Flowers, Appalachian Trail

Spring and summer along the Appalachian Trail bring a dazzling display of wildflowers, with some of the most captivating blooms appearing in unexpected places.

The Painted Trillium stands out with its white petals and a vivid red blaze near the centre, often found in cool mountain forests.  

As summer progresses, the towering Turk’s Cap Lily emerges, with its gracefully recurved orange petals speckled with dark spots, drawing the eye and adding height to the landscape.

Hidden among the undergrowth, the Jack-in-the-Pulpit peeks out, its distinctive hooded shape sheltering the spadix, or “Jack”, as if standing at a tiny forest pulpit. 

Equally enchanting is the rare Pink Lady’s Slipper, its delicate, slipper-shaped bloom in shades of pink creating a striking contrast against the forest floor. These wildflowers are just a glimpse of the countless blooms that grace the entire length of the trail.