Wildflower Reports by Tom Harrington, Volunteer, Hiker, and Park Naturalist Extraordinaire

April 30, 2012

Chestnut Top (Beginning to End) – Solomon’s Seal, Sweet White Violet, Foam Flower, Star Chickweed, Meadow Parsnip, Common Milkweed, Beard Tongue, Fire Pinks, Hawkweed, Daisy Fleabane, Maple Leaf Viburnum, Galax, False Solomon’s Seal, Bishop Caps, Mountain Laurel, Long Spurred Violet, Star Grass, Sweet Pinesap, Carolina Vetch, Catesby Trillium, Dog Hobble, and Flame Azalea.

School House Gap (Beginning to End) – Mountain Laurel, Red Clover, Star Grass, Hawkweed, White Clover, Lyre Leaf Sage, Robins Plantain, Hooked Buttercup, Birdfoot Violet, Blackberry, Blue Eye Grass (1), Wild Strawberry, Galax, Carolina Vetch, Sweet White Violet, Daisy Fleabane, Long Spurred Violet, Golden Ragwort, Foam Flower, Crested Dwarf Iris, Fairywand, False Solomon’s Seal, Dog Hobble, Common Blue Violet, Jack-in-pulpit (1), Yellow Trillium, Catesby Trillium, and Little Brown Jugs.

Bote Mountain (Beginning to West Prong Trail) – Sweet White Violet, Yellow Trillium, Daisy Fleabane, Solomon’s Seal, Common Cinquefoil, Galax, Lyre Leaf Sage, Fairywand, Hispid Buttercup, Hawkweed, and Mountain Laurel.

West Prong (Beginning to End) – Hawkweed, Mountain Laurel, Galax, Common Cinquefoil, Star Grass, Sweet White Violet, Hooked Buttercup, Long Spurred Violet, Fairywand, Star Chickweed, Solomon’s Seal, Crested Dwarf Iris, Vasey Trillium (really nice blooms), Yellowwood Sorrell, Yellow Trillium, False Solomon’s Seal, and Carolina Vetch.

April 23, 2012

Ace Gap (Beginning to End) – Yellow Trillium, Wild Geranium, Sweet Shrub, Star Grass, Carolina Vetch, Meadow Parsnip, Robins Plantain, Solomon’s Seal, Flame Azalea, Fire Pink, Dogwood, Beard Tongue, Mountain Laurel, False Solomon’s Seal, Common Cinquefoil, Blackberry, Common Milkweed, Galax, Fairy Wand (1), Plantain Leaf Pussytoe, Rue Anemone, Crested Dwarf Iris, Clinton Lily (1),
Maple Leaf Viburnum, Yellow Mandarin, Dog Hobble, Huckleberry, Little Brown Jugs, Teaberry, Hawkweed, Gay Wings (1), Spiderwort (1),  and Bristly Locust.

April 16, 2012

Lead Cove (Beginning to End) – Catesby Trillium, Yellow Trillium, Sweet White Violets, Dog Hobble, False Solomon’s Seal, Foam Flower, Vasey Trillium, Trillium Erect, Rue Anemone, Crested Dwarf Iris, Squaw Root, Canadian Violet, Common Blue Violet, Sweet Shrub, Little Brown Jugs, Hooked Buttercup, Lousewort, Sweet Cicely, and Striped Maple.

Bote Mountain (From Lead Cove Trail to Finely Cane Trail) – Service Berry, Star Grass, Rue Anemone, Catesby Trillium, Sweet Shrub, Dogwood, Blackberry, Wild Oats, Common Cinquefoil, Hawkweed, Dog Hobble, Galax, and Solomon’s Seal.

Finely Cane (Beginning to End)  - Yellow Trillium, Crested Dwarf Iris, Sweet White Violet, Long Spurred Violet, Star Chickweed, Rue Anemone, Yellow Mandarin, Dog Hobble, Foam Flower, Vasey Trillium, May Apple, Blue Cohosh, Doll Eyes (White Baneberry – 1), Canadian Violets, Solomon’s Seal, Catesby Trillium, False Solomon’s Seal, Bishop Caps, Trillium Erect, Sweet Shrub, Tulip Tree, Blackberry, Shuttleworth’s Ginger, Common Cinquefoil, and Galax.

April 9, 2012 

Low Gap (From Cosby to Low Gap) -  Stone Crop, Golden Ragwort, Sweet Cicely, Hooked Buttercup, Sweet White Violet, Solomon’s Seal, Foam Flower, Bishop Caps, Star Chickweed, Rue Anemone, Dog Hobble, Long Spurred Violet, Showy Orchis, Brook Lettuce, Toothwort, Wild Phlox, Bowman’s Root, Trillium Erect, False Solomon’s Seal, Yellow Trillium, Blue Cohosh, May Apple, Hairy Buttercup, Canadian Violet (especially nice now), Wild Geranium, Doll Eyes, Meadow Parsnip, Yellow Mandarin, Jack-in-pulpit, Dwarf Ginseng, Squaw Root, Prostrate Bluets, Wood Anemone, Halberd Leaf Violet, Spring Beauty, Trout Lily, and White Fringed Phacelia (at peak at Low Gap – really beautiful).

Appalachian Trail (From Low Gap to Lower Mt. Cammerer Trail) – White Fringed Phacelia, Spring Beauty (should peak about half mile from Low Gap within next week), Star Chickweed, Stone Crop, Halberd Leaf Violet, Squaw Root, Sweet White Violet, Witch Hobble, Wood Anemone, Prostrate Bluets, Service Berry, Squirrel Corn, Trout Lily, Dutchmen’s Breeches, Trillium Erect, Seersucker Sedge, Painted Trillium (5) (Small blooms), Wild Oats, Trailing Arbutus, Yellow Trillium, Solomon’s Seal, Crested Dwarf Iris, Silver Bell, and Meadow Parsnip.

Mount Cammerer (Beginning to End) – Spring Beauty, Witch Hobble, Serviceberry, Trout Lily, and Seersucker Sedge.

Lower Mount Cammerer (Beginning to End) – Wood Anemone, Star Chickweed, Yellow Mandarin, Blood Root (1), Yellow Trillium, Solomon’s Seal, Birdfoot Violet, Silver Bell, Large Flowered Bellwort, Blue Cohosh, Fraser Manolia, Squaw Root, Sweet White Violet, Trillium Erect, Rue Anemone, Hooked Buttercup, Toothwort, Brook Lettuce, Canadian Violet (really nice), Squirrel Corn, Yellow Mandarin, Halberd Leaf Violet, Wild Oats, Golden Ragwort, Foam Flower, Dog Hobble, Lousewort (1), Bishop Caps, Bed Straw, Dogwood, Golden Ragwort, Showy Orchis (past peak and very few), Hairy Butter Cup, Common Cinquefoil, Stone Crop, Nodding Trillium (right at peak), Vasey Trillium (2), Cancer Root (1), Wild Geranium, Star Grass (1), Crested Dwarf Iris (many past peak but good number at peak bloom), and Wild Phlox.

April 6, 2012

Little River Trail (Beginning to Rough Creek Trail) –Yellow Trillium, Trillium Erect, Wild Geranium, Sweet White Violet, Showy Orchis, Doll Eyes, Jack-in-pulpit, Foam Flower, Dogwood, Dog Hobble, Cancer Root, Meadow Parsnip, Frazier Sedge, Early Buttercup, Toothwort, Solomon’s Seal, Star Chickweed, Stone Crop, Wild Phlox, Rue Anemone, Yellow Mandarin, Wild Ginger, Bishop Caps, Brook Lettuce, Lousewort, False Solomon’s Seal, Canadian Violet, Creamy Yellow Violet, Golden Ragwort, Prostrate Bluets, Large Flowered Trillium, May Apple, Blue Cohosh, White Fringed Phacelia, Wild Phlox, Sweet Cicely and Wild Strawberry. NOTE: At this time the blooms on this trail are outstanding especially the Showy Orchis, Foam Flowers, and Wild Phlox. For those wanting a good variety of wildflowers and a moderate walk this trail would most likely be enjoyable at this time.

Huskey Gap (From Little River Trail to Huskey Gap) – Yellow Trillium, Rue Anemone, May Apple, Sweet White Violet, Large Flowered Trillium, Dog Hobble, Squaw Root, Star Chickweed, Lousewort, Wild Oats, Wild Geranium, Dogwood, Meadow Parsnip, Silver Bell, Foam Flower, Rue Anemone, Solomon’s Seal, Yellow Mandarin, Toothwort, Blue Cohosh, Bishop Caps, Trillium Erect, Brook Lettuce, Early Butter Cup, Daisy Fleabane, and Frazier Magnolia. NOTE: A one spot about a mile up the trail the whole hillside is covered with Large Flowered Trillium (both below and above the trail). Unfortunately the heat, heavy rain, hail and insects have done a number on the blooms; however to me it is still a breath taking sight.

Cucumber Gap (Beginning to End) – Star Chickweed, Trillium Erect, Foam Flower, Solomon’s Seal, Sweet White Violet, Toothwort, Early Buttercup, Canadian Violet, Painted Trillium (Blooms small but still beautiful), Dog Hobble, Bowman’s Root (1), Dwarf Ginseng, Yellow Mandarin, Brook Lettuce, Blue Cohosh, Rue Anemone, Long Spurred Violet, Bishop Caps, Wild Geranium, Yellow Trillium, Silver Bells, Doll Eyes, Creamy Yellow Violet, Wild Phlox, Sweet Cicely, and May Apple.

April 4, 2012

On the first half mile of Chestnut Top: Purple Phacelia, Stone Crop, Trillium Erect, Yellow Trillium, False Solomon’s Seal, Sweet Cicely, Hairy Buttercup, Foam Flower, Solomon’s Seal, Rue Anemone, Star Chickweed, Bishop Caps, Silverbell, Brook Lettuce, Long Spurred Violet, Cancer Root, Common Blue Violet, Crested Dwarf Iris, Blackberry, Fire Pink, Daisy Fleabane, Cross Vine, Common Cinquefoil, Little Brown Jugs, Dog Hobble, Seersucker Sedge, Squaw Root, Yellow Mandarin, Sweet White Violet, Lousewort, Dogwood, Plantain Leaf Pussy Toe, Birdfoot Violet, Mountain Laurel (Just starting to bloom - 1 bush), Fraser’s Magnolia, Meadow Parsnip, Buttercup.

April 2, 2012

SPECIAL WILDFLOWER NOTICE: The first half mile of the trail from Newfound Gap Road has amazing displays of Crested Dwarf Iris. About 3/4 of a mile up the trail from 441 many of the flowers are at peak. This trail would be well worth hiking for those wanting to see a good variety of wildflowers at this time. Especially beautiful right now are the Large Flowered Trillium, Trillium Erect, Canadian Violets, Purple Phacelia, Common Blue Violets, and the Crested Dwarf Iris. At places the hillsides are covered with trillium in full bloom.

Sugarland Mountain Trail (From the Appalachian Trail to Huskey Gap) – Spring Beauty, Common Blue Violet, Sweet White Violet, Serviceberry, Prostrate Bluet, Trout Lily, Seersucker Sedge, Trailing Arbutus, Squirrel Corn, Large Flowered Trillium, Squaw Root, Star Chickweed, Witch Hobble, Wild Oats, Daisy Fleabane, Wood Anemone, Rue Anemone, Blue Cohosh, Yellow Trillium, Large Flowered Bellwort, Wild Geranium, Early Meadow Rue, Yellow Mandarin, Stonecrop, Lousewort, Bishop Caps, Silver Bell, Toothwort, Pennywort, Solomon’s Seal, Canadian Violet, and Star Grass (1).

Huskey Gap Trail (From Huskey Gap to US 441) -  Frazier Magnolia, Creamy Yellow Violet, Halberd Leaf Violet, Squaw Root, Rue Anemone, Star Chickweed, Trillium Erect,  Silverbell, Yellow Trillium, Birdfoot Violet, Large Flowered Trillium, Large Flowered Bellwort, Early Meadow Rue, Bishop Caps, Blue Cohosh, Yellow Mandarin, Toothwort, Purple Phacelia, Foam Flower, Crested Dwarf Iris, Canadian Violet, Squirrel Corn, Wild Ginger, Solomon’s Seal, Showy Orchis (2), Stonecrop, Common Cinquefoil, Wild Geranium, and Sweet White Violet.

March 26, 2012 

Legend:   Many Blooms – (+)       Few Blooms – (-)        At Peak- (AP)         Beyond Peak – (BP)       Just starting to bloom (JS)

Rich Mountain Loop (Beginning to End) Common Cinquefoil (+AP), Plantain Leaf Pussy Toe (+AP), Birdfoot Violet (+AP), Common Blue Violet (+AP), Halberd Leaf Violet (-), Yellow Trillium (-), Rue Anemoe (+AP), Daisy Fleabane (-AP),  Carolina Vetch (AP), Hairy Buttercup (-), Trailing Arbutus (-BP), Dogwood (+AP), Star Chickweed (AP), Stone Crop (-JS),  Bloodroot (-BP), Wild Oats (-JS),  Crested Dwarf Iris (-JS),  Catesby Trillium (-JS), and Toothwort (-BP).

Crooked Arm (Beginning to End) – Common Blue Violet (+AP), Yellow Trillium (-), Common Blue Violet (AP)< Birdfoot Violet (+AP, Squaw Root (-JS), Star Chickweed (+AP), Rue Anemone (+AP), Plantain Leaf Pussy Toe (+AP), Crested Dwarf Iris (1), Catesby Trillium (-JS (5), Carolina Vetch (+AP), Silver Bell (-), Hairy Buttercup (-JS), Dogwood (AP), Trailing Arbutus (-BP), Halberd Leaf Violet (-JS), and Serviceberry (-AP).

Indian Grave (From Crooked Arm to Rich Mountain Loop) – Common Cinquefoil (+AP), Birdfoot Violet (+AP), Star Chickweed (-), Rue Anemone (+AP), Plantain Leaf Pussy Toe (+BP), Toothwort (+AP to BP), Common Blue Violet (+AP), Hairy Buttercup (-), Spring Beauty (-AP), Blood Root (-BP) (1), and Squaw Root (-JS).

March 20, 2012

Spring ephemeral wildflowers are now near peak at favorite viewing places like Chimneys Picnic Area (Cove Hardwood Nature Trail), Deep Creek, Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail, Oconaluftee River Trail, Porters Creek Trail, Little River Road, Cucumber Gap Loop, and other lower elevation sites.

This year's bloom is a good three to four weeks earlier than average. You don't want to wait until mid-April to do your spring wildflower viewing this year.

Species in bloom include spring-beauty, white trillium, hepatica, violets, fringed phacelia, cut-leaved tooth-wort, and bishop's cap.

March 19, 2012

Legend:   *At Peak      +Many Blooms      -Few Blooms        JS- Just starting to bloom      BP- Beyond Peak

Porter Creek (Beginning to End) Foam Flower –JS, Star Chickweed +*, Creamy Yellow Violet +*, Bishop Caps –JS, Blood Root *, Yellow Trillium –JS, Rue Anemone +*, Daisy Fleabane –BP, Large Flowered Trillium, Sweet White Violet +*, Common Blue Violet +*, Toothwort –BP, Long Spurred Violet *, Wood Anemone +, Hepatica +*, Dwarf Gingsing –*, Trout Lily –BP, Spring Beauty +, Halberd Leaf Violet +*, White Fringed Phacelia +*, Wild Phlox –JS, Squirrel Corn –*, Dutchmen’s Breeches +*, Trillium Erect, Wild Geranium –, Wild Ginger –, Frazier Sedge *, Brook Lettuce –JS, Seersucker Sedge –BP, Prostrate Bluet –JS, and Common Cinquefoil –.

SPECIAL NOTE:  Between the “L” bridge and Fern Falls the White Fringed Phacelia is right at peak – well worth visiting.  Also the Rue Anemone, Hepatica, Dutchmen’s Breeches, Squirrel Corn, Spring Beauties, and Large Flowered Trillium are great at this time.

March 13, 2012

We’re having an unusually early wildflower season in the Smokies. The phacelia is already blooming on Porters Creek, which means we are already nearing the peak of the spring ephemerals. This is a good three weeks or more early.

It is already becoming a national story. Fortunately, the early wildflowers are coinciding with spring breaks this year, so people have the opportunity to enjoy the spring flowers .

Click here to check out all our great wildflower books and guides at our brand new gorgeous online store -- where every purchase benefits the park!

Llowers are already good on Porters Creek Trail, Huskey Gap Trail, and Little River Trail. Large patches of fringed phacelia are already coming into bloom, and some Dutchman's britches. With the warm weather forecast for this week, things should progress rapidly. This is one year you don't want to wait until mid-April to see the spring flowers!

March 5, 2012

Laurel Falls – (Beginning to End) Trailing Arbutus, Creamy Yellow Violet, Common Blue Violet (1), and Common Cinquefoil (1).

Cove Mountain – (Laurel Falls Trail to Park Headquarters) – Trailing Arbutus, Common Blue Violet, Sweet White Violet, and if you can imagine this Daisy Fleabane (1).

Note:   In the higher elevations it was difficult to see if there were flowers blooming because of snow cover.

March 2, 2012

Chestnut Top – (Beginning to End) Spring Beauty (+), Star Chickweed (+), Hepatica, Toothwort (-), Long Spurred Violet (-), Blood Root (-), Trailing Arbutus, Rue Anemone, and Sweet Pinesap.

Legend
+ many
– few

February 20, 2012

Abrams Falls (From the beginning of the trail to the falls) – Star Chickweed (good number blooming) – Common Blue Violet (1) – Common Cinquefoil (2) and Trailing Arbutus (few).  Plantain Leaf Pussytoes are budded and will be blooming in a few days with mild weather.

Baxter Creek (Beginning to End) – First 2 miles from Big Creek – Star Chickweed, Rue Anemone, Hepatica, and Spring Beauties.

REPORTS FROM 2011

November 23, 2011
Ace Gap (Beginning to End) – Mountain Gentian (2), Goldenrod Erect (1), and Curtiss Milkwort.

November 14
Rich Mountain (Beginning to End) – No blooming plants found.

Scott Mountain (Beginning to End) – Canadian Violet (1), Heart Leaf Aster, and Curtis Milkwort.

Chestnut Top (Beginning to End) – Curtis Milkwort, Sweet White Violet (1), Whitewood Aster, Goldenrod Erect, White Snakeroot, Star Chickweed (1), and Long Spurred Violet (14).

November 7
Chestnut Branch (Beginning to End) – No report – insufficient blooms.

Appalachian Trail (From Chestnut Branch to Lower Mt. Cammerer) – No Report – insufficient blooms.

Lower Mountain Cammerer (Beginning to End) – Heart Leaf Aster, Whitewood Aster, Goldenrod Erect, and Dwarf Crested Iris (1).

October 31
Rich Mountain Loop (Beginning to End) – Whitewood Aster, Curtis Aster, and Goldenrod Erect.

Indian Grave (From Rich Mountain Loop to Crooked Arm Trail) – No report – insufficient blooms.

Crooked Arm (Beginning to End) – No report – insufficient blooms.

October 10
Roundtop (Beginning to End) – Curtis Aster, False Foxglove, White Snakeroot, Curtiss Milkwort, Whitewood Aster, Pink Turtlehead, Mountain Gentian, Southern Harebell, Great Lobelia, Purple Gerardia, Black Eyed Susan, Heart-a-bustin, and Hawkweed.

October 3
Low Gap (From Cosby Campground to Low Gap) – White Snakeroot, Whitewood Aster, Pink Turtlehead, Pale Jewelweed, Goldenrod Erect, Filmy Angelica, Great Lobelia, and Mountain Gentian.

Appalachian Trail (From Low Gap to Mt. Cammerer Trail) – Love Vine, Goldenrod Erect, Southern Harebell (3), White Snakeroot, and Whitewood Aster.

Mt. Cammerer (Beginning to End) – Goldenrod Erect and White Snakeroot.

September 26
Fork Ridge Trail (Beginning to End) - White Snakeroot, Whitewood Aster, Goldenrod Erect, Curtis Aster, Great Lobelia (1), False Foxglove (2), Pale Jewelweed, White Top Aster, Lions Foot, and Mountain Gentian (Many beautiful blooms of the Gentian).

Deep Creek Trail (From Fork Ridge Trail to Newfound Gap Road) – White Top Aster, Goldenrod Erect, Mountain Gentian, Large Flowered Bellwort (1), Orange Jewelweed, White Snakeroot, Filmy Angelica, and Pale Jewelweed.

September 12
Rabbit Creek (From Abrams Creek Ranger Station to Hannah Mountain Trail) – Wild Golden Glow, Black Eyed Susan, Great Lobellia, White Top Aster, False Foxglove, Coreopsis, Sweet Goldenrod, Curtis Aster, Pokeweed, Southern Harebell, Joe Pye Weed, and Indian Pipe.

Hannah Mountain (From Rabbit Creek to #14) – No report – very few blooms.

August 29
Laurel Falls Trail (Beginning to End) - False Foxglove, Southern Harebell, Curtis Aster, Flowering Spurge, Coreopsis, Goldenrod Erect, Hawkweed, and White Top Aster.

Cove Mountain (Beginning to End) – Southern Harebell, White Top Aster, Goldenrod Erect, Mountain Gentian (2), White Snakeroot, False Foxglove, Curtiss Milkwort, Coreopsis, Flowering Spurge, Great Lobelia, Tick Trefoil (1), and Lion’s Foot*. * I have not seen Lion’s Foot previously.

As best as I can determine this is what I saw (page 368 “Wildflowers of Tennessee the Ohio Valley and the Southern Appalachians”).

Also, we saw another very beautiful wildflower which I have been unable to locate in any of the wildflower books that I have. My camera would not work. If I can get the camera to work and can arrange the time I will try to relocate that flower to make photos – plant about four and a half feet high – 6 petals on the blooms with a small yellowish bloom in the middle – blooms about a half inch by a half inch – no leaves on the stem. – located on the Cove Mountain Trail about a mile and a half from the junction with the Laurel Falls Trail on the right side headed toward Park Headquarters.

August 22
Appalachian Trail (From Newfound Gap to Boulevard Trail) – Whitewood Aster, Filmy Angelica, White Snakeroot, Pale Jewelweed, Love Vine, Heal All, Indian Pipe, Black Cohosh, Joe Pye Weed, Pink Turtlehead, and Goldenrod Erect.

Boulevard Trail (Beginning to End) – Whitewood Aster, Pink Turtlehead, Pale Jewelweed, White Snakeroot, Filmy Angelica, Goldenrod Erect, Indian Pipe, Michaux’s Saxifrage, Wild Golden Glow, Monkshood, and Grass of Parnassus. Note: The Grass of Parnassus display of blooms are close to full bloom. I have not seen this many blooms previously.

Alum Cave Bluff (Beginning to End) – White Snakeroot, Filmy Angelica, Liner Leaf Gentian, Grass of Parnassus, Whitewood Aster, Love Vine, Pale Jewelweed, Michaux’s Saxifrage, Goldenrod Erect, Mountain Krigia, and Joe Pye Weed. Note: The display of the Grass of Parnassus and Liner Left Gentian blooms are fantastic – well worth the hike up to the last mile of the trail before reaching Mt. LeConte.

LeConte Lodge Area – White Snakeroot, Filmy Angelica, Pale Jewelweed, Pink Turtlehead, Crimson Bee Balm, and Wild Golden Glows.

August 15
Curry Mountain (Beginning to End)- Southern Harebell, Goldenrod Erect, Star Grass (1), Curtiss Milkwort, Coreopsis, and Yellow Fringed Orchid (1).

Meigs Mountain (From Curry Mountain Trail to Jakes Creek Trail) – White Top Aster, Asiatic Day Flower (1), Heal All (1), Coreopsis, Wood Nettle, and Goldenrod Erect.

August 8
Anthony Creek (Beginning to End) - Love Vine, Wood Nettle, Coreopsis, Pale Jewelweed, White Top Aster, Whitewood Aster, and Pink Turtlehead (2).

Bote Mountain (From Anthony Creek to the A T) – Wild Golden Glow, Pale Jewelweed, Orange Jewelweed, Joe Pye Weed, White Top Aster, Whitewood Aster, Crimson Bee Balm, Wood Nettle, Love Vine, Filmy Angelica, and Heal All.

Appalachian Trail (From Jenkins Ridge Trail to Russell Field Trail) – Love Vine, Southern Harebell, Crimson Bee Balm, Orange Jewelweed, White Snakeroot, Heal All, Goldenrod Erect, and Joe Pye Weed.

Russell Field Trail (Beginning to End) – Crimson Bee Balm, Yellow Fringed Orchid (3), Whitewood Aster, Love Vine, Rattlesnake Plantain (2), White Snakeroot, Heal All, Large Bell Flower, Goldenrod Erect, Joe Pye Weed, White Top Aster, Tick Trefoil, and Early Goldenrod.

August 1
Little River (Beginning to Rough Creek Trail) – Rosebay Rhododendron (2), Heal All, Wood Nettle, Pale Jewelweed, Orange Jewelweed, Crimson Bee Balm, Blackeyed Susan, Wild Hydrangea (1), Tall Bellflower (AG), White Snakeroot (JB), Whitewood Aster, and Wild Golden Glow.
Note: Displays of Black Eyed Susan and Wild Golden Glows are nice.

Rough Creek (Beginning to End) – Crimson Bee Balm, Wild Golden Glow, Black Eyed Susan, Coreopsis, Indian Pipe (2), Large Bell Flower (AG), Pale Jewelweed, Rattlesnake Plantain (AG), Whitewood Aster, Wood Nettle, Love Vine, and Pokeweed (1). Displays of Wild Golden Glows and Black Eyed Susan are good.

Sugarland Mountain (From Rough Creek to Huskey Gap) – Rattlesnake Plantain (AG), Love Vine, False Fox Glove, Southern Harebell, Crimson Bee Balm, Wood Nettle, Large Bell Flower, Star Grass (1), Smooth Hedge Nettle (1), Yellow Fringed Orchid (very beautiful), Golden Rod Erect, Coreopsis, Wild Golden Glows, Pale Jewelweed, and Turk Cap Lily (3) (AG).

Huskey Gap (From Huskey Gap to Little River Trail) – Heal All, Rattlesnake Plantain (AG), Coreopsis, Crimson Bee Balm, Star Grass, Large Bell Flower, Wild Golden Glow and Asiatic Dayflower.

Cucumber Gap (Beginning to End) – No Report because very few blooms; however I found flowers blooming which I have been unable to identify – appears to be either from the Orchid or Lily family.

July 25
Lumber Ridge (Beginning to End) – Yellow Fringed Orchid, Curtis Milkwort, Turk Cap Lily (2), Starry Campion, Wild Hydrangea (2), Reclining St. Andrew’s Cross, Rattlesnake Plantain, Star Grass, and Goldenrod Erect (?).

Meigs Mountain (from Lumber Ridge Trail to Curry Mountain Trail) – Pokeweed, Rattlesnake Plantain, Wood Nettle, and Black Cohosh.

July 18
Middle Prong (Beginning to End) – Rosebay Rhododendron, Rattlesnake Plantain, Wood Nettle, Thimbleweed, Heal All, Crimson Bee Balm, White Clover, Summer Sweet, Whitewood Aster, Common St. John’s Wort, Pale Jewel Weed, Orange Jewel Weed, Daisy Fleabane, and Common Yellow Wood Sorrel.

Greenbrier Ridge (Beginning to End) – Love Vine, Daisy Fleabane, Indian Pipe, Crimson Bee Balm, Rosebay Rhododendron, Wood Nettle, Whitewood Aster, Black Cohosh, Pale Jewel Weed, Rattlesnake Plantain, Wild Golden Glow, and White Snakeroot (Just Starting to bloom).

Appalachian Trail (From Greenbrier Ridge Trail to Derrick Knob Shelter) – Crimson Bee Balm, Basil Bee Balm, Whitewood Aster, Yarrow, and Turk Cap Lily (1). Note: There are many Basil Bee Balm, and they are putting on an excellent display.

July 11
Rainbow Falls (Beginning to End) – Black Cohosh, Rosebay Rhododendron, White Top Aster, Rugels Indian Plantain, Whitewood Aster, Wood Nettle, Summer Sweet, Turks Cap Lily, Wood Sorrel, Love Vine, Crimson Bee Balm, Wild Golden Glow, Galax, Yellow Touch-Me-Not (1), Wild Hydrangea, Bush Honey Suckle, White Snakeroot (just started blooming), Indian Pipe, Pink Turtle Head, (1) and Michaux Saxifrage. Note: Rosebay Rhododendrons are at peak a couple of miles up the trail up to about 6200 feet. Nice display of Wild Golden Glows and Crimson Bee Balms.

Bull Head (Beginning to End) – Rugels Indian Plantain (at peak), Michaux Saxifrage, Turks Cap Lily, Wood Sorrel, Bush Honey Suckle, Wild Hydrangea, Wild Golden Glow, Whitewood Aster, Tassel Rue, Crimson Bee Balm, Love Vine, Rosebay Rhododendron, Canadian Violet, Rattlesnake Plantain, Star Grass (1), Summer Sweet, Wood Nettle, Coreopsis, Black Cohosh, White Top Aster, Sour Wood and Yellow Fringed Orchid (JSB). Turks Cap Lilies, Crimson Bee Balm, Wild Golden Glows, and Rosebay Rhododendron displays are great.

Note: Crane-fly Orchids (also known as Resurrection Orchid) are blooming along the Old Sugarlands Trail on the left before reaching the Bull Head Trailhead (coming from Cherokee Orchard).

July 4
Chestnut Top (Beginning to End) – Shooting Rocket, Wild Hydrangea (1), Basil Bee Balm, Black Cohosh, Wood Nettle, Horse Nettle, Reclining St. Andrew’s Cross, Great Mullenin, Indian Pipe, Coreopsis, Rattlesnake Plantain, Star Grass (1), Tall Bellwort, Curtis Milkwort, and Sourwood.

School House Gap (Beginning to End) – Butterfly Pea (1), Coreopsis, Rattlesnake Plantain, Rosebay Rhododendron, Mountain Angelica, Heal All, False Fox Glove, Red Clover, White Clover, Wood Nettle, and Thimbleweed.

Bote Mountain (Beginning to Finley Cane) – Heal All, Thimbleweed, Coreopsis, Rosebay Rhododendron, Reclining St. Andrew’s Cross, and Red Clover.

West Prong (Beginning to End) – Great Lobelia (1), Reclining St. Andrew’s Cross, Black Cohosh, and Common St. John’s Wort.

Note: Many of the flowers are well past their peak.

June 27
Abrams Falls Trails (Beginning to Falls) – Rosebay Rhododendron, Coreopsis, Bleeding Heart, and St. Andrews Cross (1).

June 20
Porter Creek Trail (Beginning to Brushy Mountain Trail) – Rosebay Rhododendron (at peak bloom), Pokeweed (just starting), Daisy Fleabane, Wild Hydrangea, Black Cohosh (1), Common St. John’s Wort, and Crimson Bee Balm (1).

Brushy Mountain Trail (Beginning to End) – Rosebay Rhododendron (at peak lower elevations), Tea Berry, Rugel’s Indian Plantain (Just started), Crimson Bee Balm, Partridge Berry, Wood Nettle, Pipsissewa, Wild Hydrangea, Summer Sweet (Just starting), Galax (last 2/10 mile on Brushy Mountain), Wood Sorrel (2), and Star Grass.

June 12
Gregory Ridge Trail (Beginning to End) Rosebay Rhododendron, Wild Hydrangea, Pipsissewa, Foam Flower (2), Galax, Tea Berry, Loose Strife, Goats Beard (1), Canadian Violet, Flame Azalea, and Starry Campion.

Gregory Bald Trail (Beginning to End) – Starry Campion, Flame Azalea, Yarrow, Prostrate Bluets, Wild Hydrangea, Galax, Mountain Laurel, Star Grass, Goats Beard (1), Coreopsis, Rosebay Rhododendron, Spiderwort, and Pipsissewa.

Flame azaleas are at peak on Gregory Bald and Azaleas and Catawba rhododendron are at peak on Andrews Bald.

June 6
Alum Cave Bluff (Beginning to End) – Mountain Laurel, Catawba Rhododendron, Wood Sorrel, Blackberry, Yellow Bead Lily, Dog Hobble, Dwarf Rhododendron, Galax, Sweet White Violet, Common Yellow Wood Sorrel, and Blue Haw.
Note: Around 2/10 of a mile above Alum Cave Bluffs the Catawba Rhododendron are at peak bloom – very beautiful – well worth the hike up there.

Gregory Bald
For all you folks wondering about the azalea blooms on Gregory Bald, our expert, Tom Harrington just said this: "I checked my diary back to 1995, and the middle of June has been the peak for the Flame Azalea blooms on Gregory Bald during those years. When I have gone during the third full week of June the blooms have been past peak. With the extreme heat they likely will peak early."

May 30
Lead Cove (Beginning to End) – Galax, Mountain Laurel, Wild Hydrangea, Goats Beard, Partridge Berry, Large Bluets, Canadian Violets, Hawkweed, and Flame Azalea.

Bote Mountain (From Lead Cove Trail to Finely Cane Trail) – Mountain Laurel, Galax, Wild Hydrangea, Galax, Large Bluets Hawkweed, Flame Azalea, Star Grass, and Bowman’s Root.

Finely Cane (Beginning to End) – Galax, Large Bluets, and Wild Hydrangea.

May 16
Low Gap (Cosby Campground to the Appalachian Trail) – Wood Sorrel, Sweet Cicely, Partridge Berry, Meadow Parsnip, Canadian Violet, Jack-in-the-pulpit (1), Sweet White Violet, Clinton Lily, Viburnun Leaf Maple, Alternate-leaved Dogwood, Galax, Mountain Laurel, Large Bluet, Vasey Trillium (3), False Solomon’s Seal, Solomon’s Seal, Foam Flower (about gone), Blackberry, Dutchmen’s Pipe, Squaw Root, Stone Crop (about gone), and Dog Hobble.

Appalachian Trail (Low Gap to Mt. Cammerer Trail) – Blackberry, Squaw Root, Prostrate Bluets, Indian Cucumber Root, Canadian Mayflower, Solomon’s Seal, False Solomon’s Seal, Star Chickweed, Erect Trillium (about gone), Sweet White Violet, Yellow Bead Lily, and Stone Crop (about gone).

Mount Cammerer (Beginning to End) – Prostrate Bluets, Canadian Mayflower, Sweet White Violet, Yellow Bead Lily (about gone), Painted Trillium (about gone), Hairy Buttercup, and Catawba Rhododendron (very beautiful in the fog and rain).

May 9
Metcalf Bottoms Trail (Beginning to End) – Daisy Fleabane, Blackberry, Mountain Laurel, Common Cinquefoil, Maple Leaf Viburnum, Common Cinquefoil, Dwarf Cinquefoil, Golden Ragwort, Large Bluet, Galax, Red Clover, Wild Geranium, Meadow Parsnip, Vasey Trillium (2), Dog Hobble (about gone), and Partridgeberry.

Walker Sisters Cabin Trail (Beginning to End) – Mountain Laurel, Large Bluets, Galax (just starting), Lyre Leaf Sage, Bowman’s Root, Sweet Shrub, Red Clover, Daisy Fleabane, Robins Plantain (about gone), Common Cinquefoil, Dwarf Cinquefoil, Solomon’s Seal, Dog Hobble (about gone), False Solomon’s Seal, Wild Geranium, Hawkweed, White Clover, Canadian Violet, Japanese Honeysuckle, and Multiflora Rose.

Little Brier Gap Trail (Beginning to End) – Lyre Leaf Sage, Mountain Laurel, False Solomon’s Seal, Robins Plantain (about gone), Large Bluet, Daisy Fleabane, Sweet Shrub, Fire Pink, Clinton Lily, Blackberry, Hawkweed, Galax (just starting to bloom), and Star Grass.

Little Greenbrier Trail (Beginning to End) – Blue Berry, Mountain Laurel (at peak – first two miles a delight to observe), Star Grass, Bowman’s Root, Large Bluet, Blackberry, Hawkweed, Galax, False Solomon’s Seal, Maple Leaf Viburnum, Wild Geranium, Yellow Trillium (about gone), Four Leaf Milkweed, Solomon’s Seal, Meadow Parsnip, Clinton Lily (very nice), Flame Azalea (not as many as in the past), Stone Crop (outstanding display), Plantain Leaf Pussy Toe (about gone), Star Chickweed, Rue Anemone, Dutchmen’s Pipe (about gone), Vasey Trillium, Squaw Root (about gone), Crested Dwarf Iris (1), Toothwort (2 – about gone), Sweet Cecily (about gone), Sweet White Violet, Bowman’s Root, and Wild Oats.

Wear Gap Road [inside the park] – Wild Geranium, Red Clover, White Clover, Blue Eye Grass, Fire Pink, Four Leaf Milkweed, Meadow Parsnip, Daisy Fleabane, Solomon’s Seal, Purple Phacelia, Black Berry, Lyre Leaf Sage, False Solomon’s Seal, Golden Ragwort, Star Chickweed, Japanese Wisteria, and Canadian Violet.

May 2
Ace Gap (Beginning to End) – Maple Leaf Viburnum, Yellow Trillium, Sweet Shrub, Star Grass, Wild Geranium, Meadow Parsnip, Stone Crop, Bowman Root, Carolina Vetch, Robins Plantain, Indian Pink (just starting to bloom), Black Berry, Birdfoot Violet, Dog Hobble, Solomon’s Seal, False Solomon’s Seal, Hawkweed, Mountain Laurel (Just starting to bloom), Galax (Just starting to bloom), Beard Tongue, Spiderwort (1), Common Cinquefoil, Flame Azalea (Very Beautiful – at peak), Catesby Trillium, Fairy Wand (4), Rue Anemone, Crested Dwarf Iris, Wild Oats, Clinton Lily, Bristling Locust, and Little Brown Jugs. SPECIAL NOTE: THERE ARE 84 BLOW DOWNS ON THIS TRAIL - I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND TAKING THIS TRAIL IN ITS PRESENT CONDITION.

April 25
Rich Mountain Loop Trail (Beginning to End) Plantain Leaf Pussy Toe, Common Cinquefoil, Wild Comfrey, Hawkweed, Blackberry, Daisy Fleabane, Purple Phacelia, White Fringed Phacelia, Miami Mist, Common Blue Violet, Hairy Buttercup, Yellow Trillium, Robins Plantain, Rue Anemone, Catesby Trillium, Wild Oats, Stonecrop, Bird Foot Violet, Carolina Vetch, Crested Dwarf Iris, Solomon’s Seal, Cancer Root, Flame Azalea (very beautiful – just started blooming – brilliant orange), Meadow Parsnip, Wild Geranium, Lyre Leaf Sage, Prostrate Bluet, and Violet Wood Sorrel.

Crooked Arm Trail (Beginning to End) – Dogwood, Rue Anemone, Blackberry, Wild Confrey, Purple Phacelia, Miami Mist, Daisy Fleabane, Common Cinquefoil, Squaw Root, Crested Dwarf Iris, Stone Crop, Lyre Leaf Sage, Solomon’s Seal, False Solomon’s Seal, Catesby Trillium, Wild Oats, Sweet Cecily, Cutleaf Toothwort, Cancer Root, Carolina Vetch, Wild Geranium, Star Chickweed, Meadow Parsnip, and Bird Foot Violet.

Indian Grave Trail (From Crooked Arm Trail to Rich Mountain Loop Trail) – Common Cinquefoil, Wild Oats, Bird Foot Violet, Star Grass, Carolina Vetch, Plantain Leaf Pussy Toe, Solomon’s Seal, Catesby Trillium, Hairy Buttercup, Rue Anemone, Stonecrop, Squaw Root, and Star Chickweed.

April 22
Huskey Gap (Beginning to End – starting from US 441) – Canadian Violets, False Solomon’s Seal, Yellow Trillium, Purple Phacelia, Crested Dwarf Iris, Star Chickweed, Doll Eyes, Hairy Buttercup, Sweet White Violet, Wild Geranium, May Apple, Cutleaf Toothwort, Solomon’s Seal, Jack-in-the-Pulpit (1), Common Blue Violet, Rue Anemone, Sweet Shrub, Dog Hobble, Dogwood, Trillium Erect, Wild Ginger, Yellow Mandarin, Large Flowered Trillium, Bishop Caps, Foam Flower, Blue Cohosh, Squirrel Corn, Painted Trillium (1), Umbrella Magnolia, Silver Bell, Squaw Root, Halberd Leaf Violet, Large Flowered Bellwort, and Common Cinquefoil.

Little River (From Huskey Gap Trail to Goshen Prong Trail) – Large Flowered Trillium, Cutleaf Toothwort, Yellow Trillium, Showy Orchis, Wild Strawberry, Squaw Root, Dog Hobble, Rue Anemone, Cream Yellow Violet, Common Blue Violet, Sweet White Violet, Stone Crop, Jack-in-the-Pulpit (2), Foam Flower, Common Cinquefoil, Star Chickweed, Bishop Caps, Solomon’s Seal, Canadian Violet, Hairy Buttercup, Wild Phlox, Map Apple, False Solomon’s Seal, Meadow Parsnip, Trillium Erect, White Fringed Phacelia, and Golden Ragwort.

April 11
Middle Prong Trail (Beginning to End) – Sweet Shrub, Common Blue Violet, Sweet Cicely, Star Chickweed, Sweet White Violet, Cutleaf Toothwort, Creamy Yellow Violet, Trillium Erect, Rue Anemone, Jack in the Pulpit (5), Yellow Mandarin, Canadian Violet, Squirrel Corn, Round Leaf Violet, Bishop Caps, Foam Flower, Dog Hobble, Blue Cohosh, Showy Orchus, Frasier Sedge, Meadow Parsnip, Brook Lettuce, Purple Fringed Phacelia (or Miami Mist if you prefer), Spring Beauty, Hairy Butter Cup, Seersucker Sedge, Prostrate Bluet, Halberd Leaf Violet, Trout Lily, Silverbells, Wild Strawberries, and Painted Trillium (2).

Note: If a visitor is willing to walk about 2 and a half miles up this trail the White and Purple Fringed Phacelia are at full bloom at this time, and their display is breathtaking – ground is covered with purple and white blooms – looks like it has snowed. With the heat we have had in the last few days the blooms probably will not last long.

Lynn Camp Prong (From Middle Prong Trail to Campsite #28) – Sweet White Violet, Trout Lily, Common Blue Violet, Spring Beauty, Halberd Leaf Violet, Trillium Erect, Star Chickweed, Purple Fringed Phacelia (or Miami Mist if you prefer), Dutchmen’s Breeches, Brook Lettuce, and Squirrel Corn.

Legend:
MB (Many blooms)
FB (Few Blooms)
JS (Just started blooming)
AP (Blooms at peak)

April 4
Little River Trail (Beginning to Cumcumber Gap Trail) – Yellow Trillium (MP – AP), Common Blue Violet (FB), Sweet White Violet (FB), Long Spurred Violet (AP), Hepatica (FB – BP), Trillium Erect (MB),
Spring Beauties (MB – AP), Smooth Yellow Violets (FB), Rue Anemone (AP), Bishop Caps (AP), Solomon’s Seal (FB – JS), Wild Ginger (FB), Large Flowered Trillium (FB), Squirrel Corn (FB – BP), Trout Lily (FB – BP), Dutchmen’s Breeches (FB – AP), and Star Chickweed (FB).

Cucumber Gap Trail (Beginning to End) – Common Blue Violet (FB), Spring Beauties (MB – AP), Halberd Leaf Violet (MB – AP), Sweet White Violet (FB – AP), Cutleaf Toothwort (FB – BP), Trout Lily (BP), Star Chickweed (FB), Wood Anemone (AP), Dwarf Ginseng (FB), Rue Anemone (MB – AP), Hepatica (AP) (Note: Some beautiful white ones, some really beautiful lavender ones), Bishop Caps (AP), Yellow Trillium (AP), Frasers Sedge (MP – BP), Squirrel Corn (FB – BP), Squirrel Corn (FB – BP), Trillium Erect (MB), Smooth Yellow Violet (MB – AP), and Foam Flower (FB – JS).

Note: The flowers are especially delightful for the first half of the trail from Jakes Creek Trail – hillsides covered with Smooth Yellow Violets, Trillium Erects and Rue Anemone – well worth the walk there).

April 1
Porter Creek Trail (Beginning to about 2.7 miles up the trail) - Star Chickweed, Sweet White Violet, Foam Flower, Long Spurred Violet, Smooth Yellow Violet, Rue Anemone, Solomon’s Seal, Cutleaf Toothwort, Wild Geranium, Halberd Leaf Violet, Dwarf Ginseng, Squirrel Corn, Trillium Erect, White Fringed Phacelia, Dutchmen’s Breeches, Spring Beauties, Blue Cohosh, Yellow Mandarin, Frasers Sedge, Wild Ginger, Large Flowered Trillium, and Trout Lily.

Legend:
MB (Many blooms)
FB (Few Blooms)
JS (Just started blooming)
AP (Blooms at peak)

March 27
Abrams Falls (Beginning to falls) – Trail Arbutus (MB & AP), Plantain Leaf Pussy Toe (MB & AP), Star Chickweed (AP), Bleeding Heart (FB & JS), Halberd Leaf Violet (FB & JS), Catesby Trillium (FB & JS), Sweet White Violet (FB & JS), Red Bud (FB), Common Blue Violet (1), and Little Brown Jugs (FB). There are two Gay Wings budded.

March 25
Chestnut Top (Beginning to End) – Trillium Erect, Rue Anemone, Bishop Caps, Stone Crop, Cut Leaf Toothwort, Long Spurred Violet, Fire Pink (2), Seersucker Sedge, Plantain Leaved Pussy Toes, Little Brown Jugs (1), Hepatica, Trailing Arbutus, Dogwood, Solomon’s Seal, Spring Beauty, Sweet White Violets, and Yellow Trillium.

Bote Mountain (From Laurel Creek Road to West Prong) –Sweet White Violet, Long Spurred Violet, Trailing Arbutus, Halberd Leaf Violet and Plantain Leaf Pussy Toe.

West Prong (Beginning to End) – Trailing Arbutus, Long Spurred Violet, Plantain Leaf Pussy Toe, Fraser’s Sedge, Common Blue Violet, Rue Anemone, Star Chickweed, Blood Root, Red Bud, Spring Beauty, Hepatica, Little Brown Jug, Yellow Trillium

March 21
School House Gap (Beginning to End) – Seersucker Sedge, Rue Anemone (1), Trailing Arbutus (1), Long Spurred Violet, Plantain Leaf Pussy Toe, Sweet White Violet, Common Blue Violet and Carolina Vetch.

Scott Mountain (Beginning to End) – Plantain Leaf Pussy Toe (MB), Trailing Arbutus (MB & AP), Blood Root (MB & AP), Toothwort (FB & JS), Rue Anemone (MB & AP), Spring Beauty (MB & AP), Sweet White Violets (FB), Seersucker Sedge (FB & BP), Dutchmen’s Breeches (JS), Hepatica (MB & AP), Creamy Yellow Violet (FB), Halberd Leaf Violet (FB), Common Blue Violet (FB) and Common Cinquefoil (1).

Note: The footing on this trail is challenging at various locations so I personally would not recommend it to inexperienced hikers or people with problems with keeping their balance. At several locations the Hepatica and Spring Beauties have covered the hillside.

March 18
Ramsey Cascade (Beginning to End) – Blood Root, Sweet White Violet, Long Spurred Violet, Creamy Yellow Violet, Halberd Leaved Violet, Seersucker Sage, and Spring Beauties. Many Yellow Trillium are budded.

Note: For those not able to walk display of Blood Root (when the sun is out) is really great at different locations along Greenbrier Road and the road to the Ramsey Cascade Trailhead.