Liatris, Butterflies and More!

Join the Blue Ridge Chapter for a flower-filled outing at Doughton Park, the largest recreation area along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Located between mile markers 238.5 – 244.7, it features about 30 miles of trails through a variety of wildflower meadow and forest habitats.

We will meet at 1 PM in the parking lot at the visitor center for about an hour of botanizing around the wildflower meadows. These offer a spectacular display of summer bloomers along with the pollinators that visit them.

Allow extra travel time for a detour due to ongoing construction at Laurel Fork Bridge. If you get there a little late due to the Parkway detour, look for the group of people in the meadow uphill across the road from the visitor center.

Around 2 PM, we will take those who are in the mood for a longer walk for a hike along the Bluff Mountain Trail. You can join us for the walk, explore more of the area on your own, or plan for lunch/dinner at Bluffs Restaurant or in the picnic area.

Please bring weather-appropriate clothing, along with water and snacks you may need for the hike.

(Click on map to enlarge.)

• Doughton Park trail descriptions and map: https://www.nps.gov/blri/planyourvisit/doughton-park-trails.htm
• Parkway detour info and map: https://www.nps.gov/blri/learn/news/2022-06-03-laurel-fork-bridge-closure.htm
• Bluffs Restaurant opening hours and menu: https://www.bluffsrestaurant.org/