Shortly before fall in Asheville and the Great Smoky Mountains, thousands of Monarch butterflies pass through the Asheville area as they migrate south to Mexico. The butterflies travel more than 2,000 miles on their journey, and we're fortunate that Western North Carolina is right along their route!
When to see Monarch butterflies in Asheville, NC
From the middle of September and continuing for several weeks into October, the monarchs make their way through the Great Smoky Mountains along the high-elevation mountain ridges.
Fall color generally begins in the highest elevations in early October. See our guide to fall in the mountains for more ways to experience this magical time in Asheville.
Where to see Monarch butterflies in Asheville
Locations along the Blue Ridge Parkway, especially the Mount Pisgah area and the Black Balsam areas, are great places to spot these beautiful butterflies. The butterflies can often be seen among the flowers and foliage.
Top locations include:
- Wagon Gap Road parking area (Milepost 412.2)
- Pounding Mill Overlook (Milepost 413.2)
- Cherry Cove Overlook (Milepost 415.7)
- Black Balsam summit (Milepost 420.2)
There is a pull-off at each of these locations with parking. To reach the Black Balsam summit, you must do a short hike on the Art Loeb Trail. See our guide to Black Balsam for more details.
The Orchard at Altapass on the Blue Ridge Parkway (328.3) is another great place to see the butterflies. The Orchard is committed to preserving natural milkweed, the larval host plant for Monarchs. You'll even find a butterfly garden steps from the Orchard shop! Each year, the Orchard also raises Monarchs in terrariums in the Orchard shop, from egg to larva to chrysalis to butterfly, to help support the butterfly population. Six of their tagged butterflies have been found in Mexico!
