We started at Plott Balsam Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway (mile post 457.9) and zeroed the odometer. Subsequent stops were made on Heintooga Ridge Road after approximately 1.6 miles at “Mile High OL”, 1.9 & 2.9 miles for roadside botanizing, 4 miles at the Masonic Shrine or Marker at Black Camp Gap, Polls Gap at 6.6 miles, & the end of the paved road after 9.6 miles driving.

Photography by David Heavner, Penny Longhurst, Susan Pfeiffer, Jim Poling, & Joe Standaert. Click on any picture to enter the slide show.

Plants that are non-native to North America are indicated by an asterisk (*) placed after the species name.