Grandfather Mountain, the not-for-profit nature park run by the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, is creating, updating and sharing a spring color gallery for the second year in a row as flora begin to bloom in the area.
The spring color gallery was first created in 2025 to document the real-time changing of seasons from winter to spring, much like Grandfather Mountain’s fall color report. This year, biweekly spring color photographic reports will be released as flowers begin to bloom on and around Grandfather Mountain. Color reports will also be posted on Grandfather Mountain’s website, Facebook, Instagram and X pages.
“Spring is always so beautiful on Grandfather, and we love sharing this season with our guests,” said Landis Taylor, vice president of marketing and communications for the Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation. “It’s a time of hope and excitement here at the park as temperatures begin to warm, leaves return and our event and programming schedule picks up. For folks planning a trip and hoping to see certain blooms, this gallery is a great way to track what’s flowering.”
Spring color in the High Country begins in the warmer valleys in April and gradually spreads up the slopes through June. Guests can see the blooming and greening of the hillsides and valleys below from one of the park’s many scenic overlooks.
Currently, bluets are in abundance on the mountain and can be viewed along the park road leading to the top of the mountain. Pinkshell Azaleas are beginning to bloom and will continue to flourish throughout the end of April and into the month of May. These are most prominent are around Half Moon Overlook, though they can be seen all throughout the lower portion of the mountain. Many other spring blooms are beginning to show signs of life like bloodroot and various wildflowers – Grandfather Mountain will continue to update twice a week, beginning with the collection of bluets and azaleas shared today.
Learn more and view the updates at www.grandfather.com/spring-
Rhododendron Rambles
For guests who want to see the most iconic blooms for themselves, Grandfather’s naturalists offer annual Rhododendron Rambles — short, guided strolls that allow guests to observe the blooms and learn about their history, attributes and roles they play in the mountain’s ecological communities. These rambles are included in park admission, and they will take place May 23-31.
Learn more about the rambles at www.grandfather.com/the-
Yonni’s Clubhouse
A new facility for young explorers, called Yonni’s Clubhouse, has opened next to the Wilson Center for Nature Discovery as a part of the mountain’s growing Conservation Campus.
This science and conservation education center is designed for children ages 5 to 12 and hosts interactive exhibits that focus on pollinators, climate, weather and ecosystems. Educational concepts highlighted in indoor exhibits will come to life outdoors through sensory and pollinator gardens, an ADA-accessible nature trail, activities and interpretive signage — all new ways to experience blooms on the mountain. Yonni’s is open daily for guests from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Learn more about Yonni’s Clubhouse at www.grandfather.com/yonnis-
Blue Ridge Parkway Access
Guests wanting to plan a visit to the High Country that includes the Blue Ridge Parkway should check that park’s website in advance, as closures along the Parkway will continue through the spring season.
Access to Grandfather Mountain via the Parkway will remain open from at least one direction thanks to the careful planning of the National Park Service staff. Access to important Grandfather Mountain State Park trailheads is expected to remain open from at least one direction.
Guests traveling to Grandfather Mountain via the west side of the mountain (N.C. Hwy 105) and via U.S. 221 will not be impacted by the roadwork on the parkway.
Read more about these closures at www.grandfather.com/blue-
The nonprofit Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation strives to inspire conservation of the natural world through education, exploration and example. For more information, visit www.grandfather.com.
Molly Dowdle
Director of Marketing and Communications
Grandfather Mountain Stewardship Foundation, Inc.
(828)833-6340