Monarch Migration Wayside

Learn about the flight of the monarch butterfly

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Cherry Cove Overlook, MP 417

Amenities

2 listed

Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV

During autumn in the mountains, fall foliage gets all of the press, but it's not the only colorful thing you can see along the parkway. Among the fall wildflowers, and drifting on invisible wind currents high above you, look for the jewel tones of monarch butterflies as the insects pass through here on their seasonal migration. 

Stop at the Cherry Cove Overlook to read about the journey of this tenacious insect and take a few moments to look for them among the goldenrod and asters lining the area. These long-distance travelers are often seen in September and October along the high elevation meadows of the Blue Ridge Parkway. 

The main text on the wayside exhibit at the overlook says:

Orange-brown, black-striped monarchs are the only butterflies that migrate. On their southward flight in September, large numbers cross the mountains at several points in this area. Tunnel Gap is a popular place for viewing this striking event.

Many monarchs that pass here spend the winter on the Florida panhandle; some may journey as far a central Mexico. In spring they head north, breeding along the way and depositing their eggs on milkweed. During the slower spring migration, monarchs travel in smaller groups.

No single monarch makes the entire round trip. Offspring that hatch along the northward route either remain where they are born or journey on to the northern starting point.

Sudden storms and migrating hawks pose the greatest threats to migrating monarchs.