This guide to wildflowers in Red River Gorge will help you recognize some of the most iconic blooms in this part of Kentucky!
Kentucky’s Red River Gorge is known for its gorgeous hiking trails, sandstone arches, and rock climbing. But did you know it’s also a great location for wildflower enthusiasts?
Here are some of our favorite wildflowers to look for on your next visit to the Red River Gorge.
Lady Slipper Orchids
The lady slipper is a type of wild orchid known for its distinctive petals.
Why seeing them is special
These rare beauties are hard to find! In Kentucky they’re listed as endangered or threatened (depending on the species) and rare or extremely rare (depending on the species).
Locating them (known as orchid hunting) has become a niche hobby for the coolest of the cool wildflower enthusiasts (such as myself). (It’s along the lines of looking for rare birds or special rocks.)
Timing
Mid-April to Mid-May. Look for them right after it warms up in spring, before the late spring heat really settles in.
What you should know
Look, don’t touch. Lady slippers rarely thrive when transplanted, so it’s illegal to dig them up or pick them on federal land.
Locating lady slippers
Lady slippers are often found in clusters and seem to prefer well-draining soil with lots of pine needles. Try forested areas along ridges.
I’ve seen pink lady slippers and have heard rumors that yellow ones are out there too. In my experience (from here and other nearby locations), pink orchids seem to bloom a little earlier than yellow.
I don't have any specific locations to pinpoint for this one: finding them is part of the fun!
Trillium
The trillium is a distinctive looking flower with three petals and three sepals (hence the "tri" in the name).
Why seeing them is special
Like lady slipper orchids, trilliums are listed as endangered or threatened, rare or extremely rare.
They’re also absolute show stoppers!
Timing
March-April. Look for them when it’s still chilly during early spring, and on into mid-spring as things start to warm up.
What you should know
Trillium plants can live for decades, but if you pick the flower, the plant may lack the resources to bloom again the following year.
So look, don’t touch.
Locating trillium
Trillium seem to enjoy swampy, marshy areas. They create ground cover with their large green leaves.
Look for them in valleys between ridges, especially along creek lines.
Rhododendrons
Kentucky primarily has Rhododendron Maximus, or Great Laurel, which in appearance is like a larger version of mountain laurel (the next flower on our list). It’s a shrub that grows in dense thickets.
Why seeing them is special
These gorgeous beauties may not be as hard to find as lady slipper orchids and trillium, but seeing their ephemeral blooms is always special.
Timing
Rhododendron leaves are visible nearly year-round. The plant blooms from mid-May through June, or late spring to early summer.
It’s nearly always been hot when I’ve seen rhododendrons in bloom in the Red River Gorge and at Natural Bridge State Resort.
Locating rhododendrons
You won’t have to look hard! They’re all over, especially in heavily wooded areas. They form dense thickets.
Rhododendrons are especially common on ridgelines; I see them less often down by riverbanks.
Mountain Laurel
Mountain Laurel is a flowering shrub that produces gorgeous pink and white flowers. Like rhododendron, it grows in dense thickets.
Why seeing them is special
When the mountain laurel bloom, they BLOOM! They sweep through and create flower tunnels. They are, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful parts of summer in Appalachia.
Timing
Late May and June for blooms.
The leaves of mountain laurel look like smaller versions of rhododendron leaves, and are visible for much of the year.
Locating mountain laurel
You won’t have to look hard. They’re all over, especially in heavily wooded areas. Like the rhododendrons, they're especially common on ridgelines. I see them less often down by riverbanks.
You might even decide to make a special trip to Natural Bridge or Red River Gorge specifically for the mountain laurel! They're that beautiful (and that pervasive!).
At the end of a day spent on the trails, we recommend a hearty meal at Red River Rockhouse or Miguel's Pizza.
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