Special Event

Event

Wildflower Weekend

Shenandoah National Park

Fee:

Free. This special event is free, but an entrance pass is required to get into Shenandoah National Park.

Dates & Times

Date:

Saturday, May 14, 2022

Time:

9:00 AM

Duration:

8 hours

Type of Event

Festival

Description

Help us celebrate our 850+ wildflowers with this weekend-long celebration! The weekend is filled with hikes guided by experienced naturalists as you discover the science and beauty that our flowers provide. This celebration is not just for the flowers, however! As spring is in full swing, there will also be a guided walk to admire our spring birdlife, as well as talks focusing on vernal pool habitation and other spring ecosystems!

Along with scheduled hikes and programs, the rangers of Shenandoah will provide programs with a spring focus as well. Check with park visitor centers to get schedules for interpretive programs.

All programs are free. No reservations are needed. Adults and children are welcome on all Wildflower Weekend programs. 

Saturday, May 14


Milam Gap to Tanner's Ridge | 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Discover a variety of native and nonnative flowers, as well as cultural connections, along this gentle section of the Appalachian Trail to a fire road. 2 miles. Elevation change: about 175 ft. Meet at Milam Gap parking (mile 52.4). David Stapleton, Guest Naturalist

Hike to the Highest Peak | 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (repeats Sunday afternoon)
Seek out wood anemone, purple clematis and more as you hike to the park’s highest summit, Hawksbill Mountain (4,050 ft.), and a great view. 3 miles. Elevation change: about 685 ft. Meet at Hawksbill Gap parking (mile 45.6)—not Upper Hawksbill parking. Jack Price, Guest Naturalist

Gravel Springs | 10:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Explore the rich woods in search of wild ginger, bellflower, waterleaf and more.  Mostly gentle, with some short, very steep places.  ½-mile loop.  Meet at Gravel Springs Gap (mile 17.6). Limited parking. Christopher Wise, Park Ranger 

Seasons of the Meadow | 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Follow Big Meadows through the seasons as you discuss phenology, or the study of natural life cycles and seasonal change. A gentle, 1 mile point to point walk through the meadow. Meet at Rapidan Fire Road (mile 51.3). Limited parking at Rapidan Fire Road; more available at the Visitor Center. Karl Rand, Park Ranger

Botanical Art Workshop | 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Learn a few botany basics, pick up tips on observation and composition, then sketch and use watercolors to paint what you see. No art or science background is necessary. Meet on the meadow side of Byrd Visitor Center (mile 51). Rain or shine. Wear walking shoes and long pants. Be prepared to sit on the ground or bring a folding chair. All art supplies will be provided. Betty Gatewood, Artist and Naturalist

A Touch of Wilderness | 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
A variety of wildflowers may be seen on this section of the Skyland-Big Meadows Horse Trail, leading into a section of the Park’s designated wilderness. 1 mile. Elevation change: about 200 ft. Meet at Fishers Gap Overlook (mile 49.3). Mara Meisel, Guest Naturalist

Lewis Mountain to Slaughter Fire Road | 1:30 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Search for violets, trillium, and a variety of other wildflowers along this relatively flat section of the Appalachian Trail. 2 miles. Elevation change: about 200 ft. Meet at Lewis Mountain picnic area (mile 57.5). David Stapleton, Guest Naturalist

Millers Head Hike | 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Lyre-leaved rockcress and other uncommon plants might be seen on this hike to a view of the Shenandoah Valley. Very rocky and steep in places, with uphill return. 1.5 miles. Elevation change: about 250 ft. Turn in at south entrance of Skyland Resort (mile 42.5) and follow signs to amphitheater at top of hill. Stephen Paull, Park Biological Science Technician 

Sunday, May 15

Bearfence Mountain Hike | 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Vernal irises and birdfoot violets are among the flowers we hope to find on this hike to a 180-degree view. 1.5 miles. Elevation change: about 300 ft. Hike does not include Bearfence Rock Scramble. Meet at Meadows School Fire Road parking (mile 56.8, west side of Skyline Drive). Limited parking. Mara Meisel, Guest Naturalist

Spring Birds of Pocosin | 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Listen and look for cerulean warblers, scarlet tanagers, and other migrants near the spring and surrounding woods. You might discover a few wildflowers along the way. Easy ½-1-mile stroll. Bring binoculars. Meet at Pocosin Cabin parking (unmarked, mile 59.5, east side of Skyline Drive). Limited parking. Alan Williams, Park Ecologist

Book Signing with the Simpson | 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.
Chat with naturalists & authors Ann & Rob Simpson as they autograph your books. Books are for sale in the Shenandoah National Park Association bookstore, or bring your own. Meet outside the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (mile 4.6).

Wildflower Photography Workshop | 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Learn wildflower photography basics surrounded by blooms!  No photography background needed.  Meet outside Dickey Ridge Visitor Center (mile 4.6). Rain or shine.  Be prepared to sit on the ground or bring a folding chair. Ann and Rob Simpson, Guest Naturalists

Wonders of the Mill Prong | 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Look for trillium, jack-in-the-pulpit, and more along this trail that never fails to delight wildflower lovers. 2 miles. Elevation change: about 400 ft. Meet at Milam Gap parking (mile 52.4). Robin Williams and Mitzi Fox, Guest Naturalists

Artist-in-Residence | 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Admire the beauty of Shenandoah’s nature on this guided art program. Meet at Byrd Visitor Center (mile 51). Jillian Sico, Artist-in-Residence

Ferns, Fungi, Burls, and Boughs | 11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.
Spend time with the often-overlooked spring life, from the forest floor to the budding canopy. 1 mile. Elevation change: about 200 ft. Meet at north end of Byrd visitor Center parking lot near Story of the Forest trailhead (mile 51). Karl Rand, Park Ranger

Hike to the Highest Peak | 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Seek out wood anemone, purple clematis and more as you hike to the park’s highest summit, Hawksbill Mountain (4,050 ft.), and a great view. 3 miles. Elevation change: about 685 ft. Meet at Hawksbill Gap parking (mile 45.6)—not Upper Hawksbill parking. Jack Price, Guest Naturalist

Botanical Art Workshop | 1:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Learn a few botany basics, pick up tips on observation and composition, then sketch and use watercolors to paint what you see. No art or science background is necessary. Meet on the meadow side of Byrd Visitor Center (mile 51). Rain or shine. Wear walking shoes and long pants. Be prepared to sit on the ground or bring a folding chair. All art supplies will be provided. Betty Gatewood, Artist and Naturalist

Snead Farm Loop Hike | 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
See what flowers await on this hike through a former apple orchard and home site. There may be some surprises! 2.6 miles. Elevation change: about 490 ft. Meet at Dickey Ridge picnic area (mile 4.7). Richard Stromberg, Guest Naturalist 

Reservation or Registration: No