Now Blooming

Flowers aren’t just for meadows. Look up to see spring among the branches.

- KRISTIN SMITH

1 Madrone Canyon Trail

Mt. Diablo State Park, CA

Info bit.do/mtdiablo Trailhead 37.8493, -121.9322

Head up into the hills above San Francisco for a 2.8-mile out-and-back through madrone trees, which feature sprays of tiny white flowers that bloom every May. Beyond the blossoms, catch panoramic views of Mt. Diablo and the surrounding valleys.

2 Rhododendron Trail

Grayson Highlands State Park, VA

Info bit.do/graysonhighlands Trailhead 36.3800, -81.3031

This short-but-steep climb to 5,729-foot Mt. Rogers, Virginia’s highest point, tunnels through groves bursting with bright pink and purple rhododendron. Gain a thousand feet in just over a mile, and keep an eye out for the park’s wild ponies on the way.

3 Hains Point Loop Trail

Memorial Parks, Washington DC

Info bit.do/NPSCherryBlossoms Trailhead 38.8774, -77.0366

Stroll between two rivers and the Washington Channel on this 4.1-mile tour through thousands of cherry trees from eleven species, including double-blossomed Kwanzans. Keep an eye out for the larger magnolia blossoms scattered throughout.

4 Butler Hike and Bike Trail

Lady Bird Lake, TX