. If parking overnight, contact the Parkway Communication Center at 828-298-2491 the day before or morning of your hike.

Location: Middle Prong Wilderness. Canton, NC

If you find yourself hiking near Ivestor Gap, consider taking a detour onto Greasy Cove trail. The rarely traveled path is a great place to escape the crowds typically found in this part of Pisgah National Forest. Red and painted trilliums can typically be seen within the first mile and a half. Since this trail is lightly trafficked, be prepared to navigate through tall grass and overgrowth. Especially during May and June. You can find Greasy Cove trail hiding in plain sight just off Graveyard Ridge trail at Ivestor Gap.

For even more info about wildflowers in the area, check out this incredible resource from Blueridgeparkway.org. Included is an alphabetical list of the many wildflowers found along the parkway in addition to pictures, bloom time frames, and approximate locations.

Dwarf Crested Irises

South Mountains State Park

Last, but certainly not least, is the dwarf crested iris. This flower's vibrant purple hue makes it truly stand out against the green backdrop of the forest. Irises love to grow in partly shaded areas and beside rocky banks. They're in bloom from early April until the middle of May. The dwarf crested iris can be found in abundance along the wooded paths and creeks of South Mountains State Park. Two of the best places to find them are the High Shoals Falls Loop and Headquarters Trail near Shinny Creek backcountry campground.

Both hikes begin at the Jacob Fork Access / parking area. Rather than following the wide gravel path passed the restrooms and amphitheater, I recommend taking the scenic route: Hemlock Nature trail. You'll be glad you did. The Hemlock Nature trail runs parallel to Jacob Fork river offering picturesque views of the water. There are also educational signs posted along the way detailing various plants and wildlife you may encounter during your visit. After about half a mile, the trail passes a small picnic area and the turn off for Big Bear Falls. It's around here you're likely to run into a patch or two of irises. Shortly after is a fork with Headquarters trail on the right (to Shinny Creek camp) and High Shoals Falls loop on the left (to the waterfall). Those who choose to continue toward the falls, are in for a workout!

High Shoals Falls offers a short but challenging day hike. It can be completed as a strenuous 2.7 mile loop or a moderately difficult 2 mile out and back. After the junction with Headquarters trail, the terrain becomes much rougher with a stretch of larger boulders to weave around. The final ascent to the viewing platform will really get your heartrate up as you climb several sets of steep wood and stone steps. Once there, take a moment to catch your breath and admire the falls before either returning the way you came or continue on the loop. High Shoals loop continues above the viewing platform up another set of stairs. You'll climb several more steep staircases over the next tenth of a mile. The trail then follows a much gentler incline for about half a mile before plunging back down to the junction with Headquarters trail. The Upper Falls backcountry campground is located shortly after the last set of stairs. While it's not impossible to make this climb with a fully loaded pack, the ascent can be quite grueling. This route is much more manageable as a day hike.

For a milder adventure, take Headquarters trail instead. After another 0.8 mile you'll reach the Shinny Creek backcountry campground. The camp includes a pit toilet, trash receptacle, and food storage locker. While not a guarantee, there's often a stack of split wood for campers to use too. Once there, you'll find clusters of bright purple irises growing along the water's edge. After spending a relaxing evening beside the creek, return the way you came to Jacob Fork access. Unlike the Upper Falls camp, Shinny Creek is easy to reach. The trail follows a steady incline before making a short descent to the creekside campground. This is a great option for families looking to dip their toes into backpacking!

High Shoals Falls Loop

Route Type: Loop

Distance: 2.7 miles (total)

Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous

Blaze: White triangles (Hemlock), Blue circles (High Shoals)

Fees & Permits: Entry and parking are free. All camping in the park is by paid reservation only.

Location: South Mountains State Park, Connelly Springs NC

Shinny Creek Camp via Headquarters Trail

Route Type: Out-and-Back

Distance: 1.3 miles (one way) 2.6 miles (total)

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Blaze: White triangles (Hemlock), Blue circles (High Shoals), Orange hexagons (Headquarters)

Fees & Permits: Entry and parking are free. All camping in the park is by paid reservation only.

Location: South Mountains State Park, Connelly Springs NC

I hope you enjoyed this post. As stated earlier, many of the public lands featured in this post were impacted by the recent hurricane. It's important that visitors research the conditions of an area before they go! If the land management agency for one of the above mentioned areas has not assessed the damage and reopened the trails to the public yet, then PLEASE do not attempt to hike there.