Top Ten Wildflower-Viewing Spots

3. North Carolina
You know spring has sprung in the southern United States when the dogwoods and red buds flower and azalea and rhododendron bushes burst with clusters of brilliantly hued flowers. Though you can spot wildflowers out of the window of your car, the best way to see the festival of floral color along North Carolina's Blue Ridge Parkway is to take to the trails. Whether easy or ambitious, a hike through one of the beautiful areas off the parkway will guarantee an eyeful of colorful wildflowers. A popular and moderately easy hike to Linville Falls will have you surrounded by purple and pink rhododendrons. In the more lush parts of the 13-mile Tanawha Trail, you'll walk through carpets of tiny wildflowers, while the rockier outcroppings offer killer views and bushes of beautiful pastel-colored azaleas.

Check out more photos of the Blue Ridge Parkway.