While Asheville is a beautiful destination no matter what time of year, springtime is especially stunning with its cornucopia of colorful blooms. In fact, it’s what makes us one of the top destinations to visit in April, says Travel + Leisure. Discover where to see spring blooms in Asheville with our guide below.
Biltmore Blooms
When wondering where to see spring blooms in Asheville, a visit to the Biltmore Estate is a must. At the beginning of April, running through the end of May, the Biltmore hosts their annual spring event, Biltmore Blooms. Visitors can walk amongst rows and rows of blossoming flowers with 100,000+ bulbs planted every season. It’s one of the top events the Biltmore hosts every year.
Lake Lure Flowering Bridge
What was once a functioning bridge that closed to traffic in 2011, people gathered to save the bridge and create a colorful garden. The 155-foot bridge is now surrounded by vibrant blooms, planters, and lush greenery. This section is part of the ¾-mile Town Center Walkway that continues to Lake Lure Beach offering impressive views of Chimney Rock.
Blueridge Parkway
A simple drive along the Blueridge Parkway during the spring will bring you to one of the biggest explosions of wildflowers in the area. At almost any overlook, it’s hard not to find stunning wildflowers that blanket the ground in front of you. More than 80% of the 1,600 plant species found along the parkway are wildflowers! Popular places to stop are at Craggy Gardens (listed below), Grandfather Mountain, and the Graveyard Fields.
Asheville Botanical Gardens
Asheville’s Botanical Gardens offers a quiet and intimate space within the city filled with colorful gardens, walking paths, and expansive greens, the perfect place to enjoy Mother Nature. April and May are ideal for viewing exquisite floral displays, where you will see covered slopes of Trilliums, Crested Dwarf Iris, Wild Geranium, and more.
Pisgah National Forest
Spanning 500,000 acres, the Pisgah National Forest is a large forest that contains numerous trails, scenic views, waterfalls, and wildflowers in the spring. There are a few places in particular that are popular for viewing spring wildflowers. Hike through the relatively flat Pink Beds Valley for an abundance of wildflowers, particularly pink ones. For high elevation hikes with vista views visit Roan Mountain for wildflowers and rhododendron or Max Patch along the Appalachian Trail for endless views and colorful blooms.
The North Carolina Arboretum
For one of the best public gardens in Asheville, visit the North Carolina Arboretum. Encompassing 434 acres, the garden is located within the Pisgah National Forest. It features hiking trails, well-manicured gardens, and displays like the Bonsai and Orchid exhibits.
Stay at Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds
Of course, one of the best places to see spring blooms in Asheville is with a stay at Asheville Cabins of Willow Winds. For many guests, spring is the most beautiful time of the year at Willow Winds. The first signs of the season can be seen with our hundreds of daffodils and azaleas blooming and eventually, our forsythias burst into full bloom with our rhododendrons. It’s truly a special time to visit and discover the beauty of spring in Asheville.
