Asheville, North Carolina, nestled in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains, is known for its stunning natural beauty. Among the area’s many seasonal wonders, the annual monarch butterfly migration stands out as a truly unique event. Guests of Bent Creek Lodge will be delighted to learn that some of the best places to see this mesmerizing spectacle are just next door, at the NC Arboretum and Blue Ridge Parkway!
Monarch butterflies, often called the “wanderers of the sky,” embark on a remarkable journey every year. A trek leading from their summer breeding grounds in the U.S. and Canada, to their winter home in Mexico.
This migration of millions of delicate, orange-and-black butterflies is an extraordinary natural event and Asheville plays a crucial role. As the monarchs travel towards their winter habitat, they have to stop, rest, and refuel. Asheville’s rich biodiversity and abundant milkweed provides a perfect rest stop for the butterflies.
The monarch butterfly migration passes through the Asheville area in September and early October. Better yet, one of the best places to witness this amazing event in Asheville is at the NC Arboretum. You’ll also see them in force along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Two popular and beautiful locations that are within minutes of Bent Creek Lodge!
Monarch Butterfly Migration At NC Arboretum
The North Carolina Arboretum is located at 100 Frederick Law Olmsted Way in Asheville, NC. The Arboretum is home to 434 acres of cultivated gardens and trails. Strolling through the Arboretum’s gardens is a perfect way to reconnect with nature and the extensive natural landscapes provide an ideal habitat for monarchs.
Explore the gardens and watch the colorful butterflies. You’ll see them everywhere, fluttering from flower to flower as they rest and refuel for the next leg of their journey. The Arboretum even has a special day set aside to celebrate these wonderful creatures: September 28, 2024 is this year’s Monarch Day at the Arboretum.
Monarch Day includes a variety of educational programs and guided tours. Special programs that delve into the life cycle, migration patterns, and other fascinating aspects of monarchs. Even if you can’t be here during the migration, it is very easy to spend the day exploring the Arboretum gardens. This is especially true with your room at Bent Creek Lodge just minutes away! Visit www.ncarboretum.org for more information.
Monarchs Along the Blue Ridge Parkway
Another great spot for observing the monarch migration is along the Blue Ridge Parkway. The Blue Ridge Parkway is nationally known for its scenic vistas, rugged mountains, and pastoral landscapes. Best of all, access to the Parkway is less than half a mile from our Asheville inn!
During the annual monarch butterfly migration, these views of the Parkway are often dotted with monarchs. Pull over at one of the many overlooks and watch as the butterflies glide through the crisp autumn air, surrounded by the vibrant fall foliage that makes Asheville such a popular destination at this time of year.
The annual monarch migration is more than just a visual treat; it’s an awe-inspiring event that captures the imagination and stirs the soul. Visit Asheville during the migration and witness one of nature’s most incredible journeys.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a photographer, or simply someone who appreciates the wonders of the natural world, seeing the monarch migration is something you’ll never forget. Plan your stay at Bent Creek Lodge today!