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

Greenery at the Bridge | May 22

Even at the mountain’s highest elevations, spring blooms and leaves have appeared, with more to come on the horizon. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)

Catawba at Half Moon | May 22

Half Moon Overlook offers a stunning view of the mountain year-round, particularly beautiful when framed by rhododendron. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

Mountain Laurel | May 22

A classic Appalachian bloom, mountain laurel has begun to spring up on the lower half of the mountain. (Photo by Elise Trexler)

Pretty in Pink-Purple | May 22

As summer approaches, Catawba rhododendron are still magnificent all around the mountain. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

Flame Azalea | May 20

The first flame azaleas have appeared on Grandfather, adding a fiery orange to the spring color mix. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

Bird in the Blooms | May 20

Among the Catawba rhododendron, a wild turkey can be found enjoying the spring shade. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

Through the Trees | May 20

The Blue Ridge Mountains are living up to their name as spring greening livens up the landscape. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

Wild Geranium | May 15

This vibrant purple flower generally thrives in the shade, but will appear in the sun in rich, damp soil. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)

Spring Sunshine | May 15

The morning light peeks through newly sprouting leaves, appearing light green as it filters through the trees. (Photo by Skip Sickler)

Wood Anemone | May 15

A reliable May bloom at Grandfather, the wood anemone generally appears in early spring. (Photo by Leslie Restivo)

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)