Living in the mountains of North Carolina, it takes spring a bit to get to us. The “flatland” pollen season had come and gone before the first leaves started to show on the trees around Boone, NC, but during the past two weeks spring has fully arrived. Gone are the days of brown vistas and cold air, they’ve been replaced by lush green views and flowers absolutely everywhere. From the countless rhododendrons and mountain laurels to the occasional blueberry bush, the mountains are coming alive with color and smells.
This means I’ve been out doing plenty of hiking and photographing of the beauty of spring. A few of my favorites from the region are below. As usual, I hope you enjoy!
A half-bloomed mountain laurel high above the forest below along the Blue Ridge Parkway.A warm spring day at Looking Glass Falls near Brevard, NC.A dramatic scene unfolds behind a storm near the summit of Mount Mitchell, the highest point east of the Mississippi.The sun sinks below the horizon from the summit of Mount Mitchell, NC.Looking towards a lush Looking Glass Mountain from the Blue Ridge Parkway.My favorite flower the Flame Azalea, blooming at the Flat Rock overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway near Linville, NC.A small cascade along Boone Fork Creek.Mountains, with rays of sun filtering down. Taken somewhere along the wonderful Blue Ridge Parkway.A scared baby box turtle was crossing the road, so I stopped to rescue him. Be sure to keep an eye out for these fellas this spring!A Catawba Rhododendron blooms on an exposed rock above the Linn Cove Viaduct near Blowing Rock, NC.
If you have your own spring pictures you’d like to share, email them to me at [email protected].
