Spring paints Northeast Tennessee with native wildflowers in bloom, and few sights are as captivating as the majestic bluebell blooms at Winged Deer Park in Johnson City. These native wildflowers, with their delicate bell-shaped blossoms, transform the park into a photographer’s paradise and a nature lover’s dream in Northeast Tennessee this spring!
Article & Photography by Somer Pickel, curated for Northeast Tennessee Tourism.
Virginia Bluebells Winged Deer Park Johnson City
When most folks think of Northeast Tennessee’s seasonal colors, their minds likely go straight to fall foliage—which is fair. However, let’s not forget that Southern Appalachia is home to kaleidoscope of beautiful native wildflowers that bloom throughout much of the year. Of southern Appalachia’s 1,500+ native wildflower species, the Virginia Bluebell is arguably one of the most impressive heralds of spring here in Northeast Tennessee.
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Virginia bluebells are a native wildflower that can be found in moist woodland and flood plain environments of Eastern North America. Bluebells would be a showstopper in a crowded field, but what makes them take your breath is just how and when they grow. Here in Northeast Tennessee, they’re one of the very first plants to grow each spring taking advantage of still bare leafless trees. Think drab brown forest floors giving way to bright pops of green oval leaves surrounding delicate clusters of blue bell-shaped flowers standing two feet tall. Now think of looking out into the forest and seeing acres of these beauties all bunched together! After months of dreary winter days, seeing such saturations of color fills one with hope and knowing that the forest will soon be teeming with life once more.
And for a week or two in late March and early April, this is exactly what you’ll find if you head to Johnson City’s Winged Deer Park’s forested trails. The park’s “back forty” is home to Northeast Tennessee largest collection of Virginia Bluebells and it’s truly a must see each year.
The good news for anyone who wants to see the flowers is that they’re quite accessible. Anyone wishing to see this ephemeral treat only needs to head to Winged Deer Park’s disc golf parking lot off Carroll Creek Rd. From the parking area head down the main paved path. Though this path is technically wheelchair and stroller accessible, there are a couple paved hills can be described as steep. The bluebells are viewable via this paved nature trail, and other patches can be visited via a few of the park’s mountain biking trails.
Winged Deer is a public city park, and without entrance fees. You may also want to be on the lookout for the city’s parks and recreation department to host guided nature walks centered on viewing the Virginia bluebells during their blooming peak. They host a few different walks most every year. All in all, the biggest thing to keep in mind about viewing this local phenomenon is that they won’t last. After only 10 days or so they’ll disappear until next year!
Bluebell Wildflower Hike (Guided) Ages: All ages Cost: Free Instructor: Connie Deegan, Park Naturalist
Description: Enjoy a spectacular collection of Virginia Bluebells in bloom! These beautiful ephemeral flowers bloom for a short period of time. We will take a slow paced stroll around the back forty with the bluebells as our centerpiece, taking advantage of the many other things that spring has to offer.
Location: Winged Deer Park, Disc golf parking lot, 204 Carroll Creek Rd.
Various times available beginning March 23- April 2. Call: 423-283-5821
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