3 parks to finding blossoming bluebells in the DMV this spring
/Bells are ringing ‘round the Potomac River...ringing for Virginia’s bluebells!
Bluebells in bloom at Riverbend park, VA. Photo credit: Andrew Griffith CC BY-NC 2.0
When you think of spring along the Potomac River, blooming cherry blossoms might first come to mind, but another native flower puts on quite the show, too. Have you ever checked out Virginia bluebells?
Bluebells thrive in forests along the Potomac River and its many streams and creeks. This plant prefers partial or full shade, so you might find them close to oaks or sweet gum trees. What makes Virginia bluebells so special is that they form dense colonies and spread into a carpet of flowers. This makes them especially fun to take photos of and bask in their beauty.
These lovely local plants, as evident by their name, are native to the Potomac River region! In their first stage of blooming, you’ll see small pink buds, which will eventually turn into blue trumpet-shaped flowers. When they bloom, you’ll be able to clearly see 5 petals formed into a tube shape.
They bloom for 3-4 weeks at the end of March, going into April. Like all plants, there is no set date when they bloom, so keep your eyes peeled for early signs of the flowers! Increasingly, Virginia bluebells and other plants are blossoming earlier than ever because of a warming climate.
3 parks to find blossoming bluebells this spring
Riverbend Park, Virginia
This is a dream location if you're a Virginia bluebell because you’re right by the Potomac River and there are pawpaw trees for shade. Plus, Great Falls Park is right down the river: it's full of lots of history and wildlife! You combine gorgeous bluebell views with Potomac River views, a win-win!
Trail recommendation: Riverbend Park Loop - 2.3 miles with 187 ft elevation gain
Beds of bluebells at riverbend park, VA. Photo credit Mike Maguire CC BY 2.0
Rock Creek Park, DC
Closeup of bluebells in dc. Photo credit: Katja Schulz CC BY 2.0
Shhh! Don't tell Virginia...Washington, DC is home to native bluebells as well! If you can’t make it out to Virginia to see these flowers, check out this 1,754-acre city park. Rock Creek Park is full of over 32 miles of trails, some of which you’ll find bluebells growing alongside! Bonus: there are multiple public transit accessible entrances.
Trail recommendation: Boulder Bridge Loop - 3 miles with 341 ft elevation gain
Bull Run, Virgina
This park has a specific trail known for their bluebells. If that isn’t a sign to visit, we don’t know what is! This park gives you a chance to admire the flowers without the crowds. Plus, if you’re looking for a fun activity to pair with it, there are camping sites in the park too!
Trail recommendation: Bull Run-Occoquon Trail: Centreville Road to Bluebell Trail – 4.9 miles with 91 ft elevation gain
Path of bluebells at bull run, Virginia. Photo credit: Bindu&Sudhir CC BY-NC-ND 2.0
Caring for the Potomac River region
If you enjoy being immersed in local nature, help Potomac Conservancy protect them! Join a spring cleanup and make a difference this spring!
We work with our neighbors (like you!) to empower community change. In 2024 we activated hundreds of volunteers to collect 34,380 pounds of litter through the Potomac River region!
Polluted runoff from urban and developing areas is the only growing source of pollution in the Potomac River. That’s why it is critical we remove as much trash as possible from the river and its surrounding land.
