We are planning a trip (4 adults) in the spring, 2002 doing a hiking/driving/history/tourist/scenery trip down the Blue Ridge Parkway. Anyone know how the weather is in late April/early May? Are things pretty much in Bloom? Also we are trying to figure out how many days to allow to do this without rushing. Thanks!

You might want to check out the following website for information:

http://www.blueridgeparkway.org

I live in Asheville, NC, near the Blue Ridge Parkway. We had some early blooming this year, late March/early April, so everything is pretty much green right now. The dogwood trees are completely green, most of the tulips and all of the daffodils are gone, and the azaleas are starting to green as well, but this time of year you'll still see some beautiful color, particularly the wildflowers. I would definitely suggest you consider early April for your trip if you want to see a lot of color. Also, you might visit the Biltmore Estate here in Asheville during the Festival of Flowers. They've got lilacs, thousands of tulips, and the azalea garden is gorgeous. Hope this helps.

I have visited the Blue Ridge Parkway on a regular basis since 1962.
At the higher elevations in North Carolina, at places like Craggy Gardens, the rhododendron do not reach a peak until early to mid June. At 5,000 feet and higher, you will not see many colors until late May to early June.

Roan Mountain, which is not on the Parkway, but a few miles off of it in the vicinity of Spruce Pine, NC, has extensive plantings of rhododendron. It peaks mid June, usually.
The flame azalea will be out, some.
If you go mid May, I would start around Mabry Mill in Virginia and go south.
Elevations are lower, but you are a little farther north. Daughton Park, near the Virginia - North Carolina line can be pretty by mid to late May.
I would call one of the ranger offices and ask.

Sue,

I have a book at home that lists stuff at each mile marker on the BRP. I think it also has a schedule of flowers. If you can wait a day, I'll get you the title.

Enjoy your trip.

NC Girl,
I'd be interested in the name of the book for each milemarker, please.

I was hiking in the Boone area yesterday, and the dogwood, trillium, mountain magnolias, etc., are all in bloom right now. Boone had an early April snowstorm that stalled spring a little bit. It's helpful to remember that elevations and latitude both affect growing seasons, so there's no one time that the entire Parkway area is in bloom (just like there's no single "peak" during autumn leaf season). Enjoy your trip!

Sue and also interested,

The book is called "Guide to the Blue Ridge Parkway" by Frank Logue. On Amazon.com it costs $10.36 (plus shipping). The Amazon description does say a flora/fauna section is included.

It's a pretty thin book, but it is a wonderful reference.