15 Spring Wildflower Hikes to Do in the United States
The snow is melting and things are starting to look a bit greener as spring emerges in North America. With a variety of climates in the United States, you can view wildflowers year-round depending on the time and place. However, this list below will focus on hikes that feature spring wildflowers that typically bloom from February to June. Not sure if you are fully prepared for a spring hike? Learn more about hiking in the spring on BC25.com.
Do practice ‘Leave No Trace‘ policies regarding wildflowers. In some of these places, it is illegal to pick the flowers. Therefore, appreciate the flowers from a distance and let their beauty live. If a flower is picked, it no longer can spread it seeds to support the next generation of wildflowers. So, you are doing great things by admiring these beautiful blooms from afar and while they are still rooted in the ground.
1. Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee/North Carolina
When: Year-round
Flowers: Orchids, columbine, iris, violets, lilies, among others
The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is known as the “Wildflower National Park.” This park has more species of flowers than any other national park in North America with over 1,500 species. The first spring flowers can be seen as early as mid-April but flowers can actually be seen year-round. There are many hikes in this beautiful park to view wildflowers but a few of the best wildflower spring hikes would be on the Chestnut Top Trail, Gregory Bald, Cove Hardwood Self-Guided Nature Trail, and Husky Gap Trail.
2. Crested Butte, Colorado
When: June to August
Flowers: Lupine, sunflowers, Indian paintbrush, columbine, among others
Crested Butte, Colorado is known as the “Wildflower Capital of Colorado.” This destination is perfect for a late spring vacation because mid to late June is the best time to spot these beautiful flowers. The flowers will be find in lower elevation trails, such as valley trails. Higher elevations will still be covered with snow around this time. Just to name a couple, check out the Lupine Trail and the Upper Loop Trail for some great view of wildflowers in Crested Butte. However, these trails are not the only options. There are a variety of hiking trails with wildflower views in Crested Butte. You could even catch Crested Butte’s wildflower festival in early July.
3. Hill Country Region, Central Texas
When: Mid-March to Mid-April
Flowers: Bluebonnet, Indian paintbrush, primrose
The wildflowers in the Texas Hill Country, predominately the state flower known as the bluebonnet, are a sight to see. The Hill Country located in Central Texas is home to blooming fields of wildflowers each spring. Although there are far more scenic drives than hikes to view wildflowers in Texas, there are definitely enough trails to give you some great wildflower views. Visit the number of hiking trails at the Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne, Texas or use this tool to find all the Texas Hill Country hiking trails in your desired region.
4. The White Mountains, New Hampshire
When: Early June
Flowers: Lupine, laurel, cranberry, sweet gale, berries, diapensia, Lapland rosebay, alpine azalea, among others
For those that may come late for wildflower viewing, there are still many great alpine places that have peak blooms in June, such as Sugar Hill in New Hampshire and the mountains surrounding the town. The White Mountains are home to a variety of wildflowers during spring season but the purple lupine is the most abundant and dazzling flower you will see. There are a variety of hikes in the region that boast views of wildflowers whether you are seeking an easy trail or a strenuous trek. Check out the Lonesome Lake loop for an easy valley stroll or take the Appalachian Trail and hike up Franconia Ridge to view alpine wildflowers in bloom. Check out this source for more wildflower hikes in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.
6. Hite Cove Trail, Sierra Mountains, California
When: March to May
Flowers: California Poppy
The Hite Cove Trail, near Yosemite National Park, boasts beautiful views of orange poppies. Being at a lower elevation, you can view these flowers early while many flowering spots in high alpine are still covered with snow. This moderate trail is a favorite for wildflower viewing.
7. Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA
When: late March to early June
Flowers: Hepatica, violets, trillium, wild geraniums, pink azaleas, mountain laurel, among others
Shenandoah National Park, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains, offers a variety of hikes to view wildflowers in the spring. Take an easy stroll along the Bluebell Loop Trail, Check out this wildflower calendar to learn more about peak blooms of wildflowers in Shenandoah National Park.
8. The Ridges Sanctuary, Door County, Wisconsin
When: May to June
Flowers: Primrose, orchids, iris, marigold, Indian paintbrush, rose, lilies, among others
This Midwest gem boasts beautiful wildflower views every spring. The nature preserve, The Ridges Sanctuary, in Door County is a must-see for wildflower lovers. There are five miles of looped trails within the sanctuary that have views of over 500 species of plants.
9. Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve, Mojave Desert, California
When: Mid-February to May
Flowers: California Poppy
The Antelope Valley Poppy Reserve has eight miles of trails where you can view an utterly beautiful amount of orange poppies. The poppies typically bloom in April, prompting the area’s California Poppy Festival. However, depending on climate factors, blooms can start as early as mid-February and continue until mid-May. Use this resource to check ‘bloom status.’
10. Carter Caves State Park, Kentucky
When: April to May
Flowers: Violet, bluets, pawpaw, blue phlox, among others
Wildflower season in Kentucky will not disappoint. Head to Carter Caves State Park to check out this season’s wildflowers. In April, a Wildflower Weekend takes place at the park where you can camp at a discounted rate. Can’t beat that! The Horn Hollow Trail is sure to give you rewarding views of gorgeous spring blooms.
11. Chinquapin Group Campground, Oregon
When: May and June
Flowers: Yellow fleabane, dwarf clover, sandwort, among others
Spring blooms can be viewed a little later in the year after May 1st when the Chinquapin Group Campground opens. Look for a trail along or near Grayback Creek because along the creek’s banks are loads of blooming flowers. Go for a scenic walk on Grayback Meadows trail or hike up Grayback Mountain for a summit view of more gorgeous wildflower blooms.
12. North Cascades National Park, Washington
When: March to August
Flowers: Pink mountain heather, tiger lily, salmonberry, Indian plum, among others
This gorgeous national park features wildflower blooms as early as March. However, you can catch wildflowers throughout the spring and summer. High alpine wildflowers don’t bloom until August! To view the best wildflowers this spring, however, hike the Rainy Lake Trail, Buckskin Ridge Trail, the trail to Libby Lake, the Ingalls Creek Trail, Heather – Maple Pass Loop, Hidden Lake Lookout, or Sauk Mountain Trail. With so many options, you are sure to find a hike to fit your schedule and your ability.
13. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, California
When: February to April
Flowers: Prickly poppies, primrose, milkweed, purple arrow weed, yellow hair suncaps, among others
Desert flowers, although only bloom under the right conditions, sure are beautiful. This park in California boasts hundreds of miles of dirt roads and hiking paths. Many of the hiking trails will provide views of desert blooms but check out Yaqui Well Trail, Cactus Loop Trail, Elephant Trees Trail, or the Kenyon Overlook Trail, among others, to view spring wildflowers. Call the park’s wildflower hotline to get regular updates on the bloom: 760-767-4684.
14. Brown County State Park, Indiana
When: late April
Flowers: Ferns, adder’s tongue, spleenwort, bloodroot, wild geranium, among others
In Indiana’s largest state park, you can view gorgeous wildflowers this spring. The county holds a Wildflower Foray every year that features wildflower hikes and programs. The park itself actually contains 20 different types of wildflowers. There are eight different trails in the park, many of which will give you views of wildflowers.
15. Cedar Breaks National Monument, Utah
When: June to July
Flowers: Lupine, phlox, aspen bluebells, Indian paintbrush, Colorado columbines, sunflowers, among others
Wildflower season is late in Utah but the views sure are gorgeous. The Cedar Breaks National Monument does have a short wildflower season but catch stunning blooms during June or July along the Alpine Pond Trail.
What is your favorite hike or place to view wildflowers in the spring?
Sources:
http://www.fs.fed.us/wildflowers/viewing/all.php
http://www.fodors.com/news/photos/americas-10-best-spots-for-seeing-wildflowers#!2-crested-butte
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/travel/best-places-see-wildflowers-around-us-180954459/?no-ist
http://www.theactivetimes.com/top-5-places-see-wildflowers-spring
http://gocalifornia.about.com/od/topcalifornia/a/california-wildflowers.htm
http://www.reserveamerica.com/outdoors/8-campgrounds-for-spring-wildflower-viewing.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/story/dispatches/2013/04/03/best-spring-wildflower-viewing/2047279/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/03/23/spring-flowers-travel_n_839414.html
http://legacy.9news.com/story/life/2015/04/10/where-to-see-spring-flowers-in-colorado/25563009/
http://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/green-life/2014/05/flower-power-america-s-best-spots-view-wildflowers
https://www.trails.com/list_41386_top-north-american-wildflower-hikes.html
http://www.playoutsideguide.com/2015/07/wildflower-hikes-in-canadian-rockies.html
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