2026 Spring Color Gallery
Look out for our spring color photographic reports as flowers begin to bloom on Grandfather Mountain. Enjoy a sampling of our colors in the park and nearby. Color reports are also posted on Grandfather Mountain’s Facebook, Instagram and Twitter pages. Spring color in our Blue Ridge Mountains begins in the warmer valleys in April and gradually spreads up the slopes through June. You can even see the blooming and greening of the hillsides from one of our many scenic overlooks. Wondering what will bloom soon? Visit our Wildflower Bloom Calendar. Get some trip inspiration on our Spring Visits page.
Spring Color 2026
Pink Lady Slipper | May 12
This cluster of pink lady slippers, found on the lower half of the mountain, adds a pop of color to surrounding greenery. (Photo by Elise Trexler)
Spring on the Switchbacks | May 12
Even the higher elevations of the mountain are showing signs of spring color, as seen here on the park road to the top. (Photo by Skip Sickler)
Painted Trillium | May 12
The loop trail at Woods Walk is lined with a variety of wildflowers, including this beautiful painted trillium. (Photo by Elise Trexler)
Spring at Cliffside | May 8
Blooms and flowering is beginning to spread up Grandfather Mountain into higher elevations like Cliffside. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)
Eastern Red Columbine | May 8
This native perennial is an important source of nectar for hummingbirds and other pollinators. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)
Catawba Rhododendron | May 8
Catawba rhododendron are colorfully greeting guests at the entrance gate this week. (Photo by Elise Trexler)
Pinkshell at Half Moon | May 5
Pinkshell azalea blooms pop with a blue sky at Half Moon Overlook as a backdrop. (Photo by Skip Sickler)
Bluets on Park Road | May 5
A blanket of bluets covers the grass next to the park road, greeting guests as they drive up the mountain. (Photo by Skip Sickler)
Azaleas in Abundance | May 5
Lining the fence by Half Moon Overlook, the iconic pinkshell azaleas are thriving in early May. (Photo by Skip Sickler)
Sand Myrtle Patch | May 1
In contrast to the backdrop of rugged peaks, sand myrtle shrubs grow low to the ground. (Photo by Grayson Ross)
Allegheny Sand Myrtle | May 1
Sand myrtle has begun to bloom in abundance at the top of the mountain, signaling widespread spring color. (Photo by Grayson Ross)
Pinkshell on the Park Road
Pinkshell azaleas have begun to bloom all over the mountain, creating a beautiful scenic drive. (Photo by Skip Sickler)
Scarlet Tanager | April 28
This songbird is sometimes called the “flame of spring,” because of the red color taken on by males. (Photo by Skip Sickler)
Spring Scenic | April 24
As trees begin to blossom, many areas on the mountain become picturesque with the Blue Ridge Mountains as a backdrop. (Photo by Skip Sickler)
Trout Lily | April 24
The trout lily stands proudly as a classic April bloom, adding yellow to the colorful mix of flora. (Photo by Skip Sickler)
MacRae Meadows | April 21
Pinkshell azaleas are grandly welcoming the spring season as one of the hallmark wildflowers of Grandfather. (Photo by Skip Sickler)
Half Moon Overlook | April 21
This location is one of the lowest elevations on the mountain, providing an early glimpse of spring color. (Photo by Skip Sickler)
Bluets in the Meadow | April 21
Bluets are one of the first early blooms at Grandfather, starting in lower elevations and working their way up the mountain. (Photo by Skip Sickler)
Pinkshell Azaleas | April 21
Pinkshell azaleas are beginning to blossom, adding pops of pink to the greening scenery. (Photo by Elise Trexler)
Spring Color Previous Years
Mile High Swinging Bridge
Flame Azalea
Uno the Otter
Pinkshell Azalea
Catawba Rhododendron
Mountain Laurel
Sand Myrtle
