The Best Places to See Spring Flowers in Asheville

Springtime in Asheville is one of the most beautiful times to head outdoors. Local blooms hit their stride at different times of the season depending on elevation. For example, flowers in the valleys bloom weeks before those on higher elevation mountainsides. In March, beautiful blossoms such as daffodils and dogwoods start to bloom. By May, the North Carolina mountains are covered in a stunning array of colorful wildflowers. Whether you’re looking for a grueling trek or a casual stroll, there are tons of places in Asheville to admire spring blooms.

Craggy Gardens

Head to the Blue Ridge Parkway in June for the most incredible rhododendron views. A short, 20-minute hike up Craggy Pinnacle trail leads to 360-views of mountain peaks and endless wildflowers in an explosion of color. Not visiting in June? No problem. Lots of other wildflowers bloom throughout the spring along this trail.

Don't want to go it alone?  Check out Hike Bike Kayak Asheville!  David Teafatiller is a certified Blue Ridge Naturalist who knows all the best trails and hikes around Asheville.  He is co-owner of member inn, Cumberland Falls Bed & Breakfast.  

Biltmore Estate

Biltmore Estate features a 250-room chateau built for George Vanderbilt in 1895 and 8,000 acres of land. The expansive, manicured grounds feature thousands of tulips, over 250 varieties of roses and countless blossoms. Check out their weekly Bloom Report to find out what flowers you will see during your visit.

Less than ½ mile to the gates of Biltmore Estate, Cedar Crest Inn is a historic Queen Victorian pink lady 1891 mansion. In fact, you may notice some similarities between the Biltmore House and Cedar Crest Inn because the same craftsmen built both homes!

Graveyard Fields

Located at Milepost 418.8 of the Blue Ridge Parkway, Graveyard Fields is the place to go to experience waterfalls and wildflowers along the same trail. This 3.3-mile round trip hike features blooming rhododendron and mountain laurel in the spring and bountiful wild blackberries and blueberries in late summer.

Only a short drive away, Wildberry Lodge gives guests a luxurious taste of the Smoky Mountains. Check out their specials for limited time discounts and romantic packages.

Sam Knob

Sam Knob is a 6,000 foot tall mountain off the Blue Ridge Parkway. This 2.5-mile out-and-back trail includes sights of gorgeous wildflowers in a grassy meadow and stunning mountain summit views. The trailhead shares a parking lot with the more popular Black Balsam Knob, so get here early to snag a spot.

Craven Gap

Craven Gap is a short, moderate section of the 1,200-mile long Mountains-to-Sea Trail that spans North Carolina from the Great Smoky Mountains to the Atlantic. In the spring, this trail is a popular hike to see beautiful, native wildflowers. The trailhead is not marked, so check out this guide for more details on trail markers to look for along the way.

Make The Reynolds Mansion your home base for wildflower hikes like Craven Gap. This beautiful, top-rated B&B is one of only a handful of brick houses to survive the Civil War in western North Carolina.

The North Carolina Arboretum

The North Carolina Arboretum features hiking trails, biking trails and 65 acres of cultivated gardens. Botanical enthusiasts will love to check out their collection of the most unique bonsais in the US. The arboretum’s Wildflower Guide can help you identify dozens of native wildflowers on the 434-acre property.

Located nearby in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Bent Creek Lodge features 10 guest rooms decorated in different North Carolina themes. Check out their specials page, including a mid-week stay discount!

Haven’t gotten your fill of flowers? Take a stroll around the Botanical Gardens at Asheville for even more gorgeous blooms. Plus, our Asheville insiders know about more than just flowers! Learn even more about what to do in Asheville by staying at an independent inn. Your innkeeper will gladly point you toward more hikes off the beaten path, best places to catch a sunrise, and so much more. Let the Asheville Bed & Breakfast Association help you find the best inn, B&B, or boutique hotel for your next getaway.