They begin in March and last until about November. Spring comes to mind when most of us think about flowers, but practically the whole year has something to offer. Spring seems to burst with flowers as they take advantage of good conditions for a short period between the cold of winter and the shade of summer, when full foliage blocks sunlight from the forest floor. GORP Naturalists' Guide Regional Wildlife Guide Regional Birding Guide Bloom dates depend on the weather and can vary from year to year. Goldenrod, ironweed, and asters bloom in late September to early October.
Many flowers grow along park roadsides.
Other good locations to see them are along quiet walkways and on designated nature trails throughout the park. Fall colors generally peak between October 15 and 25. The presence of hardwood species usually associated with more northerly climes makes the autumn leaves here the more spectacular. Up and down the mountain the brilliant reds of maples, the golden yellow of beech, and the deeper hues of oaks and more southerly species blend spectacularly. Fall color is the result of the breakdown of green chlorophyll in deciduous leaves.