Chasing Butterflies
Updated: 08/22/2024 • Bernie Gilchrist
Ladies and gents, gather 'round for the grandest spectacle the Southern skies have to offer! Pack your bags, fill up the gas tank, grab a picnic, and don’t forget your camera because the Great Monarch Race to Mexico is on, and it's fluttering through the majestic mountains of Western North Carolina. These hills are alive not just with the sound of music but with the dazzling dance of millions—yes, millions—of Monarch butterflies making their epic 2,000-mile journey from the Northeastern United States and other northern states all the way down to sunny Mexico.
Now, I know October's got its fame with the leaf peepers and pumpkin spice lattes, but let me tell you, these little fairies in orange and black are giving fall a run for its money. Imagine sitting atop a mountain, a cool breeze in your hair, and the sky alive with the fluttering wings of Monarchs. It's nothing short of magic, folks. Pure, unadulterated magic.
So, why should you make this trek, you ask? Well, let me spin you a yarn that'll have you itching to hit the road. Picture this: early fall in Asheville and the Great Smoky Mountains, where thousands of Monarchs grace the skies as they pass through on their way south. They flutter by at treetop level, skimming the mountain ridges and creating a sight that'll leave you breathless. And lucky for us, Western North Carolina is smack dab in the middle of their route!
Where can you catch this breathtaking display? Well, I've got the insider scoop on the best spots along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The high elevations and panoramic views of the Parkway make it perfect for viewing the Monarch migration. Here are some prime spots:
- Wagon Road Gap: Parking area at Milepost 412.2.
- Double Top Mountain Overlook: Milepost 435.3 at Balsam Gap near the junction of Route 215, parking area located on Flat Gap.
- Cherry Cove Overlook: Near-360-degree views at Milepost 415.7, south of Mt. Pisgah.
- Pounding Mill Parking Overlook: 20 miles south of Canton at Milepost 413.2.
- Waterrock Knob: With plenty of parking and one of the most iconic views on the Parkway, this is another exceptional viewing area in Haywood County. Located at Milepost 451.2, this 360-degree overlook also offers a summit hike. Their Visitor Center will be open from 10 am – 5 pm through October.
- Haywood-Jackson Overlook: The overlook itself may only offer a few glimpses of mountain peaks due to the dense firs that tend to block the view. For a real treat, take a hike up to Richland Balsam, the highest peak on the Blue Ridge Parkway, for a glimpse of the Monarch migration. Mile marker 431
Each of these spots offers a pull-off with parking, but if you're craving a bit of adventure, let me tell you about a hike that's pure magic. Picture this: a trek on the Art Loeb Trail that leads you to the Black Balsam summit, a vantage point like no other. Trust me, it's worth every step. In fact, it's one of my all-time favorite hikes.
Start your journey at mile marker 420 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. From there, the hike to Black Balsam Knob will take you through a landscape straight out of a dream. The trail meanders through a grassy, wildflower-covered mountain, offering 360-degree vistas that will leave you in awe. This isn't just any hike—it's a legendary path that has captivated adventurers for generations.
As you ascend, you'll find yourself dipping into a dense grove of balsam fir trees. The Art Loeb Trail weaves its way through this enchanted forest, where sunlight filters through the balsam branches, casting a warm, magical glow on the path ahead. The forest floor is carpeted with balsam needles, creating a soft, fragrant trail beneath your feet. And the air, often breezy at these high altitudes, carries the sweet scent of balsam fir, adding an extra layer of enchantment to your journey.
Reaching the summit of Black Balsam Knob, you'll be rewarded with unparalleled views that stretch as far as the eye can see. It's a place where you can pause, take a deep breath, and feel truly connected to the natural world around you. So, lace up your hiking boots, grab your camera, and set off on an adventure that promises beauty, serenity, and a touch of magic.
Now, let me dazzle you with some fascinating facts about our fluttering friends. These Monarchs are the only butterflies in North America that migrate south for the winter and then make a return trip in the spring. Talk about dedication! The ones you see passing through Asheville likely started as eggs in the milkweed meadows of Pennsylvania, New York, Ohio, and other northern states, as well as Canada. They begin their migration in mid-August, traveling at a leisurely pace of about seven miles per hour.
Keep your eyes peeled for the best viewing times, which are right after a cold front moves through with a north wind. Imagine that—a front-row seat to one of nature's greatest shows, right here in our backyard.
About twenty years ago, up to a billion Monarchs made this migration. Sadly, their numbers have dwindled due to habitat loss and the disappearance of their beloved milkweed plant, a consequence of human impact on their environment. But those that do make the journey are a testament to resilience and the beauty of nature.
So, folks, don’t just sit there—grab your camera, make your way to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and capture the magic of this wonder. Create new family traditions, be a part of something truly spectacular, and let the Monarchs remind you of the beauty that’s all around us.
After all, there's nothing quite like seeing nature's splendor up close, with a dash of Southern charm and a whole lot of awe.
Happy butterfly chasing!
Bernie Gilchrist
You find more information on the Great Monarch Butterfly Migration here:
