This East Coast National Park Has Some of the Best Wildflower Fields in the U.S.-With 862 Flower Species

"Around 75 miles west of Washington, D.C., is a quiet national park that sits along the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. It may not be as popular as some of the parks across the country, but Shenandoah National Park has it all: stunning drives, exceptional views, and a vast network of trails that take hikers from the wetlands to waterfalls."

"One of its many appeals is its wide array of flora and fauna. Deer, black bears, and songbirds are just some of the wildlife in the 200,000-acre park. And then there are the wildflowers: The park is home to a whopping 862 species, including wild azaleas, mountain laurels, and columbines. In the early spring, the hillsides come alive with blooms. And, thanks to the mild climate, wildflower season continues into the fall."

"For great views of the park's wildflower-covered fields, hiking is the way to go. The moderate 3.3-mile South River Falls loop trail is a must in the spring when wildflowers start to pop up around the stream on the route. While the blooms alone are easily worth the effort, the trail also takes you to an observation point overlooking an 83-foot waterfall."

Shenandoah National Park lies about 75 miles west of Washington, D.C., along Virginia's Blue Ridge Mountains and covers roughly 200,000 acres. The park hosts abundant wildlife such as deer, black bears, and songbirds, and supports 862 wildflower species including wild azaleas, mountain laurels, and columbines. Wildflower season runs from March through October, with peak diversity in late spring (May and early June), and mild climate extends blooms into fall. Popular wildflower viewing includes hikes like the 3.3-mile South River Falls loop (observation point above an 83-foot waterfall), the four-mile Rose River Falls loop, Big Meadows, and Skyline Drive.

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