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| From the Wolf Mountain Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway. |
We took a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway
to see the fall colors, beginning in Asheville, NC and driving
SW ending at the Wolf Mt. Overlook. Along the way
we stopped at some of the overlooks to search for plants, and
we took a walk on the Beaver Dam Gap Trail (milepost 401.7).
we stopped at some of the overlooks to search for plants, and
we took a walk on the Beaver Dam Gap Trail (milepost 401.7).
Take a look at this virtual trip, before you go on your real trip!
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| Searching for wildflowers at one of the many overlooks. |
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| We spotted this Ladies Tress next to the parking area. Click here for info. |
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| We continued south on the parkway, stopping at a few overlooks along the way. |
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| One of the many cliffs along the parkway. elevation 5500ft! Temp: 41 degrees F. |
If you're near Asheville, get on the parkway and stop at these
overlooks. There are some interesting plants growing here!
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| I could not believe I was looking at Sundew plants! They were growing on the cliff facing south. What a find!!! Video-Sundew capturing insect Basic Information about Sundews |
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| This is a Grass of Parnassus plant developing seeds. Its flower is very beautiful (see photos, below)! Information |
Water dripping
On the leaves and petals;
Grass of Parnassus.
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| The round leaves of this Grass-of-Parnassus are below the flower. |
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| At this angle you get a good look at the pistils and stamen. |
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| Such a beautiful flower!! |
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| Kai took this photo of a tiny salamander on the rocks. |
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| A blue-striped Gentian. |
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| Heal All or Self Heal |
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| Lichen growing on the rock fence of the parking lot. |
A lichen is actually two species (a fungus and an algae, typically) living together, in a mutualistic relationship. Mutualism is a kind of symbiosis. In this case, each partner benefits from the relationship. The fungus provides water and minerals, while the algae provides the food. They help each other by sharing resources! Sort of like a good marriage.
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| Ladies' Tresses and Goldenrod |
I live in Kentucky, where goldenrod is the state flower, and
I can see why...they are really beautiful flowers.
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| These Ladies Tresses were growing on a crevice of the cliff right next to the parkway! Wild orchids!! Fantastic!! |
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| The trees were showing their colors. |
drive back and stop at the Beaver Dam Gap Trail and take a walk.
For future reference, on the way down we drove by the
Pisgah Inn (lodge with dining) and Campgrounds.
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| At milepost 401.7 |
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| We parked on the left side of the parking lot and took the trail on that side. There is a trail on the right side, also. |
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| This was a perfect day for a hike...cool and sunny. |
I like to take my time on these hikes, looking down
at the trail's edge, hoping to find a new wildflower
or mushroom. I've become a bit of a "birder," and try to ID
some of them. I also love to watch butterflies and seek out
their chrysalids and caterpillars. This area, the Appalachian Mountains, is supposed to be the most biodiverse in the world!!
https://www.discoverwalks.com/blog/united-states/top-10-facts-about-the-appalachian-mountains/
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| Spotted a few Goldenrods on the right of the trail. |
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| Close-up of this Goldenrod species (name, unknown to me). |
This is a different species from the ones we saw
at the Wolf Mountain Overlook.
These trees were truly beautiful! I enjoyed walking among these tall organisms that we take for granted. Few people think about the fact that these trees absorb the greenhouse gases, and at the same time they produce the oxygen that we are breathing and many produce food that we can eat (acorns, nuts, fruits). We should be growing more of them, not cutting them down!!
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| Milkweed seeds. Growing Milkweeds for Monarchs |
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| Beautiful! |
These trees were truly beautiful! I enjoyed walking among these tall organisms that we take for granted. Few people think about the fact that these trees absorb the greenhouse gases, and at the same time they produce the oxygen that we are breathing and many produce food that we can eat (acorns, nuts, fruits). We should be growing more of them, not cutting them down!!
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| Walking on the ridge. |
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| Noticed a species of Aster. |
Aster (Greek) means "star," as in the word astronaut and asteroid.
These flowers look sort of like stars, the way we draw them, anyway.
When this species of puffballs are young and immature (before
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| Beginning to see some Rhododendrons. |
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| A view of the mountains from the trail. |
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| Seedpod of Angelica (A. atropurpurea). |
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| I have to come back in June, when these rhododendrons bloom. Info on Rhododendron |
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| Be aware...watch your step. |
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| A nice view of the mountains. |
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| Marilyn, Kai, and Sara, my walking companions. |
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| Look at the color of this Aster's flowers and leaves! Info on Asters |
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| Take it slowly around this corner. |
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| Great contrast in colors! |
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| A fungus called Puffballs. These are just about mature enough to contain spores. Watch this video of a puffball releasing its spores. |
When this species of puffballs are young and immature (before
their spores form), you can eat them, I understand.
I've never tried them, but they are supposed to be good.
On your way back, continue to observe your surroundings.
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| There are many different species of deciduous trees in this forest...many hickories and oaks and ashes. |
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| We decided to stop here and take a short break and then head back. This (above) is the NW side of the ridge (the right side as we were walking). |
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| ...and this is the opposite side of the ridge (the left side). |
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| Heading back. |
On your way back, continue to observe your surroundings.
Many times you will see things that you didn't see on the way up.
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| You can see the parkway from here. |
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| Back at the parking lot. Time to refuel...water, fig bars, apples, etc. |
Take some time out of your busy life and come to this area,
especially at this time of the year (October). The trees are turning
into their fall colors, the weather is beautiful, and the trails
are great! When you get hungry there are some fantastic places
to eat in Asheville!
Make time to explore!!
